SwitchMedThird Edition - Switching to the circular economy in the Mediterranean - UNIDO
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SwitchMed Third Edition
Fall 2018
Switching to the circular
economy in the Mediterranean
2 Table of contents 3
1 234
Concept
SwitchMed
The SwitchMed Programme is implemented by the United Nations Industrial
Development Organisation (UNIDO), UN Environment Mediterranean Action
Plan (UN Environment/MAP), Regional Activity Centre for Sustainable
Consumption and Production (SCP/RAC) and UN Environment’s Economy
Division.
This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union.
The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of SwitchMed and
can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.
Supervision and coordination: Roser Gasol (SCP/RAC).
Support: Michael Barla (UNIDO), Fabiola Martínez.
Design: Florencia Cufré Meyer.
Cover Photo: Oasis Community Centre in Egypt by Bernat Mestres.
Contacts
For more information on the SwitchMed policy-makers Programme please
get in touch with us:
• Magali Outters: moutters@scprac.org
• Luc Reuter: luc.Reuter@unep.org
For more information on the SwitchMed MED TEST II Programme please
get in touch with us: 8 - 15 16 - 21 22 - 35 36 - 41
• Roberta de Palma at: r.de-palma@unido.org
• Carolina Gonzalez-Mueller at: c.gonzalez-mueller@unido.org
Support to Policy-makers Enabling a green growth Green Entrepreneurship Civil Society Empowerment
For more information on the SwitchMed Green Entrepreneurship and Civil
Society Empowerment Programme please get in touch with us:
for industries
• Giorgio Mosangini: gmosangini@scprac.org
5 768
For more information on the SwitchMed Networking Facility please get in
touch with us:
• Burcu Tunçer: btuncer@scprac.org
Join us now at: switchmed.eu/en/community/jointhe-action-network
For further information visit us:
• www.switchmed.eu
• www.theswitchersfund.eu
• www.theswitchers.eu
• www.switchmedconnect.com
Follow us on our social media channels at:
• Twitter: @SwitchMed
• Facebook: Switchmed.eu
• Linkedin: SwitchMed
42 - 47 48 - 53 54 - 67 57 - 64
Enabling access Business Networks & Networking Facility SwitchMed Connect 2018
to finance Intermediaries
4 What is SwitchMed?
SwitchMed is an initiative that supports
and connects stakeholders to scale-
up Sustainable Consumption and
Production (SCP) in the Southern
Mediterranean Region through eco and
social innovations. It aims at achieving
productive, circular and sharing
economies in the Mediterranean by
changing the way goods and services
are consumed and produced so that
human development is decoupled from
environmental degradation. It supports
industry, emerging green entrepreneurs,
civil society and policy makers through
policy development, demonstration
activities and networking.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
6 What does SwitchMed do? 7
SwitchMed is an initiative that Intern
ational Experts, Nati
ona
l Co
ord
supports and scale-ups eco and
ina
Industry, to
Gree
n En
rs,
tre Lo
pre ca
ne
u l
rsh
social innovations
Pa
ip
,C
rtn
DE i
ts
er
M
in
vi
s,
O
lS
Po
C
Lo
oc
al
c
iet
Foc
al T
O
y,
T
M
EN
SC
rain
PO
AP
ON
PN
T
NE
N/M
ers,
atio
MP
l
eve
NT
he SwitchMed Programme was launched The United Nations Industrial Development Or- that work to provide Mediterranean's society with
Y CO
nal A
P/RAC Focal Points, U
Entre
l
in 2013 by the European Union to speed up ganisation (UNIDO) supports the development of innovative services and products that are good for
al
the shift to sustainable consumption and green industry and sustainable production in the the people and for the planet.
Nation
ction P
production patterns in the Southern Med- southern Mediterranean. It does so through a com- The center provides technical assistance to the
POLIC
preneurs, Grassroo
iterranean, notably through the promotion of cir- prehensive approach that both presents the busi- Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention
cular economy approaches. The Programme aims ness case of resource efficiency to industries, and to adopt SCP as integrated approach to decouple
d
lans
n
at achieving productive, circular and sharing econ- helps service providers increase their capacity to development from pollution and environmental
a
omies in the Mediterranean by changing the way deliver sustainable production services matching and implements pilot projects in four countries:
nal
goods and services are consumed and produced so the industry needs. In addition, UNIDO is coop- Algeria, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia. Like-
o
that human development is decoupled from envi- erating with a number of national institutions ad- wise SCP/RAC supports green entrepreneurs and
egi
ronmental degradation. dressing policies on sustainable production. change makers driving eco and social innovations
R
Its activities benefit 8 countries in the South- At the start of the project, the UNIDO designed in the Mediterranean by providing training, tech-
ts, SC
ern Mediterranean: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, TEST methodology is delivered to the service pro- nical and financial advice, jointly with a network
Lebanon Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia. Through viders and local professionals. In collaboration with of strategic local partners and local trainers. More-
ts
policy development, demonstration activities and the UNIDO TEST expert team, the service provid- over, SCP/RAC works closely with financial agents
I
n
n
networking opportunities, SwitchMed supports ers identify and select companies to take part in the to establish mechanism that enable entrepreneurs
i
itiat
o
and connects stakeholders to scale-ups eco and so- TEST project, based on the companies potential for and small companies that provide SCP solutions ac-
al P
cial and eco innovations The Programme supports improvements and top management commitment. cess to funding. SCP/RAC also hosts the Network-
ive
c
policy makers, eco-innovative small and medium Crucially, the company staff also receive the TEST ing Facility that contributes to the visibility, effec-
o
s, L
sized enterprises, industries, start-ups and entre- training, enabling them to implement the technical tiveness and scaling up of the SwitchMed activities.
