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The Waste Cluster of the Generalitat of Catalonia is a consortium of companies, technology centers, institutions, and other stakeholders in the waste sector, founded in 2014. Its mission is to foster collaboration, innovation, and competitiveness in waste management in Catalonia. Based in Barcelona, this cluster has a presence throughout the Catalan territory. It comprises a diverse network of members working together to promote sustainability and the transition to a circular economy. This cluster is part of the Catalunya Clusters program, promoted by the Generalitat of Catalonia through ACCIÓ, the agency for business competitiveness. It serves as a platform for interaction and the development of joint projects among its members. Through its structure, it facilitates communication and the exchange of knowledge, enabling companies and institutions to share resources, technologies, and experiences. This collaborative approach helps identify and capitalize on new market opportunities while addressing common challenges more efficiently.

Commitment to the Transition to a Circular Economy

One of the key features of the Waste Cluster is its commitment to sustainability and the transition to a circular economy. This involves a paradigm shift in waste management, moving from a linear model (production, use, and disposal) to a circular model where waste is transformed into valuable resources that can be recycled, reused, or recovered. The cluster also promotes the internationalization of Catalan companies in the sector, helping them access new markets and participate in international projects. Additionally, it offers training programs for industry professionals, aiming to enhance their skills and adapt to new environmental demands and regulations. In summary, the Waste Cluster of the Generalitat of Catalonia drives innovation and collaboration in waste management, seeking to enhance the sector’s competitiveness at both local and global levels, while also promoting sustainability and the circular economy.

Goals and Functions of the Waste Cluster

The Waste Cluster of Catalonia aims to achieve several key objectives and functions through collaboration and synergy among its members. These objectives can be grouped into several essential areas:

• Research and Development: A fundamental pillar of the cluster is promoting research and the development of new technologies and processes. This improves efficiency in waste management, reduces waste generation, and enhances recycling and reuse. Innovation aims to implement more sustainable and efficient solutions that benefit both the environment and the economy.
• Collaboration Networks: The cluster facilitates the creation of collaboration networks among various entities, including companies, academic institutions, research centers, and public entities. These networks foster the development of joint projects and the exchange of knowledge, creating synergies that enrich the sector and promote collective growth.
• Training and Skills Development: To improve the skills of industry professionals, the cluster offers training and development programs. These initiatives aim to prepare workers to adapt to new market demands, ensuring they have the skills needed to implement the latest innovations and technologies in waste management.
• Internationalization: The cluster helps companies in the sector internationalize. It facilitates entry into new markets and participation in international projects, providing support and resources to expand activities beyond local borders. This internationalization not only opens up business opportunities but also allows for the adoption of global best practices.
• Transition to a Circular Economy: The cluster drives the shift to a circular economy model. This involves transforming waste into resources, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting sustainability. This transformation is essential to ensure a sustainable future where resources are managed more efficiently and responsibly.

In summary, the Waste Cluster of Catalonia works to achieve these goals through collaboration and innovation, aiming to improve waste management, enhance sustainability, and foster the growth of the sector at both local and international levels.

How to Access the Waste Cluster

Access to the Waste Cluster is available to any company, entity, or organization interested in waste management and sustainability. The steps to become a member are as follows:

1. Initial Contact: Interested parties can contact the cluster through the ACCIÓ website, where contact details and additional information about the cluster are provided.
2. Requirements and Registration: Once contact is established, the registration process can begin, where the necessary requirements for joining the cluster are reviewed. These may include criteria such as the scope of activity, commitment to innovation and sustainability, among others.
3. Integration and Participation: Once registration is accepted, new members can start participating in the cluster’s activities and initiatives, taking advantage of the collaboration and development opportunities it offers.

The Waste Cluster of the Generalitat of Catalonia represents a crucial initiative to drive sustainability and innovation in waste management. Through collaboration among various sector agents, it seeks to turn challenges into opportunities, promoting a circular and sustainable economy. In this way, the cluster not only contributes to environmental improvement but also enhances the competitiveness and economic development of Catalonia.