Italian Group About Circular Economy

Interview of Valerio Tropea from Italy after the Training Course "Circular and Save" in Berlin

Can you give us your opinion about the training course "Circular & Save"?

The training course "Circular & Save" was a non-formal education. I think it's the best way to learn the course content quickly. I enjoyed informal teaching through group activities, presentations, debates and especially the external sessions that combined fun with teamwork. I had the chance to improve my English language and public speaking skills, they are very important for my actual job. I liked the Intercultural Night that gave me the chance to know better partecipants and some knowledges about their countries.

Why is promoting the circular economy so necessary and why we must move towards it?

The linear take-make-dispose economic model relies on large quantities of easily accessible resources, and as such is increasingly unfit for the reality in which it operates. In order to move towards a more sustainable development and at the same time create opportunities for economic growth, a fundamental transformation in producer and consumer behavior is needed. Circular economy can play a key role in multiple dimensions, while providing new business opportunities for innovative companies, having positive impacts on the society and the environment and fostering an effective circular economy as well. Transitioning to a circular economy does not only amount to adjustments aimed at reducing the negative impacts of the linear economy. Rather, it represents a systemic shift that builds long-term resilience, generates business and economic opportunities, and provides environmental and societal benefits.

What is the most important thing you have learned during the training? How do you plan to share and use your knowledge?

As Project Manager, the most important thing I learned during the training are the business model and processes re-engineering. We discussed about the business model Canvas, that it’s a strategic management and lean startup template for developing new or documenting existing business models. As processes re-engineering, we discussed about the transition from linear to circular economy model, analyzing the necessary processes. I will share the course contents with my colleagues, explaining how advantageous it can be to apply the circular economy model in the company, with the aim of reducing costs and waste.