The LOOP-Ports project, an initiative that looks to encourage a circular economy in Europe's ports, has been launched in the Port of Valencia.
It brings together 13 partners from six EU member states – Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands – and is being coordinated by Fundacion Valenciaport.
Its goal is to create a network of ports that will freely exchange ideas and experiences of good practices, as well as provide policy recommendations and business networking opportunities.
In doing so, it is hoped to provide a map showing the suitability and readiness of European ports to launch circular economy initiatives.
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Another goal of the project is to discover the main drivers behind the development of the the circular economy in ports.
It is being funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and is part of the wider EIT Climate-KIC initiative.
Credit: Valenciaport
A circular economy is a regenerative system in which resource inputting, emission output and waste are minimised by slowing, closing and narrowing energy and material loops.
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A statement from LOOP-Ports said: “This project will contribute to the transition of the European economy towards closed-loop systems through the creation of a circular economy network of ports.
“It will provide an innovation ecosystem around the port activity and stimulate circular economy initiatives in ports.
“The network will focus on high-emitting materials, mainly metals, plastics, cements and biomaterials.
“This network of ports will facilitate the exchange of experiences and good practices, provide policy recommendations and foster the training as well as new business opportunities both in port clusters and other industries related to this environment.”