d F
preneurs in the Southern Mediterranean countries, measures and management solutions identified by
o
e
c
which have identified job creation and natural re- the service provider. Their active participation in UN Environment’s Economy Division supports the
M
al
h
source protection as priority issues that also con- the training and in the implementation of the pro- development of SCP National Action Plans and pro-
Se
c
Ex
it
tribute to their economic stability. ject ensures the sustainability of all identified ac- vides advisory services and follows up closely the
r
NET
w
ch
vi
tions at company level. implementation of the demonstration pilot pro-
S
an WOR
KING FACILITY
ce
g
SwitchMed, which works with a wide range of The TEST implementation approach has to jects of four countries: Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Pr eo
ov f
stakeholders, is committed to catalyse the market date successfully demonstrated the profitability Palestine. id
inf
orm
of sustainable products and services in the Medi- and effectiveness of introducing best practices and UN Environment’s Economy Division works er
s
atio
n, bu ling
up
terranean via: integrated management systems in terms of cost closely with the National Focal Points (NFP), who ilding relationships, sca
• Capacity building in industry service providers reduction, productivity increase and environmen- are key actors in the SwitchMed and play a specific
targeting small and medium sized enterprises for tal performance, extending the experience gained role in implementing the policy activities at nation- Stra
resource efficiency improvements; to other industries in the region. UNIDO, together al and disseminating the results in their respective tegic
• Trainings for start-ups and entrepreneurs to with local partners, also promotes business part- countries. Focal points have been appointed by the Partners
build skills in design, business plan, market- nerships between local businesses and EU Eco-In- national governments. In most countries a duo of
ing and financing of sustainable products and novative companies, creating an area of shared Focal points – one from Ministry of Environment
services; prosperity on the principles of a sustainable and in- and one from Ministry of Industry.
• Engagement with policy makers to establish clusive socioeconomic development.
a regulatory and policy framework to boost the SwitchMed Programme is funded by the European
market for sustainable products and services; United Nations Environment Programme Mediter- Union.
• Empowerment of citizens and civil society or- ranean Action Plan (UN Environment/MAP) is a
ganisations to lead socially innovative solutions Regional Seas Programme under UNEPs umbrella
addressing environmental challenges;
• An Action Network of stakeholders to link with
that brings together the 21 Mediterranean neigh-
bouring countries. MAP provides support to those
Component Component Description Key Stakeholders
similar initiatives and networks, exchange infor- countries in the implementation of the Convention
mation and to scale-up current activities. for the Protection of the Marine Environment and
the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean, the so-
SwitchMed is implemented by the United Nations called Barcelona Convention.
Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO),
the United Nations Environment Programme Med- The Regional Activity Centre for Sustainable Con-
iterranean Action Plan (UN Environment/MAP), sumption and Production (SCP/RAC) is one of the
the Regional Activity Centre for Sustainable Con- centres belonging to UN/MAP. It is appointed with
sumption and Production (SCP/RAC) and the UN the mandate from the Contracting Parties of the
Environment’s Economy Division. Each of the im- Convention to promote Sustainable Consumption
plementing organisations brings its specialised and Production in the Mediterranean region. In or-
experience and tools to partner with the eight der to accomplish that mission the center provides
countries on activities that span policy develop- knowledge, training, advice and networking op-
ment, capacity building, business support services, portunities to businesses, entrepreneurs, financial
demonstration activities and networking. agents, civil society organizations and governments
The Mediterranean
Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon,
Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia.
8 Our achievements in the 'Regional and National Policy Programme' 9
Photo credit: @pxhere
8 81 1,500
1 25 20 8
8 SCP assessments undertaken 1 SCP Toolkit. Over 1,500 national stakeholders
at country level. from government, private sector,
8 SCP National Action Plans civil society, industry, academia
(SCP-NAPs) developed. and media trained.
25 40
25 policy measures in which
the Contracting Parties must
report with the new Barcelona
Over 40 national workshops,
roundtables and nationally-
tailored training sessions were
1 Regional SCP National
Action Plan and 1 Roadmap
towards circular economy
25 set of SCP selected,
quantitative and qualitative,
comprehensively aligned with the 8 multi-stakeholder nationally
Convention Reporting System to organised to reinforce national for its implementation in the Sustainable Development Goals 20 demonstration pilot projects implemented owned and nationally driven
learn about the activities done capacity on SCP. Mediterranean developed while (SDGs), and to other existing by the end of 2018: 2 in Algeria, 2 in Egypt, 3 in policy processes undertaken
in order to implement the SCP engaging with the Mediterranean SCP indicators already used in Israel, 2 in Jordan, 1 in Lebanon, 3 in Morocco, 2 in to best respond to the national
Regional Action Plan. policy-makers. international reporting systems. Palestine and 4 in Tunisia. priorities on SCP.
10 We have a Mediterranean Action Plan in place 11
There is an
What do we mean by SCP
Main SCP measures and stakeholders
Regulatory mechanisms
urgent need for
promoting the market for
sustainable products and
Resource Efficiency and services
Cleaner Production for - Green Public Procurement.
companies and industries - Eco-labelling, etc.
systemic change
Civil Policy-
Society Makers
Green Entrepreneurship and
New Green Business Models
- Incubators for green Economic and financial instruments
entrepreneurs. - Green banking, tax and subsidy reform.
- Eco-design and eco-innovation - Ecological taxation and green tax reform
in products and services. - Tax differentiation, economic incentives, etc.
- Up-scaling of New Green Productive Academic
Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) actions vision: “By 2027 a prosperous Mediterranean region Business Models, etc. sector and research
institutes
are powerful levers to accelerate the transition to an is established, with non-pollutant, circular, socially
eco-efficient economy and to turn environmental inclusive economies based on sustainable consumption
and social challenges into business and employment and production patterns, preserving natural resources
opportunities. In the Mediterranean region, Contracting and energy, ensuring the well-being of societies
Empowering citizens, and
Parties to the Barcelona Convention have demonstrated and contributing to clean environment and healthy creating the demand for Creating knowledge on SCP
sustainable products and - R&D partnerships.
their commitment to support SCP actions by adopting ecosystems that provide goods and services for present services - Science policy dialogue on SCP.
- Informal and formal - Specialized university degrees, etc.
the “Sustainable Consumption and Production Regional and future generations.” education on SCP.
- Support to SCP grassroots
Action Plan for the Mediterranean” and its Roadmap. The initiatives, etc.
SCP Regional Action Plan is built around the following
*National Action plans
are discussed in the
following page.
W How is SwitchMed integrating
ith populations in the Mediterrane- of an SCP Regional Action Plan adapted to the real- Regarding Mediterranean economies, while the sustainable procurement procedures for public The recognition of SCP as key priority for the sus-
an’s coastal region alone expected to ity of the Mediterranean region¨. manufacturing sector accounts for 20 to 33% GDP, purchases which often represent one third of the tainable development of the Mediterranean region
increase to 174 million by 2025 and
current consumption patterns far ex-
The SCP Regional Action Plan is a substan-
tive contribution to the implementation of the
the construction, renovation and maintenance of
buildings sector contributes 10 to 40% global GDP.
