Imagine enjoying a juicy steak made without harming animals or cutting down forests. At this year’s ANUGA fair, the CSCP showed how European farmers and scientists are joining forces to make cultivated meat (meat grown from animal cells) an option for everyone’s plate, through an open and inclusive process that values diverse perspectives and considerations.
At ANUGA 2025 in Cologne, Germany the world’s largest trade fair for food innovation, the audience was invited to rethink what “meat” could mean in the future. Under the keynote title “Can You Imagine a Future Where This Is Possible?”, Alexander Mannweiler, Head of Sustainable Business and Entrepreneurship at the CSCP, presented insights from the Horizon Europe project FEASTS.
The presentation at ANUGA highlighted how cultivated meat and seafood could complement conventional and plant-based proteins to create a more resilient and sustainable food system.
In his keynote, Mannweiler also addressed the realities behind the hype: technical hurdles, high production costs, and the need for trust and transparency across the value chain. The FEASTS project is tackling these issues by engaging multiple stakeholders—from farmers to policymakers and consumers—to develop open data, transparent communication, and sustainable business models.
One striking example of this innovation is Respect Farms, a Dutch initiative that aims to design the world’s first cultured meat farm. By integrating cell-based production into existing agricultural systems, such approaches could enable farmers to diversify their businesses while significantly reducing land and water use.
The keynote concluded with a look ahead: cultivated meat will likely enter the market first through hybrid and ingredient-based products, with the long-term potential to become a complementary source of sustainable protein alongside traditional and plant-based foods. The transition will require continued collaboration between science, industry, and society to ensure that technological progress goes hand in hand with environmental and social sustainability.
In FEASTS, which is a Horizon Europe project, we are working together with 35 partners from research, innovation, and industry across Europe to build an unbiased knowledge base on the opportunities, challenges, and societal implications of these novel proteins.
Would you like to engage with us on this topic? Please reach out to Alexander Mannweiler!
Citizens across Europe are feeling the change due to higher energy bills and from more frequent heatwaves and floods. A faster shift to clean energy, produced locally where possible, can help lower bills over time, create local jobs, and help make communities healthier and more resilient.
To deliver on these needs, the EU has launched the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan. But how can this plan become a true engine for change? That’s where the SETDEPLOY project comes in.
Launched in September 2025 in Gothenburg, Sweden, SETDEPLOY brings policy, industry, and research to the table to turn strategy into practical next steps.
The project is designed to make a difference by:
Improving decisions and faster through a user-friendly Decision-Making Toolbox that helps policymakers and practitioners compare options and choose what works best in their context.
Aligning plans with action by offering tailored monitoring and support so that national and regional priorities line up with the SET Plan. This way, effort and funding pull in the same direction.
Building capacity where it’s needed by conducting participatory workshops. The workshops will break down high-level goals into concrete action plans and milestones.
Keeping people at the centre: Led by the CSCP, stakeholder engagement will use proven methods like stakeholder personas and participatory visioning to capture diverse perspectives and translate them into real, usable outcomes.
By consolidating expertise and strengthening collaboration, SETDEPLOY aims to accelerate deployment of renewable fuels and bioenergy—helping Europe move toward climate neutrality faster and more effectively, while staying realistic about what it takes.
The project is funded by the Horizon Europe programme and is implemented by a consortium of organisations that include RISE, SINTEF, CIRCE, EUREC, ETA Florence and the CSCP.
For additional questions, please contact Joshua Aseto.
Photo by Jeroen van de Water on Unsplash
How can we build momentum and ignite action for a sustainable, circular bioeconomy through inclusive and solution-oriented stakeholder engagement formats? The CEE2ACT project has been running bioeconomy hubs in ten Central and Eastern European countries, which serve as collaborative platforms where policymakers, businesses, researchers, and civil society come together to shape bioeconomy strategies. Recent milestones, including an impact evaluation and contributions to the European Green Week 2025, highlight how engagement is driving action.
As the CEE2ACT project moves toward its conclusion in December 2025, successful stakeholder engagement is one of its achievements. Since its launch in 2022, the project has supported the establishment of National Bioeconomy Hubs (NBHs) across Central and Eastern Europe, facilitating collaboration between relevant actors and offering them a space to meet, share perspectives, and shape their countries’ bioeconomy strategies.
As a result of the bioeconomy hubs, Memorandas of Understanding (MoU) have been finalised or already signed in all participating countries, formalising collaboration among stakeholders. At the same time, all ten hubs are developing national bioeconomy roadmaps, a set of action plans that will guide the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy.
In August 2025 the impact evaluation of stakeholder engagement activities was submitted, a process led by the CSCP. As impact evaluators, we saw firsthand how the hubs helped actors collaborate in shaping the national bioeconomy strategies.
The insights and experiences of the bioeconomy hubs have also been brought into wider European discussions.
During the European Green Week 2025 in Brussels, Belgium, the CEE2ACT project was showcased as a best-practice example of how bioeconomy initiatives can unlock rural potential, strengthen national strategies, and contribute to European priorities.
The project is also highlighted for its direct contribution to shaping relevant EU policies in the field of bioeconomy.
The project consortium took part in the EU public consultation on the upcoming bioeconomy strategy, expected by the end of 2025, ensuring that perspectives from across Central and Eastern Europe are reflected in the new framework. By linking national engagement processes to European policymaking, the project reinforces the vital role of collaboration in advancing shared goals.
For more details about the CEE2ACT project and its work please visit the project website.
The CEE2ACT project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research programme and will run for three years (2022-2025), led by a consortium of 17 European partners.
For further questions, please contact Kartika Anggraeni.
How can cities translate climate goals into procurement practice? In the latest issue of the Kleine Kniffe magazine, we shared insights from our collaboration with the city of Dortmund, Germany showcasing how the city administration is systematically applying a climate factor in its public tenders supported by the CO₂ Performance Ladder.
Public procurement is increasingly seen as a lever for climate action. However, translating climate ambition into concrete procurement criteria remains a challenge. Many organisations, including city administrations, are left with questions such as how can sustainability be assessed fairly and efficiently in tenders or how can climate-friendly practices be rewarded without overburdening bidders or procurement teams?
In our latest article for the German procurement magazine Kleine Kniffe, we showcase how the city of Dortmund is addressing these questions by applying the CO₂ Performance Ladder with our support as national coordinator for Germany.
The article highlights Dortmund’s use of a structured “climate factor” as an award criterion in construction tenders. Since early 2025, bidders can receive up to 20% additional scoring if they demonstrate how their service or product reduces CO₂ emissions.
To ensure consistency and comparability, Dortmund accepts various forms of evidence within its climate factor, including environmental certifications, documentation of CO₂-reduction measures, and descriptions of sustainable practices relevant to the contract.
The CO₂ Performance Ladder is a recognised reference system, which enables organisations to demonstrate their level of climate ambition through independent certification. Organisations can certify at Step 1, 2 or 3 – ranging from internal CO₂ management and energy efficiency to long-term, value chain–oriented climate strategies aiming for net-zero emissions.
This approach provides a practical benefit for procurement authorities: instead of reviewing each sustainability statement individually, they can rely on standardised, audited documentation – making the process both manageable and credible.
In Germany, the CSCP coordinates the introduction of the CO₂ Performance Ladder and supports municipalities like Dortmund in putting it into practice. Currently, Dortmund is preparing an evaluation of the model to explore how it could be expanded to other sectors.
Since its introduction, the climate factor has been applied in 117 procurement procedures.
For further details, you can read the full article in the current edition of Kleine Kniffe.
For additional questions, please contact us co2pl@cscp.org.
What happens when three innovative hubs in Germany’s Bergisch City Triangle open their doors for a hands-on festival showcasing and celebrating the circular economy? Bold ideas come to life! Around 200 visitors joined our FAB Festival 2025, experiencing the circular economy firsthand through upcycling workshops, immersive nature activities, and meaningful networking.
