Last November 2024, the Spanish GREENSMARTMED partner TEXFOR hosted a pivotal meeting of the GREENSMARTMED project, gathering key Catalan partners, including the other Spanish project partner, EURECAT – Centre Tecnològic, and also ACCIÓ and Centre de Ciència i Tecnologia Forestal de Catalunya (CTFC). The session focused on strategic objectives to drive innovation and sustainability across industries, aligning with the Mediterranean project’s commitment to fostering a greener future.
The Spanish partners TEXFOR and EURECAT play a fundamental role in the GREENSMARTMED project, ensuring a strong connection with the Catalan Region and the proper implementation of the project activities, based on their long term experiences and wide networks: TEXFOR, by leading the project carbon footprint management and contributing to the creation of a regional green and innovative community focusing on the industrial textile sector in Catalonia. EURECAT, as previously experienced in the framework of the Vanguard Initiative with a pilot action on efficient and sustainable manufacturing, by leading the mainstreaming and transferring of the project results through a 4helix approach, at regional and interregional level. These partnes will ensure the further involvement of other manufacturing communities in the Catalan Region as well as a proper connection with the local Regional Authorities.
During the meeting, one of the main topics discussed was the strategic collaboration between the textile and forestry sectors to explore the potential of valorising waste or by-products from both sectors. This innovative approach aims to develop sustainable, non-polluting processes that contribute to decarbonization objectives. The results can have the potential for wide-ranging applications, offering a transformative opportunity for both industries.
The meeting also emphasized the goal of creating shared value between the textile and forestry sectors, boosting their competitiveness by prioritizing quality, innovation, and sustainability. This approach aligns with RIS3CAT’s smart specialization strategy, addressing territorial challenges by reconciling industrial competitiveness with environmental sustainability.
The participants delved into methodologies that can enhance the efficient and responsible use of natural resources, reinforcing the importance of cross-sector collaboration to build a resilient and forward-looking industrial landscape. The innovative projects within GREENSMARTMED reflect a broader ambition to lead the Mediterranean region toward circular economy practices that benefit both local communities and the environment.
GREENSMARTMED exemplifies the power of regional and international cooperation in tackling global challenges. By advancing initiatives like these, the project is paving the way for a competitive, sustainable future that strengthens the industrial fabric of Catalonia and beyond.
