# Circular Economy Solutions - Savonia AMK

> The aim of the HOOP project is to boost circular economy in European cities and to develop the utilization of raw materials obtained from the organic fraction of municipal waste and municipal sewage sludge.

## Project Overview
In the bioeconomy strategy of European Union, cities develop into circular and bioeconomy centers, where biowaste serves as input for safe and sustainable bio-based products. The aim of the HOOP project is to boost circular economy in European cities and to develop the utilization of raw materials obtained from the organic fraction of municipal waste and municipal sewage sludge. These can be used to produce, among other things, circular fertilizers for agriculture and bio-based plastics for packaging and bottles. The project connects eight cities and urban areas from different parts of Europe and promotes sharing of research information, technologies and experiences regarding new innovative circular economy solutions.

## Study Tour: Münster, Germany
At the beginning of the summer 2022, we participated in a study tour on behalf of the HOOP project. This was the first in a series of study tours intended to have all HOOP partners visit the eight Lighthouse Cities of the project to observe local circular economy solutions.

The tour began in Münster, Germany, where we examined local waste management solutions and toured the waste management center’s facilities. A highlight was the old, covered landfill, which the waste management company utilizes in several ways:
* **Solar Energy:** The city’s largest solar panel park is located on the hill.
* **Land Maintenance:** A herd of sheep maintains the surrounding grass.
* **Educational Facilities:** A learning path on the hill includes various task points for schoolchildren, such as a waste sorting point, a collection of waste containers from different eras, and a "waste cemetery" where students can observe the decomposition of buried waste.

## Study Tour: Almere, Netherlands
The tour continued in Almere, Netherlands, featuring visits to the local waste management center, presentations from innovative companies, and the Floriade Expo.

### Waste Management and Recycled Concrete
The local waste management company, Cirwinn, demonstrated their process for producing recycled concrete from demolition waste. The waste is crushed, screened, and sorted by grain size to be reused as gravel or ready-to-use recycled concrete. This material is used for construction site covering, base material, street layers, and gravel substitutes. The facility also produces large, Lego-like blocks from recycled concrete, which have been used in local infrastructure, including bicycle paths.

### Bio-composite Innovations
The company Millvision presented a solution for utilizing the invasive giant hogweed, which is harmful to health and native species. They have produced a bio-composite using this plant, which has been used to manufacture park benches, railings, and traffic signs. This bio-composite serves as a plastic alternative and has also been tested as a component in concrete.

### Floriade Expo
The visit included the Floriade Expo, which focused on circular economy in construction and sustainable urban development. As Almere is a relatively young city with significant paved areas, the exhibition showcased innovations for integrating green growth into urban environments. The exhibition site is planned to transition into a new city district.

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**Written by:** Suvi Hackman and Harri Auvinen
**Photos:** Suvi Hackman, 2023