Minister Mona Neubaur hands over funding decision for the ERDF project “CirQualityOWL plus”
Ostwestfalen-Lippe implements pioneering circular economy project with funding from the state and the EU
With the support of the state government and the EU, the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region has successfully spearheaded the pioneering “CirQualityOWL plus” project, which aims to transfer the concept of the circular economy from theory into practice. With the active participation of 11 partners, a comprehensive project has been launched to drive the transformation of the regional economy towards a sustainable and circular model. The project is being funded with a total of around 2.5 million euros from state funds and resources from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Economics and Climate Protection Minister Mona Neubaur: “Business, research and local authorities go hand in hand in East Westphalia-Lippe with innovative and inspiring networks. I am delighted to support further exciting projects from the “Regio.NRW - Transformation” call for projects, which underpin the strength and innovative power of OWL and contribute to the future viability of the region and the state. With a focus on sustainability, climate neutrality and the circular environmental economy, the project teams are setting absolutely the right priorities for the future-oriented transformation of the region.”
Strengthening the economy through circular value creation
The project aims to accelerate the transition to an economic system that maximizes resource use, minimizes waste and promotes the reuse of materials and raw materials. By utilizing innovative technologies, research and collaborations, the project strives to strengthen the local economy while leaving a positive environmental footprint.
“Circular economy is not only an innovative concept that decouples economic development from raw material consumption, but an urgent necessity in today's world,” says Norbert Reichl, Managing Director of the Food-Processing Initiative e.V. and consortium leader of CirQualityOWL plus. “By driving this project forward together with the state government and our partners, we are demonstrating our commitment to a sustainable future and positioning Ostwestfalen-Lippe as a pioneer in this global movement.”
Cross-sector transformation alliances in OWL
The project covers various areas, including the qualification of specialists and managers in the field of circular economy, the development of cross-sector solutions for sustainable supply chain management, approaches for a systemic circular economy in the construction sector and the establishment of new strategies and methods for a waste and circular economy of the future.
The cooperation between the 11 partners and the more than 200 supporters from business, educational institutions, universities, chambers, politics and administration demonstrates the commitment of the East Westphalia-Lippe region to sustainable and future-oriented development. Through this close cooperation, the project will help to further establish Ostwestfalen-Lippe as a pioneering region on the path to a circular economy.
Link: www.cirqualityowlplus.de
