Bio-based circular economy policy development in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

After two years marked by the Covid-19 sanitary crisis, the unsustainability of the actual model of lineal economic development is more evident than ever (lack of PPE’s, masks and other materials due to its fabrication outside the country and the difficulties in imports); this fact generates an opportunity for the development of Circular Economy.

Regarding this matter, Castilla-La Mancha has approved the Action Plan 2021-2025 linked to the Strategy of Circular Economy, and some milestones which have been achieved are:

- Network of Circular Economy agents & open platform

- Expert forum.

- Creation of a Chair in Circular Economy at Castilla-La Mancha University (UCLM).

- Circular Industrial Parks

- Circular tourism

All these subjects are in process at this moment through concrete actions. On March 30th 2022, took place the first meeting of Circular economy agents, where every panellist had the chance to expose a good practice and the need to advance project development in the areas of recovery and recycling and efficient use of resources in its production processes. At the same time, current issues, such as the approval of the new waste law, the need for adequate water and energy management and the opportunities for generating renewable gases in the region made up the final debate.

In addition, on March 28th, the results of the analysis of the circular industrial park (Romica Circular) have been presented after concluding the data collection and analysis. The need to have a common energy infrastructure for the supply of electricity and heat, a reclaimed water network, the implementation of a biorefinery as well as mobility infrastructures and the recovery and recycling of WEEE and RCD waste has been determined.

Regarding circular tourism, the basic order and the call for private entities to develop projects related to the area are close to being approved.

Picture 1. Stakeholders meeting 24-02-2022