Project Summary

The JOINABLE project represents a collective effort of nine partners from six countries (Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, and Greece), aimed at enhancing the development of a circular blue economy that is based on plastic waste collected from aquatic environments. A fact that remains largely unknown to the public is that waste found in aquatic environments does not enter the conventional waste management system. In other words, no one is officially responsible for its removal, and the cleanup efforts are reliant on the goodwill of volunteers. This scenario is the same across the EU as well as in the IPA countries. In the EU, waste is increasingly viewed as a resource, with efforts being made to find ways for its reuse to minimize the amounts sent to landfills, ideally aiming for zero waste. The situation in IPA countries is somewhat different, with ongoing efforts to find efficient ways to manage waste systems. An innovative and novel aspect of the project lies in its pioneering approach to development of the blue circular economy. It seeks to establish a framework for the advancement of the blue circular economy within cities and municipalities where prospects for substantial new investments are limited. A robust network is being cultivated, engaging citizens as dedicated volunteers who undergo specialized training in the collection and meticulous sorting of waste from aquatic environments. Subsequently, this segregated waste is channelled to diverse small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that employ cutting-edge scientific methodologies to convert it into refined granules, which are subsequently transformed into a myriad of highly versatile products. The proactive involvement and endorsement of municipalities and cities in empowering these volunteers and SMEs ensure the vigour and sustainability of this burgeoning network. This project aims to examine the current situation regarding plastic waste, including the regulatory frameworks, in each participating country. It will involve educating trainers on the use of digital tools and spectrometers, developing a methodology for cleaning and monitoring plastic waste, and creating a system that transforms plastic waste into new products. Additionally, the project will share knowledge with local and regional authorities and feed databases like EMODnet. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a comprehensive strategy for managing plastic waste in the ADRION region by fostering the development of the blue circular economy. This strategy will address the specific challenges and opportunities within the region, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste while promoting sustainable economic growth through innovative recycling and waste management practices.