From 11–13 May 2026, the EUSDR PA8 Thematic Study Visit in Croatia brought together stakeholders from across the Danube Region to exchange practical knowledge on circular economy solutions, with a strong focus on the textile sector. Activities in the Međimurje region highlighted how textile waste collection, recycling, social enterprise models, and SME cooperation can contribute to stronger circular value chains.
Participants visited Regeneracija non-wovens d.o.o. in Zabok, where the full industrial process of textile recycling was presented, including textile waste collection, production of secondary raw materials, and finished products for construction, textile, automotive, and furniture industries.
The programme also included a visit to Humana Nova Humana Nova in Čakovec, a social enterprise combining environmental protection, social inclusion, and economic sustainability through textile waste management and recycled textile products.
The visit concluded with the joint conference “𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐬 – 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐛𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧”, organised by the PA8 Working Group on Circular Economy and Bioeconomy and the PA8 Danube Region Strategy (EUSDR) Flagship Project DECIDE – Digital Services for Circular Economy. Discussions focused on policy frameworks, digital tools, and practical pathways for developing circular business models.
The joint conference concluded with a panel discussion on practical approaches to the development of circular business models in the Danube region.
Moderator: Grit Ackermann, WG CE & BE Coordinator
Panelists:
– Ivan Bozic, Social cooperative Humana Nova, Croatia
– Amela Ikic Suljagic – Sarajevo Economic Region Development Agency, Bosnia and Herzegovina
– Nikolina Babić – Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia
– Majda Potokar – Technology park Ljubljana, Slovenia
– Zoltan Bendo – South Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency, Hungary
By connecting policy dialogue, project results, and real-life business examples, the event strengthened transnational cooperation and knowledge exchange for a more circular and competitive Danube Region.
