The European Commission has awarded Horizon Europe funding to the implementation of
the CIRCULANDIA project on circular food systems. With a total budget of € 9.6 million,
CIRCULANDIA represents a significant step towards a more resilient, regenerative, and
circular Europe. The project aims to build and scale circular urban and regional food
solutions that combine regenerative agriculture, local food production and distribution, and
reusable packaging solutions.

The overall aim of CIRCULANDIA is to break linear production–consumption–waste
models and replace them with circular solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
improve soil health and ecosystems, shorten food supply chains, and decrease packaging
waste. Over the coming years (2026-2030), CIRCULANDIA project will provide resources
for long-term development towards circular transition.

Pilot actions and demonstration sites across Europe

“As the coordinator of CIRCULANDIA, I am very pleased to get to launch this ambitious
European collaboration, which for uniquely brings together regenerative agriculture, local
food systems, and reusable packaging into a truly integrated approach. Our goal is not to
optimise individual solutions, but to transform the way the entire food ecosystems operate
towards a genuinely circular and climate-neutral model”, states Head of Circular Economy
Anna Tenhunen-Lunkka, from CLIC Innovation.

A key feature of CIRCULANDIA is its three-level replication model, where solutions are
first demonstrated in pilot cities, then adapted and implemented by replicator cities, and
further scaled through multiplier regions preparing for future uptake.

CIRCULANDIA will create transferable and scalable models that contribute to the
objectives of the European Green Deal and support the European Commission’s Circular
Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI).

The project consists of a wide range of actions. The remote monitoring system used to
verify carbon sequestration will be scaled up and replicated, while municipality-owned
fields will be guided towards regenerative farming practices. In addition, local underused
biostreams will be sourced and valorised, and demonstrations of urban farming models will be launched.

The project will also establish a full-scale demonstration of a local reusable
packaging ecosystem and increase consumer engagement with reusable takeaway
packaging.

Driving the transition together

The project brings together 35 organisations from 12 different countries across Europe,
including cities, regions, businesses, industry, clusters, research organizations, and NGOs.

The project’s target groups include cities, regions, public authorities, SMEs, the Horeca
sector, farmers, civil society organisations, research institutions, industry and technology
providers, as well as financial institutions.

“Together with cities, regions, businesses, and research organisations, we are building
practical solutions that can be scaled across Europe, delivering measurable reductions in
emissions, resource use, and waste, while strengthening local resilience and biodiversity.
While systemic change is inherently complex and challenging, we are not waiting for
perfect conditions—we are taking action and driving the transition forward now, together”,
underlines consortium coordinator, Head of Circular Economy Anna Tenhunen-Lunkka.