Liguria takes center stage in Brussels with the VALOR project: innovation and circularity for the future of WEEE

On March 26, the award ceremony of the European Week for Waste Reduction (SERR) 2025 took place at the Europa Experience David Sassoli in Brussels, an initiative that annually promotes sustainability and the dissemination of good environmental practices at the European level. This year’s edition focused on the theme of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).

During the event, the Regione Liguria stood out among the five finalists present in Brussels, receiving an important recognition for the cross-border project VALOR, funded under the Italy–France Maritime Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021–2027 and led by the Directorate-General for the Environment of the Regione Liguria, which, together with Liguria Ricerche, coordinated a high-level scientific partnership including the University of Pisa, the University of Genoa, the Université Côte d’Azur and the Municipality of Massa. The VALOR project aims to foster the transition towards a more efficient circular economy model in terms of resource use, through the definition of an innovative and shared supply chain for WEEE management. The initiative focuses in particular on the recovery and valorization of critical raw materials and other reusable materials contained in electrical and electronic waste, through the most advanced technologies, especially those related to information, digitalization and process intelligence, strengthening cooperation between Liguria and France. Among the distinctive elements of VALOR is its technological component, based on the digital traceability of flows and transformation processes. This approach makes it possible to increase transparency, simplify monitoring and certification activities, and support the development of more structured and reliable supply chains.

In this context also fits the experience developed in Corsica with the RIUSU model, a good practice that involves refurbishing devices for social purposes. The system is supported by low-tech and open-source solutions, designed to facilitate access to essential digital tools. The RIUSU model is based on a structured network of stakeholders - including public bodies, companies, associations, social economy cooperatives and digital mediators - coordinated by an independent governance that manages recovery activities, the redistribution of devices to people in vulnerable conditions, and basic training.

Through the integration of technological innovation, social impact and supply chain development, the Italian-French project demonstrates how the circular economy can be translated into a concrete, effective and replicable system at the territorial level. A result that positions Liguria among the most active regions in the European landscape in the fight against waste and in the promotion of innovative circular economy models.