Guidelines Developed to Empower Makerspaces for a Circular Future

This guide is designed to help makerspaces across the Baltic Sea Region integrate circular economy principles into their operations, fostering a more sustainable and resource-efficient environment for innovation and collaboration.

The guide is tailored for makerspaces who want to implement circular practices. Whether a makerspace is just beginning its journey towards circularity or already engaged in sustainable practices, this step-by-step guide provides valuable insights and practical tools.

The guide offers a structured approach to transforming traditional makerspaces into circular makerspaces. It highlights:

• The importance of circular economy in the Baltic Sea Region and how makerspaces can contribute to regional sustainability goals.
• An overview of the current state and opportunities for makerspaces to integrate circularity into their processes.
• A clear roadmap with ten key aspects, each supported by checklists, practical tools, and templates:
  1. Strategy and culture for circularity
  2. Assessment and planning
  3. Education, training, and business support
  4. Sourcing and material management
  5. Design for circularity
  6. Facility and operation modifications
  7. Community and collaboration
  8. Monitoring and feedback
  9. Showcasing success and innovation
  10. Policy and funding
• Tools and templates, including a Circular Maturity Test, SWOT analysis canvas, and digital collaboration platform, to support makerspaces in their transformation.
• Case studies of successfully transformed circular makerspaces in Denmark, Latvia, Germany, and Norway, showcasing real-world applications of circular practices.

Adopting circular principles enables makerspaces to reduce waste, optimize resources, and create economic opportunities through innovation. By implementing the steps outlined in the guide, makerspaces can enhance their sustainability impact and contribute to the European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan goals. Strengthening community engagement and collaboration fosters knowledge-sharing and encourages the adoption of circular practices across industries. Improving resource efficiency and cost-effectiveness allows makerspaces to make the most of available materials and reduce operational expenses. Access to funding and policy support for circular initiatives increases opportunities for growth and long-term sustainability. Finally, by inspiring makers, startups, and SMEs to develop sustainable products and services, makerspaces can become hubs of circular innovation and leadership.

The guide is more than just a document—it is a roadmap for action. By following this structured approach, makerspaces can lead the transition to a sustainable, circular economy and create a lasting positive impact on the Baltic Sea Region.

Download the guide, take the first step towards circularity, and join the movement for a more sustainable future!

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