Interreg DANUBE project DECIDE activities and project news
Successful circular economy models for sustainable future
One of the biggest challenges in advancing the circular economy is not just developing innovative business models, but also sharing them effectively so they can be replicated across different sectors and regions. Recognizing this, the DECIDE project has developed a structured approach to documenting and disseminating Circular Economy Best Practices, ensuring that valuable insights and proven solutions are easily accessible to businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders across the Danube Region.
Summary of Key Details
1. Circular Economy & Best Practice Showcases
The DECIDE project has developed a structured approach to documenting and disseminating circular economy best practices, enabling their adaptation and implementation across different sectors and regions.
2. Standardized Templates for Posters and Presentations
To facilitate knowledge exchange, standardized templates for posters and presentations were developed to:
- Showcase key elements of circular economy business models, economic and environmental impact, and challenges.
- Ensure visually engaging and clear presentations of best practices.
- Be tested and improved through peer feedback.
3. Peer Feedback & Challenges
- Main Challenges: Differences in data structuring among partners, protection of confidential information, and applying templates across various industries.
- How They Were Overcome: Developing a data anonymization framework and using a peer review process to adapt templates to different sectors.
4. Best Practice Showcases Exhibition
At the international conference in Novi Sad, partners presented best practice cases using the templates, exchanged ideas, and improved materials through interactive sessions.
5. Long-Term Impact
The result is a collection of over 20 posters and presentations that serve as a foundation for future projects and collaboration among partners. These materials are available in the DECIDE library and can be used for training, policy discussions, and further promotion of the circular economy.
Business model canvases and case studies to drive circular economy practices
The transition to a circular economy (CE) is crucial for sustainability, resource efficiency, and innovation. The DECIDE project provides practical tools and insights to support businesses, policymakers, and academic institutions in adopting circular practices.
Business Model Canvases & Case Studies
Two key DECIDE deliverables focus on real-world circular economy business models (CEBMs) in the Danube Region:
- Business Model Canvases (BMC) (Deliverable 2.1.1) – Documents and visualizes 30 CEBMs across 10 countries, covering sectors like food, packaging, textiles, second-life batteries, and smart cities. The BMC framework ensures structured, replicable, and adaptable models for businesses and policymakers.
- Case Studies (Deliverable 2.1.2) – Provides a detailed analysis of the same 30 models, focusing on circular principles (reduce, reuse, recycle, remanufacture), stakeholder collaboration, sustainability assessment, and scalability.
Notable Examples
- EasyVEGAN (Austria) – Repurposes brewer's grains into vegan food, showcasing resource efficiency in food production.
- Humana Nova (Croatia) – Recycles textile waste while providing jobs for marginalized groups, combining environmental and social sustainability.
- Nature Flavour Green (Romania) – Turns surplus fruits and vegetables into dehydrated products, reducing food waste and supporting local economies.
- Te-To Panonske (Serbia) – Uses biomass for district heating, demonstrating renewable energy integration.
Impact and Sustainability
These deliverables contribute to the DECIDE Toolbox, supporting further project outputs like pilot documentation and impact reports. Their long-term significance includes:
- Embedding circular practices into business strategies and policy frameworks.
- Fostering collaboration between governments, businesses, and academia.
- Leveraging digital tools for monitoring and optimizing circular processes.
Alecu Russo State University of Bălți (Moldova) led the development of these deliverables, with contributions from all DECIDE partners.
Unveiling the value chain generator: A tool for circular economy transformation
The Value Chain Generator (VCG) is an tool within the DECIDE Toolbox, designed to accelerate circular economy transformation by identifying and connecting value chains across industries.
VCG and Circular Economy Transformation
The VCG tool helps businesses unlock opportunities by analyzing available resources, by-products, and waste streams. It connects industries to create new market opportunities while reducing waste and CO₂ emissions.
Example:
- A brewery can sell spent grain for animal feed or biogas production.
- A bakery can repurpose unsold bread into breadcrumbs or fermented products.
- Regional agencies can map waste flows across industries to discover synergies.
Key Benefits of the VCG Tool
- Automated discovery of circular economy solutions.
- Economic, environmental, and technical feasibility assessment using AI-driven BioLink models.
- Matchmaking across industries to create profitable, sustainable collaborations.
- Access to a massive database, including:
- 650+ validated circular business solutions,
- 150+ valorization technologies,
- 3.5 million companies integrated into the system.
VCG in the DECIDE Toolbox
The VCG is the first step in the DECIDE Toolbox process, guiding users toward Circular Economy Business Modeller (CEBM) for in-depth business model creation. The tool was tested in pilot projects, such as whey processing and brewer’s grain valorization, proving economic and environmental benefits.
Long-term Impact
The VCG tool helps businesses, SMEs, and startups across the Danube Region and beyond by enabling them to:
- Identify viable circular solutions,
- Reduce costs and CO₂ emissions,
- Create new revenue streams and green jobs,
- Turn waste into valuable resources (e.g., used car batteries repurposed for energy storage).
The VCG is more than just a tool—it’s a call to action for businesses to embrace sustainability. As part of the DECIDE Toolbox, it empowers companies to transition toward a circular and profitable future.
More information about DECIDE project and its activities is available on the following links: