Transforming the Baltic Sea Region through Circular Economy Solutions

The Circular Spaces project, part of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme, brought together municipality, makerspace operators, and business support organisations across the region. The goal was clear: to turn makerspaces into sustainable, resource-efficient innovation hubs by embedding circular economy principles into their everyday operations.

Within the project a training program on circular economy with 9 topics was developed, guidelines for makerspaces with ten aspects or must-haves for makerspaces to transition into circular makerspaces were put together. Moreover, a digital circular collaboration tool that now connects more than 100 makers and suppliers to share sustainable practices and materials was launched. Last but not least, five makerspaces across the Baltic Sea Region were transformed to circular makerspaces by adjusting premises, introducing new equipment and materials.

After the training program was developed, training workshops took place in all 5 makerspaces participating in the project, educating more than 360 makers, designers, interested parties and others. One of those makerspaces was Valmiera makerspace DARE, where more than 100 locals gained knowledge on circular economy and its principle integration in product development.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed that the workshops helped them explore innovative ways to enhance or adapt their existing products to be more circular and sustainable. Attendees highlighted the value of not only the theoretical knowledge but also the practical examples of real companies operating under circular economy principles. These sessions allowed participants to engage hands-on, crafting new products from repurposed materials, which brought the principles of circularity to life.

As part of the project, the Valmiera makerspace DARE also underwent a transformation to become a circular makerspace, now providing resources and space to encourage sustainable and circular approaches in product development.

Inspired by the workshops, a team of two designers are now developing new products rooted in circular economy principles. Beyond theoretical understanding, they gained practical insights and access to makerspace’s DARE resources, allowing them to apply circularity in their projects. The team benefits not only from the physical space, equipment, and materials at makerspace DARE but also from mentorship by representatives of other makerspaces within the Baltic Sea Region. This collaborative environment encourages innovation and provides support at various stages of product development.

The designers have been very excited to create in the makerspace and says that even though they came to the makerspace with one idea, they had all the resources available to experiment and figure out the next steps for the products. “For us the biggest benefit in the project was opportunities for experimentation and sustainable creation,” stated Karīna Vītiņa, designer, one of team members.  The team also participated in the international conference on 5 March, which took place in Valmiera. Their presentation was inspiring and educational for all listeners.

“We can only wish those who are in Valmiera to definitely go to the Valmiera makerspace DARE and use the facilities available if you want to create your own idea for which you don’t really know what technique or technology to use. We also recommend using the educational resources developed within the project to gain an understanding of the circular economy, sustainable practices in product development. Be brave and create!” said Līva Birkava, designer, one of the team members.

The true strength of Circular Spaces laid in its transnational collaboration, which is supported by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region program by providing funding and fostering the cooperation. Makerspaces across countries worked together to share experiences, exchange knowledge, and support each other in the transition toward circularity. This collective effort meant that no organisation had to start from scratch – what worked in one place became an inspiration for another.

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