On January 23, representatives from all entities in the REMAIN consortium met in a hybrid format (both in-person and online) at INESCOP’s headquarters (Elda, Spain) for the project’s kick-off meeting, which lasted the entire day.
Before starting, there was an interesting visit to the facilities of Proyecto Lázaro, an associated partner of the project, in Alicante. During the visit, its manager, Jaime Aznar, explained the social inclusion work they carry out to integrate vulnerable individuals, creating jobs through the management of domestic textile waste in all its phases: collection, sorting, and sales, following the principles of the circular economy.
Once at INESCOP’s facilities, and after the general presentation of the project, each partner had the opportunity to give a brief presentation on their entity’s role and the work they will carry out during REMAIN. Additionally, the leaders of each Working Group detailed the main actions they will undertake, the partners they will collaborate with, and the next steps to follow. These groups, made up of experts in their respective fields, were organized around strategic areas such as identifying damages and defects in manufactured products and developing tools for remanufacturing and eco-design.
Another key aspect of the meeting was the discussion of cross-cutting topics, such as Communication, which is essential for the current Interreg Sudoe call, and the project’s Financial aspects, which are crucial for its success. The REMAIN kick-off marked an important milestone by bringing together partners from various areas, including universities, companies, technological centres, and non-profit organizations.
In short, synergies were created that will help integrate remanufacturing as part of the business model in the manufacturing industries of the Sudoe area. This will bring significant advantages, allowing them to explore a new business line with less use of raw materials. Consumers will also benefit by finding it easier to repair their used products and purchase second-hand goods at a reduced cost. Moreover, the positive environmental impact will be significant, as it will reduce waste and relieve pressure on natural resources, thus promoting sustainability and the health of the planet’s ecosystems.