Have you achieved outstanding results by implementing circular practices in your company or organisation? Did you design a product that focuses on resource efficiency, longevity and reparability? Are you bringing the circular economy closer to your community by publicly advocating for it and starting initiatives yourself?
Launched in 2025, the Circular Economy Awards became the first regional programme created to recognise and celebrate pioneers, innovators, and changemakers advancing circular economy solutions across the region. The Awards honour outstanding achievements in implementing circular initiatives, projects, products, services, and business models that contribute to sustainable resource use and circular transformation. The Awards recognise stakeholders across seven different categories, showcasing inspiring examples of circular innovation and leadership from across the Western Balkans.
The 2026 call is out!
Apply in one of the seven categories below
1.Circular Economy Pioneer Award – Apply here
Recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing circular economy concepts through leadership, advocacy, or entrepreneurship.
2. Corporate Leadership in Circular Economy – Apply here
Honors companies that have seamlessly integrated circular economy principles into their core business strategies, demonstrating significant resource efficiency, reductions in waste and resource consumption.
3. Innovative Circular Design Award – Apply here
Celebrates professionals and organisations that create innovative products or services, emphasising resource efficiency, longevity, reparability, and recyclability. These efforts support sustainable consumption and help shift markets toward circular economy principles.
4. Municipal Circular Leadership Award – Apply here
Acknowledges municipalities ambitions implementing effective circular economy initiatives that enhance sustainability and community engagement.
5. Civil Society Circular economy Award – Apply here
Awarding NGOs working to accelerate the transition to CE, raising awareness, supporting policy implementation.
6. Circular Economy Education and Research Award – Apply here
Acknowledges educational and research organizations that have significantly advanced knowledge or technology in support of circular economy objectives through research, projects, curriculum development and similar.
7. Circular Start-Up Award – Apply here
Rewards start-ups that have developed innovative solutions for circular products, services and business models.
Why should you apply?
Benefits for finalists and winners
- Reflect on your achievements, results, and refine your communication by going through the entry process.
- The process of applying can motivate your team and stakeholders to see the benefits of the organisation’s circularity efforts.
- The application process itself can be educational, helping you identify areas for future improvement.
- Showcase your success and be recognised as a circular economy leader.
- Gain visibility and attract attention from potential investors, partners, and customers who prioritise efforts for transitioning to circularity.
- Ensure your staff and team are rewarded and recognised for their efforts and contribution.
- Access a vibrant community of like-minded individuals and organisations, fostering connections and collaborations.
Timeline
Find all necessary information regarding the open
call in the document below.
