The KIERTOTRE project promoted the circular economy and community engagement among residents

The KIERTOTRE project in the Tampere region advanced the circular economy and created solutions in areas such as waste management, material recycling, and business models.

The KIERTOTRE project, which has been underway in the Tampere region, advanced the circular economy and created solutions in areas such as waste management, material recycling, and business models. The two-year project, which began in 2022, aimed to support local companies in transitioning towards more sustainable and low-carbon practices. Additionally, the project sought to promote the adoption and scalability of circular economy solutions, as well as strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors.

During the project, companies and networks implemented several pilots, including the development of waste management weighing solutions and the exploration of IoT sensors in the circular economy. IoT refers to the Internet of Things.

The project advanced the circular economy of rigid plastics and the reuse of de-icing gravel, while also piloting local circular economy solutions for the use of growing media. The adoption of nature-friendly and biodiversity-supporting circular economy solutions was a key goal of the KIERTOTRE project.

The KIERTOTRE project also supported the growth and internationalization of local companies by providing funding and networking opportunities.

The project had a budget of €500,000 and was implemented by Business Tampere in collaboration with the Pirkanmaa Regional Council and the City of Tampere. It was part of the regional circular economy strategy aimed at building a sustainable future for the Tampere region.

The projects also fostered a sense of community among the city’s residents and participants.

“The farm also took care of chickens, bees, grew mushrooms, enjoyed sauna, and organized events,” reads the final report of the Blokgarden urban gardening project, which recounted the Urban Nature and Art project at the Kaleva Urban Gardening Center.