GDP but also the design of economic development
to support sustainable products markets. Last but
is undoubtedly an essential step and a great mile-
stone. But it is the first seed for the translation into SCP into the Mediterranean 5 Regional
Action Plan
ceeding the capacities of ecosystems , a fundamen- 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its The promotion of sustainable consumption and not the least, the third category of objectives fo- numerous and diverse local actions that will real- obtained
tal change is needed to ensure that human popula-
tions in the region can fulfil their needs, now and
17 Sustainable Development Goals. It is a strategic
document that gives clear guidelines on the actions
production patterns within the different priority
areas entails a number of benefits for the popula-
cuses on sensitization and raising awareness of all
stakeholders, including consumers. It also aims at
ly create the expected impact. The main challenge
is now in the development of mechanisms to move
governance framework?
in the future, and within the limits of the Mediter- that should be developed in the Mediterranean to tions of the region, improving social wellbeing and building capacities to support marketing processes from global and regional commitments to national Conference
ranean’s unique but delicate ecosystems. Actions shift towards sustainable consumption and pro- quality of life in terms of health, employment, re- and market development tools aimed at promoting engagements and finally local results. of Parties of
the Barcelona
are therefore required both to avoid the enormous duction patterns, long-term sustainability, circu- spect to local culture and traditions, valorisation sustainable consumption and livelihood models. Positive outcomes include national sector-spe- Convention
economic costs of environmental degradation and lar economy and new paradigms in the use of re- of traditional practices, new jobs creation, etc. For Furthermore, it also includes actions for the better cific plans related to organic farming, industrial in-
resource depletion, and to reorient production and sources. It is also responding constructively to the instance, making tourism businesses more sus- visibility of eco-labelled products and services on novation, green growth, water efficiency plans, sus-
consumption patterns towards sustainable develop- climate change challenges. According to Gaetano tainable benefits local communities and can create the market. tainable tourism, organic waste, sustainable public Meetings
ment while meeting the needs of all and improving Leone, coordinator of the UN Environment Med- stronger linkages with the local economy, increas- The implementation of the SCP Regional Ac- procurement, eco-labels for hotels. As an example,
the quality of life. iterranean Action Plan, "the SCP Regional Action ing local development potential. tion Plan started on January 2016 and it will last Tunisia started greening its tourism sector, based
In order to assist governments in dealing with
such challenges, SwitchMed has been actively
Plan for the Mediterranean was adopted as a for-
ward-looking framework, to complement and work
until the end of December 2027. Accordingly, the
Action Plan will be subject to a mid-term evalua-
on its SCP National Action Plan (NAP), which has
also helped to generate new employment opportuni-
Validation
Phase 4
promoting and implementing policies and initia- in full synergy with existing national and regional "The SCP Regional Action tion and a review, coinciding with the end of the ties. All SwitchMed beneficiary countries now have
tives on SCP and resource efficiency for years. The policy frameworks, and to support the implemen- corresponding Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) SCP NAPs and there are a number of demonstration
adoption of a SCP Regional Action Plan by the 22 tation of the Barcelona Convention and its Proto- Plan for the Mediterranean 6-year Mid Term Strategies for the periods 2016- pilot projects - based on the Sustainable Consump-
Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Pro- cols". In the final text of the Decision on the SCP 2021 and 2022-2027, respectively. Likewise, the tion and Production Action Plans - currently being
tection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Regional Action Plan, the Contracting Parties were was adopted as a forward- SCP activities of the MAP biennial Programme of implemented on the ground to adopt circular econ-
Extraordinary
meeting
Region of the Mediterranean (known as Barcelo- strongly encouraged to mainstream sustainable Work will be in full integration and synergy with omy measures. Building a collective biogas plant
na Convention), during their 19th Ordinary Meet- consumption and production in national and local looking framework, to the Regional SCP Action Plan. in Morocco, valorisation of co-products and waste
ing of the Contracting Parties (COP19) in February development policies, according to national laws In this light, SCP/RAC elaborated a SCP In- streams in the oil industry sector Tunisia, recycling Regional consultation
2016, represents one of our important efforts and in order to implement the SCP Regional Action complement and work in dicator Framework for the Mediterranean coun- unwanted fabrics in Algeria and developing com- meeting
great achievements. Adopted in 1976, the Barcelona Plan at the national and local levels, ensuring en- tries to measure progress on SCP in the different posting process of organic material from the wine
Convention constitutes one of the most advanced abling conditions, policy coherence and promotion full synergy with existing countries and to make data comparable. In total, industry in Lebanon are some of them.
