The workshop “From innovation to trust: Reducing uncertainty in Circular Value Chains”, organised by the CCRI Knowledge Hub project, explored how to reduce uncertainty in circular value chains and move from innovative solutions towards real and reliable applications.
The session focused on a central idea: circular innovation is not enough on its own. For new solutions based on bio-based, biodegradable or recyclable materials to be adopted by businesses, users, public authorities and other stakeholders in the value chain, it is necessary to build trust through technical evidence, validation, safety, sustainability, traceability and reliable data.
During the workshop, three European projects were presented as practical examples. ViSS demonstrated how to develop a circular value chain based on PHBV for food packaging applications, using industrial waste as a raw material and addressing challenges such as production costs, processability, safe formulation, biodegradability and mechanical recyclability. PHAntastic shifted the discussion to the agricultural sector, presenting PHA-based solutions for mulch films and growing media, validated under real-world conditions and with a focus on soil behaviour, soil health, agronomic functionality and regulatory compliance. ANIPH presented the challenge of applying bio-based and biodegradable materials in humanitarian and healthcare contexts, where trust depends particularly on safety, functionality, biocompatibility, programmed biodegradation and traceability.
Following the presentation of these projects, DATA4CIRC’s contribution provided a cross-cutting perspective on the role of data in the circular economy. The project demonstrated how traceability, secure information exchange, digital platforms and decision-support tools can help reduce uncertainties throughout the entire value chain.
The workshop also included interactive sessions in which participants reflected on the main sources of uncertainty surrounding the adoption of circular solutions and on the evidence needed to build trust. The responses reinforced the importance of combining technical validation, environmental assessment, regulatory clarity, collaboration between stakeholders, cost analysis, end-of-life testing and reliable data.
In conclusion, the session highlighted that trust in the circular economy cannot be taken for granted, but must be built. For circular innovations to progress from pilot projects to market-ready solutions, it is necessary to design not only better materials and products, but also better systems for validation, traceability, communication and collaboration amongst all stakeholders involved.
The recording of the webinar is available here.
