Multipurpose materials
SustainaCycle
SustainaCycle -Smart Waste Collection and Recycling
The project aims to reduce waste and save resources by recycling and reusing plastic, textile, and electronic waste in Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Sweden.
Objectives:
The SustainaCycle project aims to improve how these materials are collected and reused, helping reduce waste and save natural resources. The project will pilot smart and mobile waste collection systems in Estonia, Finland and Latvia, while mapping waste chains and connecting them to companies that can recycle or reuse material. Awareness campaigns will help people understand how and why to sort waste better.
Outcomes:
SustainaCycle will set up innovative demo sites in Estonia, Finland and Latvia to collect up to 40,000 kg of plastic, textile, and electronic waste each year. The project aims to recover at least 60 % of this waste through recycling and reuse, helping reduce the need of the virgin materials. By connecting waste collectors with companies that handle recycling material recovery, SustainaCycle promotes a more circular economy. It will also raise awareness in communities to support responsible waste disposal and encourage sustainable habit.
The project aims to reduce waste and save resources by recycling and reusing plastic, textile, and electronic waste in Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Sweden.
Objectives:
The SustainaCycle project aims to improve how these materials are collected and reused, helping reduce waste and save natural resources. The project will pilot smart and mobile waste collection systems in Estonia, Finland and Latvia, while mapping waste chains and connecting them to companies that can recycle or reuse material. Awareness campaigns will help people understand how and why to sort waste better.
Outcomes:
SustainaCycle will set up innovative demo sites in Estonia, Finland and Latvia to collect up to 40,000 kg of plastic, textile, and electronic waste each year. The project aims to recover at least 60 % of this waste through recycling and reuse, helping reduce the need of the virgin materials. By connecting waste collectors with companies that handle recycling material recovery, SustainaCycle promotes a more circular economy. It will also raise awareness in communities to support responsible waste disposal and encourage sustainable habit.
More information about the project
Takes place in project:
New report available: Report of current data collection tools for waste flows
We are pleased to announce that the report Report of Current Data Collection Tools for Waste Flows is now available for download.
The report provides an overview of existing mapping, analysis, and modelling tools used to collect and assess waste flow data across the Baltic Sea region. It highlights how different tools are applied to various waste streams
The findings aim to support policymakers, waste management authorities, researchers, and project developers by offering a structured overview of current practices and by identifying opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation and data alignment.
Download it on bottom of this page, in the section: Attachments and materials for the project
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Thank you for participating in the Driving Awareness to Boost Recycling workshop
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Driving Awareness to Boost Recycling hybrid workshop on 19 February 2026 in Lappeenranta and online via Teams.
The interactive workshop brought together professionals and practitioners working with or interested in recycling, circular economy, environmental communication, and environmental education. Participants joined us from Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Latvia, creating a valuable space for cross‑border discussion and exchange.
During the day, we focused on practical communication approaches that can help improve recycling outcomes in everyday contexts. Through collaborative workshop activities, discussions, and shared examples, participants gained new ideas they can apply in their own work, while also reflecting on common challenges and solutions.
We would like to warmly thank all participants and speakers, for their active contribution, openness, and valuable insights. Your engagement made the workshop a success.
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LAB Hosted Interregional Project Partner Meeting in Lappeenranta
LAB University of Applied Sciences was pleased to host an interregional meeting for project partners on 18–19 February 2026 in Lappeenranta. The meeting brought together partners to strengthen cooperation, exchange experiences, and advance the planning and implementation of pilot activities.
Over the two days, participants engaged in productive discussions on project progress, practical collaboration, and next steps, reinforcing shared objectives and building momentum for upcoming activities.
LAB extends its thanks to all partners for their active participation and open collaboration and looks forward to continuing the work together. The next interregional meeting will take place in June 2026 in Sweden, further supporting cooperation and knowledge exchange across the partnership.
Project manager
Maria Jäppinen
RDI specialist
maria [dot] jappinen
lab [dot] fi
lab [dot] fiMore information about the project
Project state
On-going
Project area
International
LAB role
Partner
Unit
Technology
Key competence
Multipurpose materials