regional policy framework for sustainable develop- of synergies among national stakeholders and un- 25 were the indicators selected, quantitative and Regional non-governmental
ment. It is the first even international treaty that derstanding the need to support member countries national and regional policy qualitative, comprehensively aligned with the Sus-
stakeholders
has identified the shift to sustainable patterns of in the implementation through capacity building tainable Development Goals (SDGs), and also to
consumption and production as a necessary ob- and technology transfer. "For this, it is absolutely frameworks, and to support other existing SCP indicators already used in inter-
Consultation On-line
jective to decouple human development from the crucial to foster multi-stakeholders involvement. national reporting systems. The selection of those
degradation of marine and coastal environment. This switch will not be achieved without the de- the implementation of the indicators was done in close coordination with the
Phase consultation
Two years of development and a large consul-
tation process with governments and regional or-
velopment of new business models by companies,
the introduction of SCP within Universities’ cur- Barcelona Convention and
development of the Mediterranean Sustainability
Dashboard for the follow-up of the Mediterranean 3
ganisations in the Mediterranean was needed to ricula, the provision of sustainable alternatives for Strategy for Sustainable Development 2016-2025
obtain a first draft, a process that was led by the consumers, the development of market incentives its Protocols." (MSSD), a framework strategy which purpose is
Coordination Unit of the UN Environment Medi- to favour sustainable products, to mention a few to adapt international commitments to the Medi-
terranean Action Plan and the Regional Activity examples” highlighted Magali Outters, team lead- Gaetano Leone, coordinator terranean regional conditions to guide sustainable
Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Produc- er policy area at SCP/RAC. development strategies and initiate dynamic part- Definition of the structure
tion (SCP/RAC). The process was also supported The SCP Regional Action Plan covers four of the UN Environment nerships between countries. of the SCP Action Plan
by a Mediterranean SCP Expert Groups formed consumption and production priority areas that The set of 25 SCP indicators were adopted by
by independent experts representing different are main upstream drivers of pollution generation Mediterranean Action Plan the Contracting Parties during their 20th Confer- Preparatory Preparation of a consultation
sectors and geographical areas. Before its launch, and environmental pressures on the ecosystems ence of Parties (COP21) that took place in Decem- Phase paper to collect feedback
the Contracting Parties expressed the need for “a in the Mediterranean: food including fisheries ber 2017, in Albania, together with a new simplified
consultation process to ensure that the experience and agriculture, tourism, goods manufacturing For each of the 4 sectors, the SCP Action Plan iden- reporting format for all the Barcelona Convention
Preliminary Preparation of an
and input of key Mediterranean SCP stakeholders, as well as housing and construction. These four tifies 3 categories of operational objectives: the Protocols. As the SCP Regional Action Plan is un- SCP Policy toolkit
Phase
particularly the business sector, economic leaders areas are also major socio-economic contributors first one is focusing on the establishment of strong der the so-called LBS Protocol concerning Pollu-
and other relevant bodies active on sustainability
field in the Mediterranean, are reflected in the fi-
in the Mediterranean region, namely in terms of
employment and wealth generation. For instance,
knowledge base, research and development, and
on the use of innovative technologies, eco-design
tion from Land-Based Sources and Activities, a
specific reporting template for the SCP Action Plan
2 Preparation of a
baseline report
nal document”. Furthermore, they mentioned to
be “aware of the fact that a broad participatory pro-
with regard to employment opportunities, agri-
culture is one of the largest sources of jobs, and
and best practices to implement circular econo-
my. The second one aims at promoting good gov-
was developed and adopted too. Therefore, the
Parties must submit reports every two years on the 1 The Contracting parties of
cess, with active involvement of all key SCP stake- tourism is contributing an overall 13% of total ernance, policy and institutional framework to progress made for implementing that plan.
the Barcelona Convention
holders and partners, is central to the development employment in the Mediterranean economies. support practices. It includes the development of request MAP Secretariat
12 How are the national action plans achieved? 13
Let’s move the
circular economy National priorities as expressed in
the SCP National Action Plans
National Action Plans
in 8 MENA countries
to the mainstream
Algeria Lebanon
• SCP governance framework • Adopt best available techniques to
• Energy transition and energy efficiency promote SCP in the industrial sector
• Waste and emission management • Introduce SCP approaches related to
the industrial sector in the policy and
Egypt institutional frameworks
• Policy instruments for its SCP • Educate and raise awareness among
programme consumers with regard to SCP in the
• Integrated community development industrial sector
• Sustainable agriculture
One of the overall objectives of SwitchMed is to and production national action plans (SCP-NAPs) were • Sustainable water management
• Sustainable and renewable energy
Morocco
• Agriculture and agri-foods
assist eight Southern Mediterranean countries in developed through nationally owned and nationally driven applications
• Solid waste management
• Eco-construction and sustainable
buildings
moving towards a green economy by facilitating the multi-stakeholder processes. These are cross sectoral, Israel Palestine
implementation of action plans at national level so and they emphasise resource efficiency and enhance • Sustainable production – Initiatives that
give emphasis to the supply side (i.e.
• Sustainable tourism
• Agriculture and food (including food
sustainable consumption and production (SCP) can coherence and inter-ministerial cooperation, while manufacturer or service provider)
• Sustainable consumption – Initiatives
manufacturing)
• Housing and construction
be mainstreamed as a priority or a target in national engaging the private sector and consumers. that give emphasis to the demand side
(i.e. households or procurement) Tunisia
policies. To that end, eight sustainable consumption • Connecting the dots: Between
sustainable production and sustainable
• 10-year framework action plan for the
agri-food sector
consumption – Initiatives that are • 10-year framework action plan for the
positioned in the interface between tourism sector
sustainable production and sustainable - Coordination mechanism for SCP-NAP
consumption implementation
Jordan
• Agriculture and food industry
• Transport sector
• Waste management sector
P How is SwitchMed
lans and strategies are crucial to the suc- national action plans, which promote the allevia- SCP mainstreaming within three relevant sectors, strengthening skills and improving green employ-
Approval of the SCP
cessful implementation of the SCP Region- tion of poverty, environmental sustainability and tourism, housing and construction and agriculture ability and entrepreneurship across the food sys- action plan at the
al Action Plan and its inclusion and main- the development of a green economy. and food, was officially launched by H.E. the Prime tem are three of the six strategic points that were
integrating SCP into
highest level (Validation
streaming within national policies. To that As SwitchMed National Policy Coordinator Minister, Dr Rami Hamdallah, in October 2016 in formulated in the sectorial plan. Sustainable build- workshop)
end, a roadmap adopted in 2016 at the COP 19 of the of the UN Environment Economy Division, Luc Ramallah. H.E. the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. ing was another major concern for the Moroccan
national policies? 6
Barcelona Convention and its protocols were de- Reuter pointed out, “SCP-NAPs are a first step in Sufian Sultan, and the Chairperson of the Environ- governments, and so a ‘Sectorial Plan on Eco-con-
signed to provide policymakers with a clear set of a country’s response to the Sustainable Develop- ment Quality Authority, Adalah Atteereh, also at- struction and Sustainable Building’ was developed
actions to be implemented in order to move towards ment Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 and, in par- tended the launch. In his keynote speech the Prime with the goal of promoting a global eco-design ap-
mainstreaming SCP. The roadmap seeks to pro- ticular, Goal 12: Sustainable Consumption and Minister called upon all national ministries and proach to building in Morocco.
