Improving the skills of SMEs in the area of introducing the model of cascading use of residual raw materials with the help of a cross-border mentoring programme

The EU Commission has presented an action plan for the transition to a circular economy under the guidance of the "Closing the loop" programme. To this end, sustainable development strategies have been developed at national and regional level within the programme area, which aim to conserve resources and strengthen development and innovation and require SMEs to introduce circular business models.

Closing material cycles thus presents us with new challenges and we must therefore pay more attention to the use of recycled or processed materials, renewable raw materials and products. Research shows that the lack of acceptance of circular solutions by SMEs is one of the main barriers to the implementation of the circular economy.

Thus, SMEs face difficulties in achieving a high level of environmental excellence due to limited knowledge and financial resources to implement circular practices. Circular readiness in SMEs is also hampered by inefficient enforcement of relevant regulations in some regions, poor institutional support, lack of financial incentives and services, lack of technical skills of SME employees and their low environmental awareness.

The REUSE project initially aims to select and train regional mentors. These are trained in joint training sessions on the use of the mentoring programme developed in the project for interested SMEs. In the subsequent phase, pilot tests will be carried out with end users (SMEs).