Circular Synergies

About the project:

Today, only 8.6% of the global economy is circular, while global resource consumption has tripled since 1970. The consequences are clear: rising CO₂ emissions, pressure on ecosystems, and increasing dependence on external raw materials. A consistent circular economy could reduce emissions by almost half by 2030 while creating economic resilience. The Upper Rhine region brings together factors that are crucial for this change: a strong industrial base, a dynamic research landscape, and committed political strategies in Germany, France, and Switzerland. However, synergies across borders remain untapped, knowledge often fails to be put into practice, and start-ups with circular business models receive too little support. Circular Synergies addresses precisely this issue: the project brings business, research, and politics together, builds bridges across national borders, and creates the basis for a resilient, resource-efficient, and competitive region. It analyzes circular potential in key industries, develops practical solutions (“Solution Circles”) in collaboration with twelve companies, supports start-ups with circular business models, and offers training and networking formats for business and the public sector.

The aim is to build expertise and strengthen the transfer of knowledge between research and practice. In the long term, companies should become more competitive and less dependent on imported resources – thereby raising the region's profile as a pioneer in sustainable business practices. Over a period of three years (2025–2028), Circular Synergies will research and test circular solutions along the Rhine corridor in Germany, France, and Switzerland. The focus is on four key industries—construction, pharmaceuticals, food, and plastics and adhesives—which are both important to the regional economy and particularly relevant from an environmental perspective. The project combines research, innovation approaches, and community building:

• Potential analyses identify needs, opportunities, and existing models and are incorporated into specific recommendations for action.
• Solution Circles bring together companies and stakeholders from all three countries to develop concrete circular solutions in moderated processes 
• Two incubator programs accompany start-ups whose business models range from product-as-a-service to upcycling, supporting them in their development and scaling.
• Exchange formats strengthen knowledge transfer and networking between business, research, politics, and civil society.

The project is funded by the European Union as part of Interreg Upper Rhine.