mote initiatives and activities that foster a stronger Production”. In some countries, the SCP-NAP was entities, as well as the international community to Based on the conclusion that Lebanon has sig-
foundation for mainstreaming SCP through mul- complemented by national sector-specific plans make the implementation of the Plan one of their nificant potential for adopting SCP principles in
ti-stakeholder partnerships, the establishment of related to organic farming, industrial innovation, priorities. The timeframe set for this NAP is six the industrial sector given the export potentiality
sustainable consumption and production national green growth, water efficiency plans, sustainable years (2017-2022), coinciding with the sectoral and and the challenges facing the sector in optimis-
action plans, and the promotion of SCP indicators tourism, organic waste, sustainable public pro- cross sectoral strategies which are currently being ing its production processes, both the Ministry of Drafting of the SCP
as a sound scientific knowledge base for policy in- curement, eco-labels for hotels, etc. These sectors developed in Palestine. Environment and the Ministry of Industry agreed action plan
terventions. This, together with technical and fi- were selected based on the SCP assessment that Another example is the Egyptian SCP Nation- to embark on the development of an Action Plan
nancial support from SwitchMed over a period of was developed as part of SwitchMed in 2015. al Action Plan that was developed by using a mul- which addresses that particular sector. The Plan
two years in eight countries, namely Algeria, Egypt, ti-stakeholder approach, including 92 experts from includes three operational objectives: to adopt best
Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine and
Tunisia, helped to develop a SCP national action "SCP-NAPs are a first step in
relevant ministries, private sectors, and non-gov-
ernmental organisations. The National Action
available techniques to promote SCP in the indus-
trial sector, to introduce SCP approaches related to 5
plan (SCP-NAP) for each one. Plan is translated into six different programmes the industrial sector in the policy and institution-
As noted in the 2030 Agenda, each country a country’s response to the to implement 28 projects, presented by 13 different al frameworks and to educate and raise awareness
needs to take into account its national realities and government institutions and specialised research among consumers with regard to SCP in the indus-
circumstances, as no one size fits all countries in Sustainable Development centres. The Plan aims to support Egypt’s overall trial sector.
Determination of
regard to the mainstreaming process. Prior to the developmental goals, reduce socio-economic hur- For Algeria, governance of sustainable con-
adoption of the SCP Regional Action Plan, govern- Goals (SDGs) adopted in dles and maximise environmental improvements. It sumption and production patterns, transition and
source of founding
ments had existing policy objectives and commit- addresses four priority sectors: water, agriculture, energy efficiency and wastewater and solid waste
ments that are articulated in a variety of national 2015 and, in particular, Goal municipal solid waste, and energy. It also, promotes management are the three priority areas made up of
and sectoral strategies and plans, as well as in com-
mitments to international agreements. 12: Sustainable Consumption
the replication and scaling up of SCP policies, re-
source efficiency programmes and green initiatives
42 impact actions. The identified priorities also pre-
sented cross-sectoral leverage in the context of the 4
Mobilising financial and technical support to at a national level. implementation of SDG Goal 12. That Plan is now a
help SwitchMed beneficiary countries kick-start and Production." The SCP roadmap for Israel features achiev- national tool that is part of the National Strategy for
mainstreaming processes was the first step im- able, innovative and high impact projects to be im- the Environment, and is a component of the National
plemented under the leadership of the UN Envi- Luc Reuter, SwitchMed plemented by 2020. In this case, the development Plan for Environment and Sustainable Development
ronment as part of the SwitchMed framework. A process was realised under the guidance of an ad- by 2035, amongst others. It is not only an institution-
National Policy Coordinator
Def. of priorities,
national coordination mechanism was established visory team from the Israeli Ministries of Envi- al action plan, but also includes civil initiatives rela- target and policy mix
at country level under the coordination and guid- ronmental Protection and Economy and based on ted to the economic sector and consumers.
of the UN Environment
ance of the national focal points (NFP), who were
appointed by the national governments. In most
a year-long scoping review process which included
over 300 participants from all sectors in eight dif-
Nationally, there are demonstration pilot pro-
jects – based on the SCP Action Plans – currently 3
countries two focal points – one from the Minis- Economy Division ferent workshops. being implemented on the ground for the adoption
try of Environment and one from the Ministry of In Morocco, a cross-analysis of production and of circular economy measures. As an example, Tu-
Industry led the implementation of SwitchMed at consumption patterns was carried out and seven nisia has begun making its tourism sector more
national level. The SCP-NAP processes were de- During these national processes a total of over strategic orientations were developed that provide environmentally friendly, based on its Sustain- Establishment of multi-
2
veloped in a sustained programmatic approach tai- 50 national workshops, roundtables and nation- a reference framework and actions to promote SCP. able Consumption and Production National Action stakeholders platforms
lored to the needs and specific country situations ally-tailored training sessions were organised to The Moroccan National Action Plan was supple- Plan, which has also helped to generate new em- and organisation of an SCP
and facilitated synergies and integration with na- reinforce national capacity with regard to SCP, mented with two sectorial plans, which were de- ployment opportunities. Some of the initiatives in- national Roundtable
1
tional development plans and/or national sustain- with active participation from over 2,000 national veloped a year later. The ‘Sectorial Plan on Agri- clude the construction of a collective biogas plant
able development strategies. The national process stakeholders from government, private sector, civil culture and Sustainable Food’ aimed to strengthen in Morocco, the valorisation of oil industry coprod-
was inclusive and saw the participation of a large society, industry, academia and media. All national Moroccan agricultural policy, set up instruments ucts and waste streams in Tunisia, the recycling of Designation of effective lead
agencies, establishment of
and diverse group of national stakeholders, repre- action plans were validated by the respective gov- and mechanisms for the development of sustain- unwanted fabrics in Algeria and the development interministerial coordinating
senting different relevant government institutions, ernments and can be considered as nationally en- able agriculture as well as increase consumer of composting processes for wine industry organ- committees
private sector, civil society, academia and media dorsed documents. Also, in each case, a high level awareness with regard to sustainable food options. ic material in Lebanon. The project has also suc-
representatives. Given the difficulty of implement- political event was held to validate and officially Promotion of the circular economy to optimise the cessfully produced and shared training material on
ing the full range of SCP policies and instruments launch the SCP national action plans and/or re- flow of material and energy in production and con- SCP tools.
at once, project countries select a limited num- vised strategies. In Palestine, for example, the SCP sumption chains, development of certification in-
ber of priority areas to be addressed in their SCP National Action Plan, which outlines a roadmap for struments, organic labelling and eco-labelling and
14 How to implement circular economy at the local level? 15
Circular economy measures
adopted in 20 pilot projects
By the end of 2018, 20 demonstration projects will be implemented
on the ground. The national pilot project selection was based on the
priorities expressed in their SCP National Action Plan that has been
developed under the SwitchMed policy component.
