Wednesday, 8 April
10:00–11:30 CET
Webinar
The 4th REMEDIES Policy Workshop, organised by SMILO in collaboration with MedWaves and Beyond Plastic Med, will bring together stakeholders from Mediterranean islands working on plastic pollution reduction.
About the Workshop
This session explores local value chains as sustainable alternatives to plastic, presenting concrete examples from across the Mediterranean. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own territories and consider:
Could local resources or unused waste streams be transformed into sustainable alternatives to plastic products?
The workshop combines policy insights and practical solutions, supporting knowledge exchange and replication of best practices.
Teams link to join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/365616814064327?p=2ONXcQyy3mcGNxzJo0
Need more information? a.badique@smilo-program.org ; imateo@gencat.cat.
Agenda
10:00 – 10:30 | Regulatory & Policy Framework
Speakers:
- Ignasi Mateo – MedWaves / Waste Agency of Catalonia
- Matias Ibañez – MedWaves (UNEP-MAP)
Topics:
- Plastic pollution challenges in marine and coastal environments
- The Barcelona Convention and regional marine litter management plans
- International plastic treaty
- EU regulatory framework:
- Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
- Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUP)
10:30 – 11:20 | Local Value Chains & Innovative Solutions
Moderator:
Ambre Badiqué – Project Manager, SMILO
Session includes:
- Introduction to the REMEDIES project
- Definition and concept of local value chains
Featured initiatives:
- Seaweed-based capsules for shampoo and shower gel
- Closed-loop reusable zero-waste systems
- Atmospheric water generation solutions
- Straw-based alternatives (France & Greece)
- Objects made from date palm residues
Format:
- 5-minute presentations per initiative
- 10-minute Q&A discussion
11:20 – 11:30 | Conclusion
- Summary of key insights
- Reflection on false alternatives to single-use plastics
- Importance of reusable and systemic solutions
Who Should Attend
This workshop is addressed to stakeholders from Mediterranean islands, including organisations funded under the BeMed call, as well as local authorities, NGOs, and practitioners working on plastic pollution reduction and circular economy solutions.
Why It Matters
By connecting policy frameworks with real-life solutions, this workshop supports the transition to circular local economies, contributes to the reduction of plastic pollution at source, and promotes the replication of sustainable solutions across the Mediterranean.
