A FRONTrunner approacTransition to a circular & resilient future: deployment of systemic solutions with the support of local clusters and the development of regional community-based innovation schemes

Project Information

FRONTSH1P

Grant agreement ID: 101037031

DOI

10.3030/101037031

Project closed

EC signature date 28 September 2021

Start date 1 November 2021

End date 31 October 2025

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials

Total cost

€ 18 948 033,23

EU contribution

€ 16 112 118,01

Coordinated by

K-FLEX POLSKA SPOLKA OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEZIALNOSCIA
Poland

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - FRONTSH1P (A FRONTrunner approacTransition to a circular & resilient future: deployment of systemic solutions with the support of local clusters and the development of regional community-based innovation schemes)

Reporting period: 2023-05-01 to 2024-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

FRONTSH1P aims at ensuring green and just transition of the Polish Łódzkie Region towards decarbonization and territorial regeneration through demonstration at TRL7 of highly replicable regenerative circular systemic models and solutions that address the current challenges and needs of the Region, transforming them into opportunities for economic growth, social inclusion, decarbonization of systems of production and consumption, improvement of the quality of life for citizens, reconnection between the urban and rural context. Our ultimate goal is to guarantee a long-lasting effect of this transition by building-up a permanent Circular Regional Cluster applying Circular Governance Model by regional engaging local and national public authorities to ensure that long term planning and deployment is achieved in Łódzkie Region and replicated throughout Europe, leveraging on mutual learning with four regions in Italy, Greece, Portugal and The Netherland that will act as knowledge providers and as replicators.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During Period 1 (M1-M18), the FRONTSH1P project made progress in various work packages:

WP1 focused on project coordination, administration, and quality management, with some deviations from the action plan.

WP2 initiated tasks related to circular economy policies and frameworks, identifying challenges and submitting key deliverables.

WP3 worked on eco-design, gasification, and combustion testing, facing minor delays but maintaining project objectives.

WP4 developed a technical plan for food and feed solutions, aiming to utilize marginal lands and organic waste.

WP5 planned activities for CSS3, including wastewater analysis and microalgae testing, with some delays but no impact on objectives.

WP6 started work on CSS4, exploring rubber compounds, 3D printing, and plastic waste pyrolysis, with minor delays.

WP7 focused on a digital platform for circular economy initiatives in the Lodzkie region.

WP9 primarily worked on communication, dissemination, and awareness-raising strategies for the project, with exploitation tasks starting later.

Overall, the project showed progress in its various work packages during the initial 18 months, with minor delays but no significant impact on objectives.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The FRONTSH1P Project is a groundbreaking initiative for a circular and climate-neutral economy. It aims to reduce emissions, create jobs, and promote knowledge transfer. Key objectives include developing substitutes like Char, valorizing organic waste, combatting soil and water stress, reducing water impacts, and involving citizens in circular practices. The project also targets creating 4,000 jobs by 2030 and aligns with EU policies. FRONTSH1P represents a pioneering effort towards sustainable economies with global impact.

General Assembly M6 in Italy

General Assembly M18 in The Netherlands