Peer Review Visit in Romania
On May 6–7, 2025, the Bucharest-Ilfov Regional Development Agency (BI RDA) welcomed our French partner, TEAM2, for a peer review visit under the RAW4RES project.
The event was designed to explore how the Bucharest-Ilfov region is addressing the challenges and opportunities in the critical raw materials sector, with a particular focus on circularity, innovation, and sustainable development..
Over the course of two days, participants took part in study visits and policy discussions, fostering a valuable exchange of knowledge between Romanian stakeholders and French experts. The first day (May 6) included site visits to the National Institute for Research and Development in Materials Physics (INCDFM) in Măgurele and to AS Metal in Bucharest, a mid-sized company specializing in aluminum waste recycling and the production of secondary alloys.
At INCDFM, participants learned about innovative projects such as the reuse of PET bottle waste in foil production, the transformation of metallurgical waste into secondary raw materials, and the development of geopolymers from industrial waste as substitutes for traditional cement. The group also explored research focused on restoring Roman bricks using locally sourced raw materials, combining sustainability with cultural heritage preservation.
The visit to AS Metal offered insights into advanced industrial recycling processes, including the recovery of aluminum from diverse waste streams—ranging from packaging and electronics to end-of-life vehicles—and its reintegration into the production cycle. The company also shared how it transforms its own production residues into value-added products, contributing to a more circular industrial model.
The second day (May 7) shifted focus to policy and cross-regional collaboration. Discussions at the BI RDA office began with an overview of Romanian strategies supporting the raw materials sector, followed by a presentation from TEAM2 on innovations in the Hauts-de-France region, particularly in metallurgy and battery recycling. These exchanges underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation and shared learning in addressing common challenges.
The peer review concluded with an open dialogue among participants, who unanimously emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration, develop long-term initiatives, and enhance communication between sectors in order to ensure sustainable growth in the field of critical raw materials.
In parallel with the peer review, BI RDA also organized the 4th Stakeholders Meeting of the RAW4RES project. The session provided updates on the project’s progress, including activities carried out, results achieved, key deliverables, and upcoming steps.
This visit not only reinforced the value of peer learning and regional engagement but also highlighted the shared ambition among European regions to advance sustainable and circular approaches in the raw materials sector.