The RURALITIES project was proudly presented by the National Institute of Chemistry, a project partner, at the Circular Shift: From Waste to Value – Building the Circular Economy Together event on 24th of October 2025.
The event was organised by Regional development agency BSC Kranj and the Vocational College for Hospitality, Wellness and Tourism Bled and attracted around 100 participants, including policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, educators, NGOs and students to discuss how Slovenia and Europe can accelerate the transition towards a circular and sustainable economy.
As part of the programme, Dr. Uroš Novak from the National Institute of Chemistry, presented RURALITIES project in a session titled “From Coffee to Cosmetics and from Apples to Leather.” In his presentation, an innovative apple-leather made from apple pomace – the fibrous residue left after pressing apples for juice, was showcased. This unique bio-based material exemplifies how RURALITIES promotes the reuse of agricultural resources to create sustainable, climate-friendly products while reducing food waste. Through the sharing the apple leather product and know how of its production process and bussines calculations the media and visitors were able to stimulate the promotion of new bussiness models in the intersection of agriculture and tourism.
The event also featured engaging presentations of other EU projects, including CEFOODCYCLE and CIREVALC, as well as a roundtable discussion on advancing circularity in tourism, gastronomy, and education, moderated by dr. Uroš Novak. Participants concluded the day with a zero-waste lunch, prepared by students of the Astoria Hotel – a living example of how sustainability can be learned, experienced, and enjoyed.
Through its participation in Circular Shift event, the RURALITIES project:
- Highlighted the potential of bio-based innovation in rural areas.
- Fostered collaboration between research, education, and entrepreneurship.
- Promoted the reuse of agricultural byproducts to reduce waste and create value.
- Contributed to the broader European dialogue on rural sustainability and circular development.
- Promoted synergies with other EU initiatives and exchanged knowledge and experience.
Through participation at the event in Bled, RURALITIES continues to strengthen its ties with rural communities and ensures continuation of empowering rural regions through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
