Kyklos Circularity Lab
About this good practice
The Kyklos Circularity Lab, located in the historic Koule Cafe square in Thessaloniki Greece, addresses the challenge of integrating circular economy principles into urban daily life. The practice emerged from the need to minimize environmental impact at the neighbourhood level by fostering community-driven resource management and circular practices.
Kyklos organises a wide range of activities, including reuse workshops, repair cafés, DIY seminars, and educational programmes for schools, aimed at encouraging local residents to adopt sustainable habits. It also develops circular applications, such as community composting, where food waste is converted into compost, and a Library of Things, where tools can be borrowed instead of purchased, extending the life cycle of everyday objects.
The practice relies heavily on community involvement, with residents and local organisations actively participating in activities such as thematic walks, participatory resource mapping, and awareness-raising campaigns. These initiatives help to close the resource loop while fostering a shared sense of responsibility and inclusivity.
Key stakeholders include local residents, schools, NGOs, and municipal bodies, all of whom benefit from reduced environmental impact, strengthened community ties, and an improved quality of urban life.
Resources needed
The organization operates with €200,000 in annual funding from The Endeavor Foundation, Choose Love, The King Baudouin Foundation, Eurofins Foundation, EU programs, and LUSH Re:Fund. It runs a 200 sq. m. space for offices, workshops, and events, supported by a team of six and key partnerships.
Evidence of success
Over the past five years, Kyklos has become a key reference point for circular neighbourhoods in Thessaloniki. With over 8,600 participants in weekly activities and 451 actions implemented, including 165 in 2024 alone, the organisation has dedicated more than 217 hours to circular economy workshops. It operates three ongoing initiatives: a Repair Café, a Library of Things, and a community composter. Additionally, Kyklos has established 100 partnerships with local stakeholders.
Potential for learning or transfer
Kyklos raises awareness, builds partnerships, and empowers citizens to lead circular transitions in their neighbourhoods—an approach that can be replicated anywhere. Using incommon’s three-level engagement model (inform, involve, engage), it maps actions based on reach, tools, and impact. As incommon’s pioneering lab, Kyklos plays a key role in testing, refining, and scaling circular solutions across Greece.
Successful initiatives include the “Neighbourhood Gastronomy Walk,” which raises awareness on food waste while engaging local restaurants, and “Bringing the Map to Life,” where participants identify and map neighbourhood resources linked to circularity.
Kyklos proves that circular economy principles can be effectively applied at the neighbourhood level. Its participatory model, scalable applications, and strong local partnerships highlight a practical, low-cost approach adaptable to other urban settings, reinforcing its role as a driver of systemic change.
Further information
Kyklos Educational Programs by InCommOn Lab for the 2022-2023 period
Images
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.