Day One: Kick-off in Remscheid
The FAB Festival opened with an inspiring kick-off at the Gründerschmiede in Remscheid. Here, the circular economy met the start-up spirit: innovative projects and collaborations from the region were present and the day was filled with new ideas and lively discussions. Best practices from the project’s three lead markets of textiles, construction, and food were presented. Among the exhibitors were the furniture upcycling project by Picard + Birkenstock in collaboration with Lebenshilfe Remscheid, as well as Future Cleantech Architects.
A key highlight was Fabby, our AI-supported circular economy expert, sparking widespread curiosity and excitement. We were also happy to see that several mayoral candidates for the city of Remscheid showed up at the festival to experience circular economy in action and engage with the participants.
Day Two: Nature and Innovation in Wuppertal
On day two, Gut Einern in Wuppertal invited visitors to experience the circular economy in direct interaction with nature and technology. Visitors explored the vertical farm, the permaculture garden, and the digital learning bus. Maker-workshops, live podcasts, and interactive formats made the day an experience for the whole family.
Festival visitors had the chance to experience the surrounding fields, see the honeybees, and the stop by the textile workshop booth. There was plenty for children and adults to try out, including creating mini-ecosystems in jars or preparing delicious, homemade salad parcels with lettuce from the vertical farm.
Day Three: Hands-on sustainability in Solingen
On the last day, the Gläserne Werkstatt in Solingen opened its doors for a day full of creativity and sustainability. Visitors were able to experience the diversity of the circular economy: whether at the opening of GESA’s new second-hand pop-up store, the entertaining fashion challenge, the upcycling workshops with bicycle inner tubes, or the project gallery walk, the possibilities were countless. Crafts, fashion, and regional innovation complemented each other to create an inspiring overall experience.
Many of the visitors were impressed by the second-hand pop-up shop’s broad selection. Curious? If you’re in or around the Bergisch City Triangle region, feel free to drop by the store anytime — it’ll be open at the Gläserne Werkstatt through the end of 2025!
The FAB Festival concluded with a powerful message: with the right setting and hands-on opportunities, people in the region are eager to engage with circular economy solutions and embed them into their daily routines!
For further questions, please contact Nils Kreft.
Photos © Juliane Herrmann
Are your curious about algae and how they can be used to achieve greater sustainability? At our “Feel the Sea” exhibition as part of the Algae Awareness Summit 2025 held in Berlin, Germany participants explored different uses of algae, got to know algae innovators and most importantly were able to touch, taste, and feel algae!
As part of the AlgaeProBANOS project (co-funded under the EU’s Horizon programme), the CSCP Creative Communication team designed and hosted the algae experience exhibition—an interactive space where visitors could touch, taste, and feel algae. The exhibition set out to surprise, spark curiosity, and build connection to an organism that humans have used for at least 30,000 years.
From facts to connection
When communicating about sustainable solutions, like new applications of algae and its derivatives, it is important to also connect to people on an emotional level. There are countless facts and scientific findings about algae, but raising awareness and encouraging people to try a new product or process is often not enough. As Alessandra Portis, Communication Officer at the European Commission put it, the exhibition “made algae easy to get”.
A short history of a long partnership
This is why the exhibition starts with a dive into our shared human–algae history. Even seasoned experts at the 2nd EU Algae Awareness Summit were surprised by the many ways people have utilised algae: from bull kelp used as waterproof containers by indigenous peoples around the Pacific, to the production of alkali for glass, soap, and explosives from the 17th to early 20th century. We’ve also eaten algae for centuries—Spirulina harvested from lakes in regions such as Mexico and Chad as a high-protein food or laverbread as a nourishing Welsh staple for at least 800 years.
From pilot to product—made tangible
To make innovation concrete, we showcased the life-cycle stages of our AlgaeProBANOS pilot companies: algae species, intermediate materials, final product. Visitors could see (and in some cases taste) real algae products—making it clear what algae can become in everyday life.
