Stakeholder Engagement and Intense Debate in Gijón

EMULSA recently hosted the third local stakeholder meeting within the framework of the CLEAR Cities project, bringing together a wide and diverse range of voices committed to improving urban waste management policies through interregional cooperation.

During the session, project partners provided updates on the progress of CLEAR Cities and shared key insights from the recent study visit to Ljubljana, Slovenia. The visit offered valuable inspiration, showcasing innovative and replicable practices in circular economy and sustainable urban waste management.

Highlights included a guided tour of the RCERO Regional Waste Management Centre, the largest environmental project in Slovenia, operated by JP VOKA SNAGA. The facility processes waste for over one-third of the country and impressed participants with its cutting-edge technologies and sustainable treatment systems.

Participants also explored Ljubljana’s initiatives under the EU Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, learning about the city’s circular economy plan and local strategies for climate neutrality. This was followed by a visit to Center Rog, a hub for sustainable innovation, where stakeholders discovered practical examples such as:

• PapLab, a JP VOKA SNAGA spin-off using traditional paper-making techniques to transform invasive plant species into exclusive handmade paper products.

• Kocerod's robotic waste-sorting system, which increases the efficiency and precision of recycling operations.

• Knof’s textile reuse project, promoting circular fashion through social enterprise.

• Environmental awareness campaigns by the Chamber of Public Utilities of Ljubljana, aimed at changing citizen behavior and fostering long-term sustainability.

• A visit to KOTO, a pioneering company in advanced waste treatment technologies and circular economy practices, provided further insight into cutting-edge industrial processes for a greener future.

These best practices sparked a stimulating exchange with Gijón’s stakeholders, who discussed how such ideas could inspire improvements to the city’s Municipal Waste Plan—the local policy instrument targeted by the project.

The meeting was marked by intense and constructive debate, demonstrating strong local interest and high engagement from stakeholders across sectors. Participants included:

• The UGT trade union

• Municipal political groups

• The Asturian Federation of Business Associations

• Urban and rural neighborhood federations

• The Youth Council of Gijón

• Representatives from the Government of the Principality of Asturias

• The Asturian Waste Management Consortium (COGERSA)

This broad and active participation confirms the commitment of local actors to developing more sustainable and inclusive urban policies. The insights gathered in Ljubljana are now being carefully considered as part of Gijón’s roadmap for improving waste management and fostering a circular, climate-conscious future.