A hybrid EU training project with validated learning modules and ECTS connection
Lüdenscheid Plastics Institute
As part of the ERASMUS+ program, a European consortium including the Kunststoff-Institut Lüdenscheid is developing a hybrid training course for the circular economy in plastics processing. The aim is to establish standardized learning modules that can be used at all qualification levels – from initial vocational training to in-company further training.
Education for change: European learning platform on the circular economy in plastics processing
Insights into an international EU project for the qualification of specialists for sustainable production systems
The plastics industry has a special responsibility when it comes to the sustainable use of resources and environmental compatibility. As part of the EU education program ERASMUS+, an international consortium is working on the development of CIRCVET, a virtual learning platform that sets new standards in vocational and academic education and training on the circular economy.
Project objective: Green skills for Europe’s plastics industry
The CIRCVET project aims to provide the most comprehensive, free and demand-oriented training course on the circular economy for plastics processing to date. The course content is tailored to the real requirements of the industry and combines the expertise of twelve partner institutions from six EU countries – including universities, research centers, vocational training centers, industry clusters and SME representatives.
Specifically represented are: Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Germany, Lithuania.
The focus is on developing green skills – the competencies, values and attitudes required to develop and support a sustainable, resource-efficient economy.
Structure and implementation of the learning platform
The modular course is available both synchronously (with direct supervision) and asynchronously (self-study) and comprises the following key steps:
- Needs assessment: Target groups undergo an analysis to determine their prior knowledge and learning needs.
- Personalized course composition: A suitable module catalog is compiled based on the results.
- Course delivery: The content is taught via a MOOC-based e-learning platform.
- Certification: Upon successful completion of all modules, participants receive an officially recognized EU certificate.
The course is designed for three levels of education:
I-VET-VET – Initial Vocational Education and Training
This level is aimed at learners in initial vocational training – i.e. trainees who are preparing for a recognized training occupation (e.g. process mechanic in plastics technology). The course content is taught in face-to-face or live online format, i.e. in synchronous form with direct support from trainers or teachers. The total number of lessons is 25.
I-VET-HE – Initial Vocational Education and Training
This course format is aimed at students at university level, particularly those studying engineering or environmental technology. Here too, teaching takes place synchronously, for example through live webinars or face-to-face events at universities and universities of applied sciences. The scope is 18.75 hours, as the content is more condensed and tailored to previous academic knowledge.
C-VET – Continuing Vocational Education and Training for Employees
This course variant is designed for professionals already in employment who wish to deepen their knowledge of the circular economy – such as production managers, technicians or sustainability managers. The modules are available in an asynchronous self-study format: via an e-learning platform with videos, exercises and work materials that can be completed flexibly and at any time.
The main topics of the course are:
- 1. circular economy & systemic strategies
Introduction to basic concepts of the circular economy, including the legal framework, implementation options on an industrial scale and strategic planning for closing material cycles.
- 2. eco-design and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Teaching methods for ecologically optimized product design, evaluation of ecological effects along the entire life cycle (e.g. with LCA software), and integration of environmental labels and end-of-life scenarios into product design.
- 3. digital skills
Application of digital technologies such as blockchain for material traceability, artificial intelligence for process optimization, IoT, big data, augmented reality and cybersecurity – key enablers for an intelligent and networked circular economy.
- 4. recycling processes and material cycles
In-depth study of current recycling methods (mechanical, chemical), evaluation of up- and downcycling processes, handling of composite materials and requirements for unmixed material flows in different branches of industry.
- 5. production processes from a sustainability perspective
Sustainable design of production processes using recycled, bio-based or biodegradable materials – with a focus on cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency and product quality.
- 6. user needs and market mechanisms
Analysis of consumer expectations, willingness to pay for sustainable products, importance of eco-labels and the communication of ecological product benefits to promote market acceptance.
- 7. value creation through recycling
Presentation of concepts for material recycling, design-for-reuse and dismantling capability as well as the development of efficient logistics and return systems for the integration of secondary raw materials.
- 8. entrepreneurship & new business models
Promotion of innovation skills for the development of circular business models, technology transfer, start-up support and the legal basis of intellectual property in sustainability-oriented companies.
European cooperation – anchored locally
The technical development is accompanied by regular project meetings of the international working group. These meetings are combined with on-site workshops in the partner countries – in close cooperation with regional industry and educational institutions. In this way, practical experience flows directly into the course development.
Especially in times of global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, it is clear how essential strong European cohesion is. Close cooperation across national borders – as practiced in this project – not only strengthens technological progress, but also mutual trust and the resilience of the European Union. Joint educational initiatives and the exchange of know-how promote a united Europe that is able to face global challenges with a united voice and assert its values and economic and technological sovereignty.
The validation process has started
In February 2025, a key project objective was achieved with the validation process of the CIRCVET platform. The first validation workshop with company representatives took place in Alessandria (Italy) on February 19. The prepared modules of the free training course “Circular Economy Expert in Sustainable Plastic Products” were presented and tested for practical suitability using a skills test – in particular by specialists from the packaging sector.
Immediately afterwards, the project’s steering committee met at the partner company Proplast. The two-day meeting focused on the final key performance indicators (KPIs), strategic communication and exploitation measures as well as a specific workshop to derive suitable exploitation strategies. As part of a moderated brainstorming session, the partners analyzed risks, opportunities and practical implementation models for the sustainable use of the project results.
The multidisciplinary exchange – across national, linguistic and institutional boundaries – led to concrete approaches for overcoming identified hurdles.
The project will conclude in June 2025 with a final project meeting hosted by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The aim is to decide how CIRCVET will be consolidated beyond the project duration and integrated into the European educational landscape.
If you would like to stay informed about the next steps and events, you can subscribe to the CIRCVET newsletter.
Anyone interested can register for and complete the course free of charge at www.circvet.eu.
Conclusion
With a budget of 1.9 million euros (funding rate 80%) and a duration until August 2025, CIRCVET marks an innovative educational approach in the spirit of sustainability. The project not only contributes to the ecological transformation of the plastics industry, but also shows what European educational cooperation can look like in concrete terms – practical, digital and future-oriented.
Project page: www.circvet.eu
Note:
The copyright of the images “EU_CircVET_Partners” and “circvet_Start_logo” lies with the project consortium. The images may be used without restriction for publications.
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