Empowering the new circular economy managers

The first result of the CEMforSMEs project is finally out, the “Summary Needs Analysis Report on Circular Economy”, which provides a comprehensive view on the current situation and the needs of the Small and Medium Enterprises of the Agrifood sector in terms of management of Circular Economy in their companies.

In the last months, we worked extensively within the CEMforSMEs project to develop a joint view on the profile and curriculum that an efficient Circular Economy Manager should have, especially when active in SMEs from the agrifood sector, with a specific focus on the countries involved in our project: Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Spain and Belgium.

"The Circularity Gap Report 2024 provides an insightful snapshot of our circular economy's current state and emphasizes the compelling need to act swiftly. According to the report, the world has seen a startling decline in circularity, despite surges in awareness and interest around the subject. The bulk of materials entering our economy continue to be virgin materials, with secondary materials dwindling alarmingly from 9.1% in 2018 to a mere 7.2% in 2023.

In today's climate, where the sustainability mantra is on everyone's lips, a vanguard figure is emerging in the world of business: the Circular Economy Manager. But who are they, and why are they such a critical piece in the sustainability jigsaw puzzle? We are delving into the details in an insightful article that not only educates but also inspires a new wave of action in corporate sustainability.

In an era where sustainability has moved from a niche concern to a global imperative, the transition from a linear to a circular economy is not just beneficial; it's essential. This transformation represents a systemic shift, reimagining our production and consumption patterns to design out waste, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. At the heart of this transition lies the role of Circular Economy Managers (CEMs), particularly within Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) active in the agri-food sector. The CEMforSMEs project, funded by the Erasmus+ program, is pioneering this shift by developing a comprehensive framework for the professional development of SMEs managers, emphasizing the circular economy.