20 demonstration pilot projects in 8 MENA countries
3 4 Israel
3
1 Lebanon
Morocco
Tunisia
2 2
3 Palestine
Jordan
Egypt
2 Algeria
Algeria Lebanon Tunisia Morocco Egypt Israel Jordan Palestine
Recovering unwanted dates Composting winery waste Sustainable practices in ecotourism Building a biogas plant Reducing plastic bag consumption Green public procurement Improving solid waste management Sustainable consumption and production
Rima Dates created value from downgraded Al- This pilot project aimed to carry out a feasibility The pilot project ‘Circular economy adapted to the The aim of pilot project ‘Biodôme du Maroc’ was This pilot project aimed to raise awareness of the This pilot project aimed to promote a process This pilot project aimed to institutionalise solid dissemination.
gerian common dates and the coproducts of date study for developing a composting process for or- needs and characteristics of a Tunisian eco-tour- to build a collective biogas plant for the benefit of environmental harm caused by plastic bags, and whereby public authorities seek to procure goods, waste management concepts and practices in five The aim of this pilot project was to raise awareness
production by turning them into new byproducts: ganic waste produced by the wine industry in the ism lodge’ at Dar Zaghouan aimed to provide ad- the agricultural cooperative Ouled Abdoun in the ultimately change behaviour through lobbying for services and works with minimal environmental and four-star hotels in the city of Aqaba. The goal about sustainable consumption and production
confectionery syrup, vinegar, paste and oil for Bekaa Valley region. Through this study, the pro- vice on potential implementation measures related region of Khouribga. The biogas plant allowed the a levy on single-use plastic bags charged by retail- impact throughout their life cycle. The pilot activ- was to reduce the amount of waste generated by (SCP) by disseminating different activities. The
cosmetics. ject hoped to demonstrate the technical, economic to energy, water and waste and mentoring on the members of the cooperative to develop a new model ers at the point of sale. The pilot activities included ities included successful integration of environ- the Aqaba hotel industry by adopting sustainable pilot activities included the translation of several
Dates were stuffed with almonds and coated and environmental viability of composting recov- eco-labelling application process and fundraising of circular economy, as they are now producing bio- the organisation of consultation sessions to iden- mental criteria into public procurement tendering solid waste management practices and developing relevant documents into Arabic, the development
with high-quality Belgian chocolate, thereby cre- ered organic waste. Composting included stalk and opportunities for small and medium-sized tourist gas and organic compost from agricultural waste. tify stakeholders and the production of a baseline in collaboration with selected local authorities. A skills among key hotel staff. Activities included es- of additional project profiles, a collection of a port-
ating a product capable of competing with tradi- wastewater sludge. sites in the Southern Mediterranean region. The biogas is being used as an energy source and study to identify alternative bags, which was suc- guidance document was drawn up and four forum tablishing a management unit, creating a steering folio of 15 Palestinian switchers, a documentary
tional chocolate bars. Rima Dates also extracts oil Château Kefraya, a 300-hectare winery, was the compost is used internally and sold to external cessfully concluded in collaboration with the Plas- meetings for local procurement managers were committee, running a workshop to assess training on SCP in Palestine, and the organisation of an ex-
from date pits and uses it to make organic cosmet- chosen to host the composting facility site for the Reinforcing the ecotourism business model users. tic Technology Centre of the Ministry of Trade held. Eight product sheets for green tenders pro- needs, and drawing up a report on required skills change forum between the different SwitchMed
ics, and processes dry waste to produce fuel for lo- six-month trial. Sensors and equipment were in- The pilot project ‘Consolidation of the commercial and Industry. An awareness-raising campaign was vided criteria for product selection and a green and knowledge in solid waste management. components and a SCP exhibition in three of the
cal usage. stalled, technical personnel were trained in com- model and development of the capacities of an eco- Marine litter projects prepared for dissemination through different me- public procurement web portal was set up. country’s cities.
A total budget of 90,000 euros was injected posting methods and its benefits, and assistance tourism operator in Tunisia’ aimed to reinforce the The aim of the pilot project ‘Alternatives to sin- dia channels and launched on the World Environ- Training in solid waste management
into the pilot project. As a result of three training was provided to ensure the quality of the resulting green and social business model of Tunisia Ecot- gle-use plastic bags’, was to support Morocco in mental Day on 5 June 2017. Alternative bags were Green technologies and innovation The aim of this pilot project was to facilitate the Promoting eco-trails
sessions on handmade vinegar and chocolate pro- fertiliser that was to be returned to the vineyards. ourism, a company that is improving their services transitioning from single-use plastic bags to more distributed to 72 branches of seven hypermarkets The aim of this pilot project was to promote and maturation of the solid waste sector by develop- This pilot project aimed to develop a methodology
duction, 14 tons of downgraded dates are now re- Many key stakeholders, such as wineries, nation- while preserving traditional knowledge. A study responsible options. The actions were implement- within Cairo, and biodegradable bags were dis- encourage environmental innovation in the field ing skills in the workforce, from technicians to for eco-trails and sites, establishing guidelines to
covered, supposing a 100% increase from the ini- al and local public authorities, entrepreneurs, field assessed its possibilities of obtaining internation- ed through the association Zero Zbel and which tributed through a private-public partnership be- of cleantech, as well as remove barriers to estab- high-level decision-makers. The goal was to pro- restore and promote five pilot trails. The activities
tial seven tons and an increase of 400% in vinegar experts and circular economy adverts, were en- al certification in ecotourism, and their becoming focused on communicating the benefits of alter- tween the Ministry of Environment and seven lishing cleantech start-ups and ventures. New pol- vide public and private sector players with the included the selection, assessment and creation of
production. Two jobs were created too, besides gaged throughout the process. a certifying body themselves. An online platform native bags, and the association Docteur Fatiha, supermarket chains in Cairo and Alexandria. The icy tools were developed and launched, including tools to work together towards solid waste man- a shortlist among existing trails and sites and the
providing income to farmers and other women in- A manual was produced that included an over- was developed to promote fair-trade products to which produced and tested different durable car- initiative was highlighted in a number of interna- a clean technology beta-site program to allow in- agement, concepts and opportunities. Pilot activ- coordination of meetings in conjunction with the
volved in the process. view and assessment of existing legislation and fi- support socially and environmentally responsible rier bags, reusing such materials as flour bags and tional conferences, such as the 5th SCP Roundta- dustrial-scale experiments with environmental ities included two advanced ‘Energy from waste’ Ministry of Tourism. In addition, two consultation
nancial instruments related to waste management local producers. advertising canvas, among others. ble for the Arab World in December 2017 and the technologies. The pilot activities included a policy training programmes, with high attendance rates workshops on eco-trails with around 40 special-
Upcycling textile leftovers and the wine sector. It also included a procedural The aim of the pilot project ‘Collection and re- League of Arab States / ESCWA HLPF preparation package programme to remove regulatory barriers from the public and private sectors, a monitoring ists from all relevant stakeholders were organised,
The pilot project aimed to support the textile com- approach to constructing and integrating the com- Recovering olive oil byproducts and waste cycling of beverage containers’ was to explore the forum in April 2018. and provide financial aid for emerging clean tech- and evaluation plan with key indicators and fol- which aimed to establish the selection criteria for
pany Atelier le Printemps to upcycle discarded posting process at different scales, along with key The aim of the pilot project with Sabra Olive Oil feasibility of plastic bottle and aluminium can col- nologies, a resource-efficiency consultancy pro- low-up mechanisms, and a training workshop for the eco-trails.
