Circular Economy Hotspot Slovenia 2025

Circularity as a competitive advantage

The panel emphasized that circularity is not just harm reduction, but an opportunity to create better business models and long-term value. It is essential for politicians to simplify regulation, introduce a single European rulebook and systematically use public procurement to create demand for circular solutions. Tax incentives, support for pilot projects and more efficient use of European cohesion funds are needed. Companies thrive when circularity becomes part of their strategy, not just marketing. Data-supported processes, transparency and accountability towards employees are key. Investors, on the other hand, have the task of channeling capital into projects with a demonstrable impact, and reducing risks with green bonds and blended financial instruments. Conclusion: without coordinated policies, capital and knowledge, there will be no systemic change.

Inspiring circular innovation

Breakthrough innovations such as the use of mycelium in construction and the development of the bioeconomy were presented. It was emphasized that patient capital, strategic leadership and the development of new knowledge and skills are necessary for success. The commercialisation of circular innovations is only possible in partnership with all stakeholders, as they have positive social impacts such as new jobs in addition to environmental ones. Green or circular public procurement is a key driver of progress.

Overcoming barriers to commercialization

The discussion focused on the need for smart regulation, which should enable and not hinder circular solutions. Access to finance, as well as risk-sharing tools, is key to successful commercialisation. Banks and development institutions can play an important catalytic role. The circular economy is cross-border by nature, which requires common standards, knowledge sharing and international projects. Circular models can boost competitiveness and contribute to European autonomy in raw materials.

Youth and social networks for circularity

Young people often perceive circularity through their personal and digital 'bubbles', which makes it difficult to communicate with general messages. At the same time, these bubbles offer opportunities if we know how to understand them and enter them. Instead of one-off campaigns, it is necessary to involve young people as equal partners in the formulation of ideas and solutions. Social networks and digital tools have a role to play, but only if we use them for empowerment and co-creation, not as a one-way channel. It takes time and patience, but the result could be a society

Textile sector

The European textile sector is in crisis due to huge amounts of waste. The introduction of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme to provide funding for reuse, quality recycling, innovation and behavioural change is crucial. A breakthrough requires clear targets for reuse and recycling, as well as a tax on cheap fast fashion to enable the development of higher-quality, more durable products. Existing examples of innovation (e.g. fibre-to-fibre recycling) show that Europe can keep recycling processes at home and avoid outsourcing that would mean a loss of control.

Economic resilience

The panel highlighted that circularity enhances economic resilience by increasing resilience to shocks, reducing dependence on imported raw materials, and enabling growth that is not tied to overconsumption of resources.

Consumers for a circular society

Good practices from Austria (repair vouchers) and Slovenia (ZEOS reuse projects, local initiatives in Novo mesto) were presented. There is a need for greater systemic support for circular public procurement, which is not uncompetitive in experience and requires more knowledge and preparation. The reuse sector is threatened by a flood of low-quality textiles, which calls for additional support and education. It is crucial that the solutions are simple and user-friendly for consumers, as this is the only way to achieve mass use.

Sustainable products

The panel highlighted a range of systemic barriers: fragmented regulation, market pressures and consumer distrust in sustainability labels. Nevertheless, promising elements of current policies and successful practices were highlighted. In the future, it will be necessary to strengthen sustainable product design, ensure transparency through digital passports and make sustainable products available. The involvement of all stakeholders – politics, business and civil society – will be key.

Decoupling growth from resource use

The panel touched on one of the most difficult challenges of our time – how to achieve economic growth without depleting resources. The circular economy offers a way out: prosperity based on regeneration and reuse, rather than on the depletion of natural resources.

Special Thematic Session: Deep Demonstration

The achievements of the project in Slovenia, which has contributed to progress in the field of circular economy in the last four years, were presented. The discussion included the experiences of various stakeholders – from public administration and research institutions to startups and companies. Among the achievements were the circularity of phosphorus in the food chain, the recycling of magnets for electric mobility, the development of material passports and the use of circular criteria in public procurement. The meeting was an opportunity to look to the future and create new opportunities based on cooperation between different value chains.