Mapping a thriving ecosystem
At our Algae Innovator Board, over 50 innovators shared key facts about their solutions, offering a quick overview of the field and an easy way for participants to connect with relevant teams.
Where algae can move the needle
A rotating block installation highlighted eight promising impact areas for algae: climate, health, chemicals, food, textiles, agriculture, biomaterials, and beauty. School children who visited the exhibition particularly loved this interactive component. While there are many more applications for this “slimy jack of all trades”—as a German newspaper described it and as cited at the event by the German Minister of Agriculture, Alois Rainer—these eight focus areas help make the potential of algae more tangible.
Thanks to our “Share Your Thoughts” sculpture and the many conversations inspired by the exhibition, we received valuable feedback that will help us enhance the impact of the next algae experience exhibition. Stay tuned for updates on the project and the location of the upcoming “Feel the Sea” algae experience!
For further questions, please contact Nikola Berger.
How can citizen science enabled by digitalisation help transform the way we eat? With food systems contributing up to 37% of global emissions* and millions in Europe lacking access to healthy food, the newly-launched SPOON website aims to support the collection and sharing of relevant food data for decision-makers and other relevant actors, who work closely with communities on the topic of sustainable eating practices.
The website aims to support food decision-makers by helping them develop solutions informed by consumer realities and everyday practices, and to empower citizens by enabling them to make more informed choices about food.
In a time when climate shocks, food poverty and insecurity, and disrupted supply chains are testing the limits of global food systems, SPOON (Food Systems in Transition – Participatory, Open Citizen Research for Sustainable Nutrition) offers a new approach. The project empowers citizens to take part in reshaping our food environment, not just as consumers, but as co-creators of knowledge.
Led by the CSCP, SPOON brings together 16 partners across Europe and is funded by the Horizon Europe programme. Its aim: to promote healthy, sustainable diets by using digital tools, participatory research, and behavioural science.
“Understanding consumers’ local realities and designing solutions around them isn’t just smart, it’s essential for real impact. When we co-create with people, or build on the insights they share, our solutions become more relevant, more accepted, and more likely to succeed. Digital tools make this easier than ever.”, says Arlind Xhelili, Project Manager of SPOON.
“SPOON is all about putting people, their needs, experiences, and local contexts at the centre of change. By making their voices and data part of the innovation process, we connect food decision-makers directly with the communities on the ground. It’s a shift to building food systems that truly work for everyone,” concludes Xhelili.
The newly launched website offers insights into the project’s goals, updates from the six project pilot regions, and information on the innovative digital tools being developed.
Visitors to the website can learn how SPOON will:
Whether you’re a policymaker, a researcher, a local food actor, or a citizen passionate about sustainable living, there’s something for you at spoonproject.eu
Follow SPOON on social media to stay updated on project milestones, local events, and citizen engagement opportunities: LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube.
For further information, please reach out to Arlind Xhelili.
*Crippa et al., 2021
Across Europe, cities and regions are tackling the same pressing questions: How do we measure circularity in a meaningful way? How do we make water cycles resilient to droughts and floods? How do we ensure that the circular transition benefits people, not just systems? How do we secure the critical raw materials our economies depend on?
No city has all the answers alone. Yet by working together, cities can turn common challenges into shared progress—building a more circular, resilient, and inclusive future for all.
That’s why the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) is launching four new Communities of Practice (CoPs), small, dedicated groups of frontrunner cities and regions that exchange openly, share what works (and what doesn’t), and co-create practical solutions.
Cities can apply to join the following CoPs:
What to expect?
Together with other cities and regions, you’ll be in the lead. Each CoP meets online regularly, and shapes the agenda, focus, and outcomes to solve the pressing challenges of the circular transitions. Bring your own project as a case, test ideas with your peers, and walk away with insights you can use immediately!
Why join?
Who can apply?
