Our projects and initiatives

ICLEI Circulars accompanies local and regional governments along their circular development journey, regardless of their starting point.  

1. Circular Food Systems

Circular food systems bring together the food process as a whole – growing, producing, processing, distributing, preparing, and eating it. By focusing on sustainable and regenerative practices, these systems aim to cut down on waste and pollution, reuse and share resources, and recover materials for future use. They also connect with other systems like water and energy, which helps make regions stronger and more resilient.  

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2. City Practitioners Handbook series

The Practitioners Handbook series supports local and regional governments that have identified priority sectors or materials they wish to apply circular economy principles to. As part of this series, the Circular Food Systems Handbook offers sector-specific guidance through concrete tools cities are using to facilitate the transition to circular food systems, from stakeholder engagement to designing effective policies. Similarly, the Reuse Starter Kit for Food and Beverages introduces a three-step process for designing and implementing reuse initiatives, a policy toolbox tailored for cities, and global case studies showcasing successful practices.

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3. Circular City Actions Framework

This Framework introduces cities to the strategies and actions available to them as they work towards circular development at the local level. Five complementary strategies (Rethink, Regenerate, Reduce, Reuse, and Recover) can be applied to all production, consumption and waste management processes influenced by the city or its residents. The Framework was developed by ICLEI, Circle Economy, Metabolic and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

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4. Local and Subnational Governments Coalition to End Plastic Pollution

In February 2022, the United Nations adopted resolution 5/14 to create a global treaty addressing plastic pollution. By August 2025, this treaty has stalled. The Local and Subnational Governments Coalition advocates for the recognition and meaningful inclusion of subnationals in waste management and community engagement.

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5. Circular Cities Lab

Rapid urban growth is increasing waste in cities; reusable packaging offers a solution. The project ‘Circular City Labs (CCL) – Testing reusable packaging systems in cities’ aims to reduce and prevent waste through reusable packaging systems and strengthen women’s participation in local circular economies. Implemented in Tirana (Albania), Tbilisi (Georgia), and Medellín (Colombia), along with select areas in South Africa, it includes baseline studies, pilot testing for women-led companies, training for women in leadership and circular economy practices.

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Collaboration with other projects

1. Switch Asia

Funded by the European Union (EU) since 2007, SWITCH-Asia focuses on accelerating the adoption of circular economy practices among textile and apparel MSMEs in the Chinese cities of Huzhou and Shaoxing. ICLEI Circulars provides technical support and benchmarking expertise to foster greener business models throughout the entire value chain, from sustainable design and production to recycling and end of life strategies. 

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2. UrbanShift City Academy

The UrbanShift City Academy is a global platform that offers eight online courses focused on city planning and climate action for decision-makers and technical staff. ICLEI Circulars developed the Circular Economy module, which helps cities create inclusive strategies, tailored to local needs and available in multiple languages. 

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3. AfrifoodLinks

Involving 26 partners to improve food security and urban sustainability in over 65 cities in Africa and Europe, AfriFOODlinks promotes healthy diets, transforms urban food systems, supports women and youth in agri-food businesses, and strengthens inclusive governance. ICLEI Circulars engages in the project through its Circularity & Inclusivity Business program, which supports up to 15 local food companies in adopting circular and socially inclusive practices.

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