The Project set of objectives was correlated with the needs of the target groups: SME leaders and managers, VET educators as well as Partner organisations’ employees and reflected the global market trends. SMEs, with over 100 million employees in the EU are a driving force behind huge changes. In the case of transformation from waste management business models to waste-free ones, the necessary change influenced all aspects of organisations' operations: internal and external. Based on the pre-project analysis as well as intensive consultations within the Partnership, Partners pursued 3 main objectives: 1 Encouraged SME leaders to start the transformation process and develop Waste Free Economy Policies and Implementation Action Plans for their organisations and to set examples for other SMEs. 2 Catalogued and developed SMEs' leaders and Project Partners’ competencies necessary for successful transition to the Waste Free Economy, and encouraged their development as sustainability change agents 3 Equipped VET providers with ready-made learning structures, best practice examples, and tools to support the adaptation of their training offers to SME leaders and staff needs to develop the skills needed in the area of sustainable developmet
Project Partners were involved in several pro-ecological projects. They realised waste management alone wasn't enough to combat climate change and aimed to introduce waste-free economy models. They identified four key hindrances: Lack of clear connection between individual behaviour and its impact on environmental transition. Slow pace of change and irregularities typical of circular economy. Feeling of impotence due to the problem's size and lack of concrete proposals for SMEs. Lack of feedback on the effectiveness of actions taken by SMEs. The Project aimed to enhance education and training for local communities by sharing approaches and best practices on waste-free economy. It sought to leverage existing resources for transition and reconcile information from various sources. Additionally, it offered support to communication campaigns by improving the capacities of Partner organisations in environmental strategic development and targeted activities. Partners also wanted to help SMEs with challenges such as: Lack of knowledge and understanding of waste-free economy processes. Lack of awareness of benefits for SMEs and the environment. Lack of real-life examples, guidance. competencies needed, tailored materials and trainings