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Exploring Circular Industry Practices in Grenoble – Fourth ECOLE Partner Meeting

  • 9. 2. 2025

In early February, we took part in the two-day ECOLE project partner meeting in Grenoble, France. The ECOLE project – Network of Eco-Industrial Parks to Foster Smart and Circular Economy in Alpine Regions – focuses on promoting circular and sustainable industrial development across the Alpine space. In addition to reviewing the project’s progress and defining next steps, the meeting offered valuable insights into circular economy practices implemented by the Metropolitan City of Grenoble and companies operating in the Hytech Vallée industrial area. The visit concluded with a dose of inspiration from the Tech & Fest innovation fair.

The day following the project meeting was dedicated to a study visit to local companies and initiatives working in the fields of sustainability and the circular economy. We learned about an efficient system for collecting used products (more information here) and visited a reuse center established by the Metropolitan City of Grenoble. The center serves as an excellent example of how quality second-hand products can be given a new life, while also reducing waste, creating jobs, and fostering social inclusion for vulnerable groups. We also explored a large industrial zone that has been revitalized from a degraded area through cooperation with the municipality and discovered numerous synergies among companies operating there.

The study visit concluded with participation in Tech & Fest, one of France’s leading festivals of technology and innovation. During a roundtable discussion, Dr. Massimo Di Domenico from Fondazione Lombardia per l’Ambiente (FLA) presented the ECOLE project, highlighting its key achievements and the importance of integrating circular economy principles into development policies.

By exchanging knowledge and experiences in Grenoble, we have taken another step forward towards a sustainable and circular economy, strengthening the resilience of regions within the Alpine Space and beyond.