fabrics from factories, businesses and homes by findings and best practices, in an effort to create was to complete an eco-audit of olive oil produc- lection and recycling circuits. It was based on a re- Sustainable public procurement assessment gramme and an expo event to increase visibility of women on reusing recycled products. The main
making garments and other accessories with ful- a ripple effect among wineries and lay the foun- tion, from tree to bottle, in order to explore the re- fund system for beverage containers using reverse The aim of this pilot project was to implement a green innovation and strengthen the local network achievements were a bylaw on plastic bag use al- Promoting sustainable agriculture
ly customised fabric patterns, while respecting the dations for replication in other Mediterranean covery of its coproducts and waste streams. The vending machines in selected supermarkets. demonstration of sustainable public procurement of entrepreneurs. ready put in place by the government, a draft law This pilot project aimed to develop agricultural
environment. countries. study also assessed the possibilities of eco-label- The two pilot projects aimed to prevent and by assessing the existing institutional system for on waste management that is currently before modules to promote sustainable practices. Activ-
Activities included strengthening Atelier le ling according to international standards. The sec- minimise the use of plastics that end up as marine purchasing within the governmental body. The Sustainable conduct best-practices the Parliament, and the initiative launched by the ities included the development of guidelines for
Printemps’ business plan to cover improvements in ond step involved designing a financial strategy litter in such a way that they could be replicated pilot activities included establishing policies for The aim of this pilot project was to facilitate a foun- Minister for Environment during the World Sci- biological pest control and assessment of post har-
the use and management of textile leftovers from and providing the company with support in their and promoted in the MENA region. mainstream sustainable public procurement and dation showcase of success stories on implement- ence Forum 2017, ‘One dead sea is enough’, which vesting techniques and handling to highlight and
commercial activities and in the quality of the marketing and communication efforts to reach guidelines for practitioners. The recommendations ing sustainable best practices in the catering sec- aimed to save the seas and oceans from pollution define the causes of post harvesting losses. Con-
raw materials used in the workshop. They also en- new customers and improve sales of organic olive Substitution of harmful chemicals for medical that set clear roles and mandates were also devel- tor. Energy, waste and material flow surveys were and man-made waste. sultation workshops in Ramallah, Nablus and He-
hanced their product design by mastering the art oil and byproducts. devices oped. In September 2017 the Second Sustainable completed in 50 restaurants and on-site training bron were organised and the best practices manual
of natural dyes using natural organic inks and silk- The aim of the pilot project to substitute additives Public Procurement Roundtable and a training ses- was provided in over 30 of them. A practical guide ‘Guidelines for introducing agricultural best prac-
screen printing and learned to adapt their products Replacing lead in industrial paint in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for medical devices sion on SPP with the participation of more than 100 was drawn up with environmental efficiency im- tices to preserve organic matter and moisture con-
to market trends. The pilot project tackled the substitution of lead was to eliminate harmful chemicals used in the government officials were organised. provement guidelines in restaurants and dining es- tent in soils’ was prepared and discussed. Three
in industrial anti-corrosive paint in Tunisia in or- health sector, specifically those containing phtha- tablishments. A platform on ‘Green label online for sustainable consumption and production expos
der to minimise the adverse effects of chemicals lates (DEHP), plasticisers with proven toxic and environmental streamlining in SMEs’ supplement- with media coverage were also organised in Jenin,
by raising awareness and disseminating technical carcinogenic effects in animals. ed the activities. Hebron and Gaza and included over 30 initiatives
guidelines. ranging from recycling of used tyres to organic
agriculture and upcycled fashion.
16 Demonstrating sustainable production within the industries of the Southern Mediterranean 17
Photo credit: @Omar-Malo on Flickr
30,673
30,673 direct impacted jobs.
12 28
12 industries from the textile sector. 28 industries from the chemical sector.
Industries sectors
22%
Chemical sector
41.7 1,830
3%
Leather
1,830 10%
Mechanical
8%
Textile
57%
Industries from the
food and beverage
sector
identified RECP measures which will save:
Saving 41,7 million for the 125 industries in 1,830 RECP measures were identified
707
annual production costs. generating 87.6 million euros in RECP
investments in the food, chemical, textile,
leather and mechanical sectors
GWh of energy.
125 71
Capacity building
3,512,660
Service providers qualified on TEST:
• The MED TEST II project has enabled 44
m3 of water. service providers with hands on experience
33,623
on the TEST methodology.
• Professionals from academia, business
Demonstrating RECP in 125 industries. 71 industries from the food and beverage
tonnes of raw material. sector.
associations, government institutions,
consultancy and industries received training
4
and will avoid: on the TEST tools (682 in total).
197,525
10
65%
tonnes of CO2 emissions. Men
19,612 tonnes of solid waste. 10 industries from the mechanical sector. 4 industries from the leather sector.
35%
Women
18 In depth cases 19
Turning challenges into
opportunities for industries in
the Southern Mediterranean
Moving industries to become more resource efficient and has demonstrated how this can happen and reveals the
clean in their production will have long lasting effects, untapped economic and environmental potential of a
not only for the businesses but also for the Southern Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production in the region.
