Funded by the European Union and organized by ICLEI Europe and CENN, a circular economy study tour was conducted in Germany. Over the course of one week, participants explored successful circular business models, modern waste management approaches, and sustainable development platforms in Berlin.
The aim of the study tour was to share German experience, examine practical examples of industrial symbiosis, and explore ways to adapt them to the Georgian reality. As part of the visit, the participants met with circular organizations and businesses in Berlin:
Circular Berlin – A non-governmental organization and network platform that brings together businesses, policymakers, researchers, and citizens to accelerate Berlin’s transition to a circular economy.
Floating University – A non-profit, experimental educational and research platform set up in a rainwater retention basin at Berlin’s former airport. The space focuses on urban ecology, sustainable water resource management, and circular self-organization, where specialists from various fields and students work on ecological concepts for the cities of the future.
Roof Water-Farm – An applied research and demonstration project that shows how food production, wastewater treatment, and resource recovery can be integrated into an urban environment.
NochMall – An innovative second-hand department store created by Berlin’s municipal waste management company (BSR). NochMall is much more than just a store — it serves as a circular economy hub that promotes the reuse of items, hosts educational workshops, and introduces the public to practical ways of preventing waste.
Matterialista – A materials library and interior design studio that supports the development, testing, and presentation of sustainable and circular solutions.
Bauhaus Reuse – A demonstration and exhibition space that showcases reuse practices in construction through recycled building materials and circular design principles.
Concular – A PropTech company that develops digital solutions and platforms for the reuse of construction materials, helping the construction sector reduce waste and carbon emissions.
Sykell – A technology company that provides reusable transport packaging systems and digital monitoring solutions to replace single-use packaging in industrial supply chains.
Kantine Zukunft – A publicly funded advisory and training program that supports restaurants, canteens, and catering services in implementing more sustainable practices, including the use of local products, seasonal menus, waste reduction, and the introduction of climate-friendly kitchens.
The study tour was attended by members of the Industrial Symbiosis Network and the Circular Economy Dialogue Platform, established within the framework of the “Circular Cities and Regions in Georgia” project, representing the following organizations:
🔹 Madlin
🔹 LTD “Udabno”
🔹 Wood processing and wooden furniture production
🔹 Packaging Cluster of Georgia (PMAG)
🔹 Doctor’s Bio-cellar
🔹 Georgian Farmers’ Association (GFA)
🔹 Melaanian Tea
🔹 Carrefour Hypermarket
🔹 Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University
🔹 College “Black Sea”
The knowledge and practical examples gained during the study visit will lay an important foundation for the further development of the Industrial Symbiosis Platform in Georgia and promote the effective implementation of circular economy principles.
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🇪🇺🇬🇪 The study tour in Germany is part of the EU-funded project “Circular Cities and Regions in Georgia”, implemented by CENN in collaboration with ICLEI Europe.
