MEDWISE turns waste into a value-added product to build a more circular future
BETA TC launches a new Euro-Mediterranean project to accelerate the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy in the Mediterranean and address the region's growing waste crisis
The BETA Technological Centre from UVic-UCC launched this July the MEDWISE – Mediterranean Waste Innovations for Sustainable Environments. A project co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED program, bringing together partners from Italy, Spain, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, and Palestine. The project has a total budget of €2.5 million with a contribution of €2.2 million (89%) and aims to accelerate the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy in the waste management sector in the Mediterranean.
MEDWISE brings together research centers and private actors to address the region’s growing waste crisis, where most of the municipal waste still ends up in landfills. The project aims to test and scale innovative circular economy solutions that help save resources, reduce emissions, and create more sustainable jobs.
What does MEDWISE want to achieve?
The three-year initiative will develop and implement three main approaches: AI-driven smart sorting to optimize recycling and minimize food waste; decentralized composting of organic fractions to improve soil health and reduce reliance on landfills; and industrial symbiosis, transforming the byproducts of one industry into the raw materials of another. Pilot actions will be implemented in the six partner countries, involving municipalities, local organizations, and citizens in jointly design technological demonstrations.
Beyond technology, MEDWISE focuses on sharing knowledge and building capacity across borders. The project aims to empower local authorities, businesses, students, researchers, and startups to adopt circular practices and foster a culture of sustainability. Through training and awareness-raising initiatives, the project will help transform waste into an opportunity for innovation and competitiveness.
Expected outcomes of MEDWISE include the demonstration of replicable, adaptable circular waste management models across Mediterranean regions; a significant reduction in landfill use and greenhouse gas emissions; the creation of new green jobs and skills; and the integration of policy measures to support long-term sustainability goals.
Project partners include the University of Catania (Italy, main beneficiary), the BETA Technology Centre of UVic -UCC (Catalonia), the Italian National Agency for New Technologies , Energy and Sustainable Development (AESD), the European Commission, the European Commission, the European Commission and the European Commission. Economic Development (ENEA) (Italy), the American University of Beirut (Lebanon), the American University of Beirut (Lebanon) and the Environment (Jordan), Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University ( Türkiye ) and Leaders International Organization (Palestine).
BETA TC plays a key role in the MEDWISE project, leading the innovation and implementation of circular economy solutions at the Mediterranean level. With its expertise in research and technology, the center will play a key role in achieving the project’s objectives.
