The CCRI was launched by the European Commission and focuses on the implementation of the circular economy in Europe's cities and regions. In the selection process, Munich was chosen as the only German city, along with eleven other European cities and regions, as the pilot city.
With the support of the CCRI and its associated partners, Munich will serve as a pilot city to design, implement, and scale up circular systemic solutions. Collaboration with a broader network of stakeholders will also be encouraged to contribute to the adoption of circular economy approaches across Europe through knowledge transfer.
“Circular economy is a fundamental building block on the path to climate neutrality”
Christine Kugler, Climate and Environmental Protection Officer, says:
"It's great that Munich is the only German city participating in this EU project. Circular economy is a fundamental building block on the path to climate neutrality, and the Europe-wide exchange supports the necessary transformation process."
The CCRI Pilot Cities and their partners (Fellows) are a network of over 30 European cities, regions, and territorial clusters implementing the transition at the local and regional level. The initiative aims to strengthen cities and regions by coordinating, consolidating, and promoting joint efforts toward circular ecosystems. The initiative offers technical and financial support throughout all phases of the introduction and implementation of a functioning circular economy.
The topic of the circular economy is also becoming increasingly relevant in the startup world. Visit of the US Ambassador At Colab in May this year, several Munich startups presented their solutions. Among them were Libcyclethat recycle old or defective batteries from electric vehicles, and Hey Circlewho are committed to reducing the use of disposable boxes in online shipping. Numi presented its software for supply chain logistics and Supplyz presented Wi-Fi-enabled food containers that use algorithms to predict consumption and automatically order replenishment.
Munich's climate neutrality by 2035
The collaboration within the CCRI provides the City of Munich with support in the "Circular Economy" field of action enshrined in the Munich Climate Charter. It is thus an important building block on the path to Munich's targeted climate neutrality by 2035.
The coordination of this Europe-wide cooperation as well as the city-wide projects and measures to develop a comprehensive strategy for the circular economy in the city (Circular Munich) is undertaken by the Department for Climate and Environmental Protection.
