On 26–27 November 2025, the GREENSMARTMED project reached an important milestone: its 4th Transnational Project Meeting, paired with a dynamic Capacity-Building Event across Barcelona and Canet de Mar, organized by the project partners EURECAT and TEXFOR.
What unfolded was more than a technical gathering, it was a vibrant two-day celebration of Mediterranean cooperation, circular innovation, and the growing synergy between the forestry and textile sectors.
With the project approaching its conclusion in June 2026, the meeting offered both a moment to reflect on the journey so far and a clear look ahead at the opportunities shaping the next phase.
Day 1 – Barcelona: Knowledge, Data, and Dialogue at Casa de la Seda
The first day set the tone inside the historic Casa de la Seda, where partners, experts, and regional representatives shared progress, insights, and emerging trends from across the Mediterranean.
During the technical work sessions, preliminary findings from enterprise surveys revealed several promising directions:
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A rising interest in sustainability, though not always embedded as a strategic business pillar;
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Steady improvements in waste management and energy efficiency;
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Strong demand for innovation and clearer guidance on EU funding programmes;
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New cross-sector cooperation paths (forest–textile, agrifood–textile, plastics–textile, machinery–mobility/batteries).
These contributions highlighted the growing relevance of Regional Core Groups and multi-stakeholder ecosystems as catalysts for circular business models and sustainable industrial transformation.
Communication, Synergies, and Amplifying Results
The Communication Committee showcased the project’s expanding visibility, from increased event participation and fresh video content to a strengthened editorial plan aligned with the Interreg Euro-MED Results Amplification Strategy.
Upcoming activities will include new training materials, integration with the Interreg Euro-MED Academy, and deeper collaboration with thematic and institutional dialogue projects.
International Mentoring & Mediterranean Innovation Stories
The afternoon brought a burst of inspiration through mentoring and twinning activities.
From Palestine to Italy and Catalonia, speakers shared hands-on experiences in entrepreneurship support, circular manufacturing, and industrial innovation. A virtual-reality tour of Catalan eco-design initiatives offered a glimpse into creative approaches shaping the future of sustainable textiles.
Namely, the programme included international Mentoring and Twinning through the ISE Mission: the online intervention by the Director of the Business Entrepreneurship Unit at CCE – Birzeit University, offered valuable insights into entrepreneurship support models and Mediterranean cooperation dynamics.
Additionally, several Italian industrial and research stakeholders intervened — including CENTROCOT, Politecnico di Milano, ROLD and the TexRenew project — contributing perspectives on circular manufacturing and industrial innovation. A VR presentation on Catalan eco‑design projects from Premi Catalunia d’Ecodinsseny, and a carbon footprint update (WP3 A3.4) further added depth to the discussions.
The on-site Steering Committee closed the day by mapping out key steps toward the final event planned for mid-2026.
Day 2 – Canet de Mar: Local Innovation, Regional Vision
The second day welcomed participants to EURECAT’s Textile Research Unit in Canet de Mar, a hub of cutting-edge textile research in Catalonia.
Morning sessions provided a deep dive into the regional innovation ecosystem, from the RIS3CAT strategy presented by the Regional Government of Catalonia, project Associated Partner, to the emerging potential of forest-based raw materials and regenerated cellulose fibres as alternatives to synthetics presented by the Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia (CTFC), also project Associated Partner, and by EURECAT and TEXFOR.
A Panel of Leaders and Visionaries
A lively panel brought together institutions, industry representatives, and researchers from CTFC, ENCE, the Escola Universitària de Teixits, the Government of Catalonia, the University of Lleida, POLISILK, COLLELL, and GIRÓ.
Their shared message was clear: sustainable textile production depends on stronger cross-sector collaboration, supportive policy frameworks, and thriving innovation ecosystems.
Inside the Lab: A Guided Visit to EURECAT
In the afternoon, participants toured the EURECAT facilities, discovering advanced technologies, eco-design processes, and prototypes that showcase the region’s leadership in sustainable textile innovation.
The visit also provided valuable visual and technical material for future communication outputs and knowledge-transfer activities.
A Stronger Network and a Clear Path Forward
The 4th Transnational Meeting reinforced GREENSMARTMED’s progress on multiple fronts:
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Stronger communication leadership and alignment with the Results Amplification Strategy;
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Integration of regional findings into mainstreaming and dissemination efforts;
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Enhanced visibility within the Mediterranean innovation landscape;
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A clear roadmap toward the next phases, from assessment and transferring activities to policy engagement and capacity-building.
New opportunities are already emerging — including synergies with projects such as TEXAD and TEXWOODS and potential new cross-sector collaborations.
The final destination is now in sight: the project’s closing event in May 2026, which will gather partners once again to celebrate the culmination of GREENSMARTMED and the foundations it has laid for a more circular, innovative, and sustainable Mediterranean future.
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