European local and regional authorities, their agencies, and publicly owned companies with hands-on experience in one of the four topics can apply until 17 October 2025!
Register now to be part of our CCRI Communities of Practice!
For further questions, please contact Luca E. Sander.
By shaping demand and signalling new expectations to the market, consumer choices can play a key role in driving the shift toward more sustainable protein sources. The question is then: how can consumers be empowered and enabled to drive the protein transition? Join us this October in Brussels as we explore what shapes people’s food choices, bringing science, sustainability, and behaviour change together in two events.
During 14-16 October 2025, Brussels, Belgium will be the hotspot for Europe’s food and alternative protein scene. Arlind Xhelili, CSCP Project Manager, will join two key events: the Horizons4Protein (H4P) Workshop and EIT Food’s Next Bite Conference.
Horizons4Protein Workshop – 14 October 2025
At this event, we’re joining forces with key EU-funded alternative protein projects (GIANT LEAPS, LIKE-A-PRO, VALPRO Path) to strengthen collaboration and synergies. The workshop focuses on three areas: policy, environmental and socio-economic assessments, and consumer insights. The CSCP will be involved in deep-dives on consumer insights to:
The CSCP will bring behavioural expertise, participatory thinking, and a systemic lens to this challenge, building bridges between innovation, people, and policy.
Next Bite 2025 – 15 & 16 October 2025
As part of the panel discussion “The Informed Grocery List: Bridging Healthy Eating with Everyday Choices”, held on 15 October at the Next Bite 2025 event hosted by EIT Food, Arlind Xhelili will explore how to make consumer choices healthier, more sustainable, and even a bit more playful. Expect candid insights and fresh perspectives as we explore what truly drives food choices and how to influence them!
For further details, check out the full programme. To join, please register here.
Meet us there!
Both events offer a chance to connect, collaborate, and co-create the future of food. Whether you’re a policymaker, industry player, innovator, researcher, or just passionate about transforming the food system, come meet us in Brussels. Let’s talk about healthy and sustainable food, people, and what’s next!
For additional questions, please reach out to Arlind Xhelili.
How to reconcile economic growth with sustainability goals and value-driven corporate leadership? This was the focus of a meeting between members of the German Senate of Economy and the Member of the German Parliament (SPD), Helge Lindh hosted by the CSCP in August 2025.
The participants were welcomed by Rolf Heeb, Chair of the Steering Committee.
Dr. Christoph Brüssel, Executive Board Member of the German Senate of Economy, highlighted the Senate’s orientation toward the common good and how it strives to support political actors with practical and independent expertise.
Drawing on two decades of working at the intersection of policy, business, civil society, academia, and communities, CSCP Executive Director, Michael Kuhndt shared realistic pathways on how growth and sustainability can not only be reconciled, but also unlock innovation and competitiveness.
Norbert Streveld, Chair of the German Senate of Economy, stressed the importance of open exchange across politics, business, and society. He emphasised the Senate’s role as a values-driven community and a platform that brings together diverse perspectives and advances dialogue at the regional and national level.
Helge Lindh, member of the German Parliament from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) shared policy and decision-making perspectives and emphasised the importance of policymakers engaging with diverse societal actors to foster collaborative, bottom-up partnerships that go beyond traditional channels of influence.
Throughout the evening, the participants exchanged on the need to turn dialogue into action, translating insights from practice into enabling policy and corporate decision-making. Several impulses from the discussion will be carried forward into ongoing federal-level conversations in Germany.
The event builds on the CSCP’s think and do approach of co-creating solutions with companies, policymakers, and civil society and piloting them in real-world settings. It also follows Michael Kuhndt’s appointment as Senator of the German Senate of Economy, reinforcing CSCP’s commitment to advancing sustainability at the interface of policy and practice.
The German Senate of Economy advocates for a human-centric approach in the market economy, promoting corporate social responsibility and fair and inclusive collaboration between companies of all sizes and legal forms and state and international institutions.
For further questions, please contact Michael Kuhndt.