The fifth meeting of the Greek Circular Bioeconomy Group of the European RIBES project focused on business models for the utilization of olive tree pruning and wool. Following the first four meetings (1, 2, 3, 4), the meeting took place on Wednesday, June 17, in a hybrid format combining online participation with an in-person session hosted at the Department of Geography, of the University of the Aegean in Mytilene (Lesvos island). A total of 13 people participated, including representatives of the Green Fund, civil society organizations, academics, and members of the decentralized local government.
The first presentation was given by Julie Loi, a member of the MTF and the NIMATA non-profit organization, and focused on innovative ways to revitalize the wool value chain in the European Union. The presentation focused both on the current state and challenges of the wool market and on the various alternatives that have emerged for its utilization. This information, drawn from discussions within the CAP’s European cooperation network focus groups, provided the basis for a discussion on the potential of wool depending on its quality.
Followingly Q-PLAN INTERNATIONAL analyzed the structure of a business model, the Three-Level Business Model Canvas. This is a tool that enhances the traditional “Business Model Canvas” by adding two additional levels: an environmental level, which focuses on the impact throughout the life cycle, and a social level, which takes into account the social impact and the views of stakeholders.
The participatory workshop that followed aimed to co-develop a business model for utilizing wool for the production of liquid fertilizer. Participants’ comments and suggestions focused on the business partners, main activities, costs, subsidization, and revenue streams of the business model.
A broader discussion ensued regarding the possibilities for diversification in valorization of wool. The discussion, which was also based on information from the CAP’s European cooperation network, focused on how each type of wool can be utilized according to its quality. This approach helps avoid “one-size-fits-all” solutions that are based on lower-quality wool. In this context, the possibility of diversifying business models to incorporate this dimension was also discussed. The issues and ideas that emerged will be taken into account in the further development of the business model and in the exploration of complementary utilization strategies.
Lastly the next steps for the development of business models were presented, which include their finalization and confirmation during the next 6th MTF meeting.
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Regional Inclusive Biobased Entrepreneurship Solutions, or RIBES, is a project that seeks to transition ten European regions to dynamic, circular economic models that foster social innovation. It is funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101134911.