Turning local resources into solutions against plastic pollution
Across Europe and the Mediterranean, many territories face the same challenge: reducing plastic pollution while strengthening local economies and community resilience. Within REMEDIES, regenerative local value chains have been explored as a practical pathway to prevent waste at source and replace single-use plastics with locally rooted alternatives.
Rather than focusing solely on material substitution, regenerative local value chains rethink the entire production and consumption system. They mobilise local resources, skills, knowledge and waste streams to create sustainable alternatives that generate environmental, social and economic benefits for the territory. By shortening supply chains, reducing transport needs and valorising locally available materials, these approaches contribute to circular economies while helping communities regain control over their resources.
What are regenerative local value chains?
Regenerative local value chains are territorially rooted systems designed to prevent waste, reduce dependence on imported materials and create positive impacts for local communities. They typically rely on:
- Local renewable or recovered resources;
- Agricultural residues and green waste;
- Reusable, recyclable or compostable materials;
- Local production and transformation processes;
- Collaboration between businesses, public authorities and citizens.
Beyond waste reduction, their regenerative dimension lies in their ability to restore ecosystems, support local employment, strengthen social cohesion and create long-term territorial resilience.
A guide to support replication
To help local authorities, businesses, NGOs, islands and coastal territories explore these approaches, REMEDIES developed the: Guide on regenerative local value chains as alternatives to plastic. The guide analyses the opportunities, barriers, regulatory considerations and implementation pathways associated with local value chains. It provides practical examples, lessons learned and recommendations to facilitate replication across Europe and the Mediterranean.
Ten inspiring solutions
The guide presents ten concrete examples of regenerative local value chains and circular alternatives to plastic. Examples include:
- Objects made from Provence giant reed;
- Date palm residue crafts from Tunisia;
- Natural wheat-stem straws;
- Organic rye drinking straws;
- Edible drinking straws;
- Edible cutlery;
- Seaweed-based cosmetic capsules;
- Atmospheric water generation systems;
- Reusable cup systems and cleaning infrastructures;
- Biomaterials made from mushroom mycelium and agricultural residues.
These initiatives demonstrate how local resources and innovative business models can contribute to reducing plastic waste while creating value for communities.
From theory to practice
Beyond documenting these solutions, REMEDIES aims to support their testing and demonstration across its pilot territories. By the end of the project, more than 20 shops and retailers and 5 bars, restaurants and hospitality businesses are expected to participate in trials and demonstrations of zero-waste and circular alternatives across REMEDIES Demo Sites and Associated Regions. Planned demonstration activities include:
- Testing seaweed-based cosmetic capsules in hotels;
- Demonstrating reusable systems for events and hospitality activities;
- Exploring alternatives to plastic straws and cutlery;
- Deploying atmospheric water generation technologies to reduce bottled water consumption.
Feedback collected from participating businesses, local stakeholders and end-users will help identify barriers, opportunities and enabling conditions for successful replication and wider uptake across Europe and the Mediterranean.
Supporting mediterranean islands and coastal territories
Attention has been given to islands and remote coastal areas, where waste management challenges are often amplified by geographical isolation, seasonal tourism and limited resources. Through webinars, workshops, field demonstrations and stakeholder exchanges, REMEDIES has worked with local authorities, NGOs, businesses and island communities to explore how regenerative local value chains can contribute to reducing plastic pollution while strengthening local resilience.
Explore the solutions
The REMEDIES Innovation Marketplace complements this guide by showcasing both REMEDIES-developed innovations and external circular solutions. Each solution page provides:
- A description of the innovation;
- Environmental and social benefits;
- Contact details of the solution provider;
- Links for further information and replication opportunities.
Together, the Guide and the Marketplace offer practical tools for territories wishing to transition towards more circular, regenerative and plastic-free futures.
Key Results
- 10 regenerative local value chain solutions analysed
- Mediterranean and European stakeholders engaged through workshops and webinars
- Practical replication guide produced and freely available
- Dedicated Innovation Marketplace created to support visibility and uptake of solutions