Mediterranean region. SwitchMed’s MED TEST II project
Photos credits: UNIDO
T "The MED TEST II project
he development of a Circular Economy in The remarkable figures from the MED TEST II actively encouraged. During the MED TEST II pro-
Southern Mediterranean region, which can project also bring a message to industries in the ject all employees were involved in the application
make use of a closed loop production and
keep resources in play for as long as possi-
Southern Mediterranean, namely that protecting
the environment while maintaining a competitive
of RECP and a total annual savings of 92,370 euros
on energy (-27%), water (-45%), and raw materi-
helped us a lot. It supported
ble, will require the contribution on all levels of the
supply chain - including the industry. To effective-
edge on the global market is no longer a contra-
diction - it is an opportunity for industries to de-
als (-3%) could be identified. For an SME like the
Al-Hijaz Chocolate Company these savings are cru-
us to use tools to better
ly transform industries in switching to a produc-
tion that uses less resources, reduces pollution, and
velop better and more profitable business models
and can ensure continuity for an economic deve-
cial, but even more important is the contribution
that these savings have for the local community.
monitor and calculate
to support businesses in managing the transition of lopment that brings both profit to the business and
our consumption energy
becoming more competitive, is at the core of the the environment. In many cases the average in-
"By saving energy and
UNIDO MED TEST II component - a unique and vestment needed
and raw materials, which
innovative part of the SwitchMed Program. In this The MED TEST II project been able to demon-
water, we contribute to
context, adopting a Resource Efficient and Clean- strate that the RECP concept has a substantial po-
enables us to reach a better
er Production (RECP) is to many the first step to- tential to improve industrial performance in the re-
our community to use this
wards circular economy for productive industries. source-scarce Southern Mediterranean region and
utilization of our resources."
The Transfer of Environmentally Sound Tech- while there still is a long road ahead before the loop
energy and water in other
nology (TEST) methodology of UNIDO addresses for circular production models can be closed, the
Mohamed Gamal, COO
rising energy and raw material costs by demon- first brilliant examples of circular approaches from
fields."
strating how best practices in Resource Efficient this project show the way forward in what a more
BariQ Egypt
and Cleaner Production (RECP), with an attrac-
tive return on investment, can be integrated into
resource efficient production could give the region.
Tareq R. Yaqoub Production
ongoing business operations of industries in the
Southern Mediterranean. But to assist industries
Keeping track on the details
Skaff Dairy Farm is a Lebanese small sized enter-
Manager, Al-Hijaz
in turning challenges into opportunities, calls for a
change in knowledge, attitudes and practices rela-
prise, which annually produces around 840 t of
dairy products for the local market. The company
Chocolate Company
ted to resource consumption in the production. decided to join the MED TEST II project in order
Consequently, the MED TEST II project has to improve quality, reduce defects, and to continu-
followed a combined approach that has aimed ously improve cost efficiency. The main problems
Recycling at a lower cost
to strengthen the national capacities of offering the company was facing were related to high en-
BariQ, the biggest bottle-to-bottle recycler in the
RECP services and develop the local market for ergy costs losses from finished product returns.
MENA region, joined the MED TEST II project
sustainable production services to local industries, Through the MED TEST II project a new market-
to improve the level of water consumption and to
in combination with 125 RECP industry demon- ing policy based on strict returned product rules
see if the recycling process could be improved to
strations. This approach has showcased that there was recommended and has reduced costs related
more efficient standards. In operation since 2012,
is indeed a potential for RECP in the Southern to product returns by around 9,000 euro/ year and
BariQ reprocesses postconsumer plastic PET bot-
Mediterranean industries, and has also enabled the organic solid waste quantity by up to 17%. All in
tles into food grade compliant rPET pellets and
44 service providers with a hands on experience all, Skaff Dairy Farm was able to reduce the annual
incorporates state-of-the-art cutting-edge green
on RECP. The combination of an extensive on-the- energy cost by 44%, reduce the water consumption
technology from major European suppliers with a
job training and an evidence base best-practice with 15% per year, and cut raw material consump-
total annual capacity of 15,000 tons. Exporting to
methodology and technical assistance program tion with 2.8%. This will help the business to save
major international bottle and food container man-
have been effective to bring the industry in this re- 39,000 euros per year in production costs. The ins-
ufacturers and major fiber producers throughout
gion closer to innovative knowledge networks and tallation of a resource monitoring system and the
Europe and North America, BariQ is aware on the
to comprehend the vast potential in adapting to a adoption of a resource efficiency and cleaner pro-
importance of operating at a low cost and environ-
more resource efficient production. duction policy as part of the MED TEST II project
mentally sound.
The business case for RECP in the region has will facilitate the company’s future integration of
The MED TEST II project identified measures
in the last decade become substantial for produc- environmental and energy management systems.
bringing total annual savings of 981,962 euros in
tive industries. Rising prices of imported raw ma-
energy, water and raw materials with an estimat-
terials and especially energy, which in the period
of 2008-2018 increased from a minimum of 20% in
"I know every morning my ed investment of 358,000 euros. Materials con-
sumption will be reduced by 10% (1,180 t of raw
Algeria to almost 80% in Egypt, has contributed
to an increased awareness from businesses to look
use in electricity, diesel and materials), energy consumption by approximately
11% (1,530 MWh), and water by 88% (57,000 m³ of
into the issue of how to lower production costs rela-
ted to the resource inputs. For instance, in 2008 the
water…" water). Following the MED TEST II project imple-
mentation, the company’s TEST team has contin-
MED TEST I project showed average energy sav-
ings in the industry by 20%, while in 2016 during
Camilo Skaff, Owner, Skaff ued to use the TEST methodology independently.
Applying the knowledge gained during the TEST
the implementation of the MED TEST II project
the same aggregate went up to 28%. Another exam-
Dairy Farm training, the BariQ engineers successfully identi-
fied two energy measures that would deliver sig-
ple is water, a still heavily subsidized resource and
nificant results, improve product quality and fur-
industries in the Southern Mediterranean region
Savings for the company and the community ther increase on the project gains.
do not pay the real costs for its extraction, distri-
The Al-Hijaz Chocolate Company is a Palestine
bution and final treatment. Yet, average water sav-
family business, producing chocolate and confec- Visit the innovation bazaar at SwitchMed Connect
ings from industries in the MED TEST II project
tionaries, and decided to join the MED TEST II or visit switchmed.eu to take part in some of the im-
reached to 20%, highlighting that even projects re-
project to see how to reduce energy losses and to pact stories from the industries in the MED TEST II
lated to water efficiency have a good potential for
improve production efficiency. Already before the project.
local industries.
MED TEST II project, the company had developed
a company culture where improvement suggestions
from staff that could lead to resource savings wereYou can also read
