From 31 August to 4 September 2026, EDU4PlastiCircular partners met in Varese, Italy, for five days of training, knowledge exchange and project planning.
The first day, hosted by the University of Insubria at Villa Toeplitz, introduced the project’s key educational results. Partners presented the Open Educational Resources, starter-kit e-book and digital library, and discussed how they can be used by educators and trainers. A workshop also explored pedagogical approaches and digital modules for developing green skills in higher education.
On the second day, partner organisations shared good practices from implementing EDU4PlastiCircular with different groups of students. Discussions focused on dissemination, future use of the learning materials and solutions for sustaining the project’s results.
The third day took participants to the Lake Maggiore area. The programme included a visit to the CNR-IRSA Water Research Institute in Verbania and discussions about plastic-waste management, responsible plastic use, and micro- and macroplastic pollution in freshwater environments. Visits to Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella connected these topics with direct observation of the local environment.
During the final two days, partners reviewed the project’s results, work packages, sustainability plans and dissemination activities. They also prepared the remaining work leading up to the final EDU4PlastiCircular event on 30 October 2026.
The meeting highlighted the importance of combining education, research and international cooperation to address plastic pollution and support the transition towards a circular economy.
