In 2024, an important document "Towards the Circular Economy in Ukraine: An Exploratory Strategic Foresight Study" was published in Ukraine.
It explores the potential and possible futures, as well as maps practical ways to turn problems into opportunities for implementing a circular economy in the country. The study covers the following KPVCs (key product value chains): Constructions, Food products, Electronics and ICT, Plastic and Packaging, and Wastes (embedded in all KPVCs). It outlines potential barriers and challenges that Ukraine may face in adopting the circular economy approach and provides recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to facilitate this transition within 3-time Horizons (2030, 2035, and 2050). Ultimately, the document aims to raise awareness and promote sustainable economic practices in Ukraine.
As the Study doesn't include the wood and furniture KPVC, the curricula of CirCLER's Circular Economy Transition Manager training will be of paramount importance in supporting the transition in that sector.
While the work on the curricula is ongoing, FORZA, one of the project partners from Ukraine, initiated a competition to support good practices of micro and small enterprises working with wood based on the principles of the circular economy. 3 winners of the contest will receive small-scale support (3500 Euros) from the Swiss Confederation to improve their sustainability and circularity practices. On the one hand, smaller companies have a crucial role to play in the transition to a circular economy, but on the other hand, they face major challenges in moving from the traditional linear "take-make-dispose" model to a circular economy and are often unaware of its potential and benefits.
The good practice competition also aims to disseminate and popularise practices of efficient, innovative, and sustainable use and processing of wood, highlighting the benefits of the circular economy for smaller businesses, such as cost and energy savings, less waste, enhanced brand reputation, and customer loyalty. Therefore, by developing the specialized training program for Circular Economy Transition Managers, we are addressing the pressing need for skilled professionals to adopt circular practices. This innovative curriculum, designed with the input of experts from various European countries, will be freely available online in seven languages.