Spain Accelerates Circular Economy Transition with Regional and Industrial Innovations
Spain advances circular economy through industrial biotransformation, regional sustainability forums in the Canary Islands, and leadership in the maritime blue economy in Cádiz.
- • Dapibus in Barcelona processes 16,000 tons of agro-food waste annually into valuable products with €500,000 government aid.
- • Santa Cruz de Tenerife hosts regional forum promoting sustainable business models and eco-entrepreneurship in the Canary Islands.
- • MBG 2025 Congress in Cádiz gathers over 75 experts highlighting the Blue Economy’s role in innovation, employment, and ecological transition.
- • Spain leverages multi-sectoral initiatives to position itself as a leader in circular and regenerative economic models.
Key details
Spain is making significant strides in transitioning to a circular economy through innovative industrial projects and regional initiatives. On November 20, 2025, Minister of Industry and Tourism Jordi Hereu visited Dapibus’s biotransformation center in Abrera, Barcelona, which transforms over 16,000 tons of agro-food waste annually into valuable proteins, organic fertilizers, and fats. The center, supported with €500,000 in government aid, exemplifies the country’s commitment to sustainability and industrial competitiveness within the bioeconomy sector.
Concurrently, the Canary Islands are advancing circular economy efforts via a dedicated forum held at Tenerife Espacio de las Artes. Organized by the Santa Cruz de Tenerife city council and regional partners, the event gathered entrepreneurs, officials, and sustainability advocates aiming to foster eco-entrepreneurship and efficient resource use. Santa Cruz’s mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, emphasized that the circular economy presents opportunities for quality employment and economic resilience in the city.
In southern Spain, the International Congress Maritime Blue Growth 2025 concluded in Cádiz with over 75 experts spotlighting the sustainable blue economy as a strategic driver for innovation, employment, and ecological transition. The congress highlighted the maritime sector’s shift from linear to circular production, integration of new technologies, and the vital role of young talent. Cádiz’s institutional leaders underscored its emergence as a European hub for circular and blue economic initiatives.
These simultaneous developments reflect Spain’s multifaceted approach to embedding circular principles across diverse sectors, combining government support, regional engagement, and international collaboration to foster a regenerative, competitive economy.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.