New Circular Economy Guide Empowers Young Entrepreneurs in Spain
Spain launches a comprehensive new guide and scientific innovation to help young entrepreneurs implement circular economy practices and promote sustainable business growth.
- • Ecoembes and CEAJE created a seven-step Circular Economy Guide for young entrepreneurs.
- • The guide includes real-world success cases from companies like IKEA and Nike.
- • Workshops will provide training and advice to embed circular economy models.
- • University of Jaén research uses microalgae to treat olive mill wastewater, generating valuable biomass.
Key details
A newly launched Circular Economy Guide, developed collaboratively by Ecoembes and the Spanish Confederation of Young Entrepreneurs (CEAJE), aims to equip young entrepreneurs in Spain with practical tools and strategies to integrate sustainability into their business models. The guide provides a seven-step roadmap for adopting circular economy practices, including model diagnosis, ecodesign, process optimization, recycling, reverse logistics, training, and strategic alliances.
Begoña de Benito, Director of External Relations at Ecoembes, stated, "The circular economy is no longer an option; it is the new competitiveness framework for any company." Complementing the theoretical framework, the guide features success stories from global companies such as IKEA, Nike, Coca Cola, and Fairphone, demonstrating how sustainability can drive innovation and business growth.
Alongside the publication, territorial workshops will be organized across Spain to offer training, personalized advice, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering sustainable entrepreneurship. Antonio Magraner, Secretary General of CEAJE, emphasized the commitment to embed sustainability in everyday business activities.
In parallel, research by the University of Jaén is advancing circular economy innovations by using the microalga Neochloris oleoabundans to treat olive mill wastewater. This method reduces contaminants by up to 94% and generates biomass rich in carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, which can be repurposed for biodiesel, biofertilizers, animal feed, and cosmetics. The research team is working to scale this process for industrial use, turning wastewater into a valuable resource and opening new business avenues in the olive oil sector.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate Spain's growing momentum to support young entrepreneurs and sustain circular economy practices that are both eco-friendly and economically viable.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
