Ljubljana, 8–10 January 2026
From theory to practice, from knowledge to action – the Participation Days in Slovenia brought together 31 attendants, young people from five countries (Slovenia, Greece, Lithuania, Spain, and Serbia) and project partner representatives to explore how the circular economy can become a real driver of sustainable transformation. Over three intensive and inspiring days, participants experienced circularity hands-on: through workshops, site visits, group challenges, and direct conversations with practitioners. As one participant put it: “I liked that you provided experience and knowledge. That’s a practical experience which I really value.”
Day 1: Circular start – welcome, ideas & inspiration
The Participation Days officially began at Center Rog, Ljubljana’s contemporary hub for creativity, craftsmanship, and circular innovation. After a plant-based lunch, participants were welcomed by the Director of Center Rog, who introduced the vision and role of the centre in the city’s green transition.
The afternoon focused on:
- Icebreakers and group formation;
- A refresher on the European Green Deal and circular economy basics as had been presented on the online course on the 9 of December;
- Everyday circular challenges and examples;
- Group work on rethinking value chains to prevent food waste, waste electronic equipment, waste textile and waste single-used-plastics;
- A hands-on workshop with mini pulper on recycling of beverage cartons – they have produced their own paper sheet from the carton component of the beverage cartons.
Feedback from participants:
“It was a great experience – very fun and engaging.”
“It made me feel like everyone is important in this change.”
Day 2: Circularity in action – City & industry in motion
The second day connected policy, industry and practice. At Ljubljana’s Green Info Point Mission 100, representatives of the City of Ljubljana presented local green policies, circular programmes, and initiatives supporting climate neutrality.
This was followed by a visit to AquafilSLO, where participants learned how discarded fishing nets and carpets are transformed into ECONYL® regenerated nylon. Many highlighted this as a key learning moment:
“We got a really good insight into how circular economy can be implemented in practice.”
“The factory visit helped me understand recycling and reuse in a completely new way.”
In the afternoon, participants returned to Center Rog for:
- A guided tour of the Rog workshops and labs (wood, metal, textiles, glass, digital fabrication)
- A practical online demonstration with Recosi, demonstrating computer refurbishment and extending product life cycles
Feedback clearly showed the impact:
“So much about circular economy in Slovenian firms.”
“Center Rog labs tour was one of the best experiences.”
Day 3: Closing the loop – reuse, reflect, act
The final day focused on reuse systems and urban circularity. Participants visited the Reuse Centre and waste collection facility in Vrhnika, learning how local initiatives can create a strong social and environmental impact. In addition, the certificte ceremony has been integrated as a part of the visit.
“I loved the visit to the Depo – Reuse Center Vrhnika and see how a small initiative can make a big difference.”
The programme concluded back in Ljubljana – not indoors, but through the city itself. Participants were guided through Ljubljana city from the perspective of green transformation, sustainable development, and circular economy, experiencing how a city can function as a living example of circular principles in practice.
As one participant summarised:
“I gained a new perspective on consumption – when you buy something, you must think about what happens after you use it.”
| Key takeaways from participants: Deeper understanding of circular economy vs. recycling Inspiration from real-life practices and people working in the field Strong motivation to adopt new sustainable habits A sense of empowerment and belonging to a wider European movement “It was a very inspiring experience. I learned a lot and feel motivated to act.” |
“Think in loops. Act with purpose. Shape the future.”
Participation Days Slovenia showed that learning becomes truly meaningful when young people can see, touch, discuss and co-create solutions. By combining theory, practice, city-level policies, and industry examples, the programme closed the loop – connecting ideas with reality.