Gipuzkoa Circular Economy Forum 2025: Strategic Sustainability

Gipuzkoa Circular Economy Forum 2025: Strategic Sustainability

Last week, San Sebastian hosted the Gipuzkoa Circular Economy Forum 2025, the 7th edition of an international meeting that gathered over 40 experts to debate the future of sustainability, artificial intelligence, and resource efficiency. Organized by the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council (Diputación Foral de Gipuzkoa), the event focused on the theme “Strategic Autonomy: Advancing Resource Efficiency.”

The Gipuzkoa Circular Economy Forum highlighted how circularity is shaping industries such as construction, electric mobility, renewable energies, food production, and AI-driven technologies. Leading voices, including international strategists and sustainability researchers, stressed the importance of reducing dependence on external energy sources, optimizing raw materials, and accelerating decarbonization.

One of the main conclusions was that circular economy policies are not only ethical but also a competitive advantage in global markets. The forum showcased how Gipuzkoa has tripled its recycling sector turnover in just six years, now representing 6% of the regional GDP and creating more than 6,500 jobs.

A highlight of the event was the round table “Women and Sustainability”, moderated by Idoia Azaldegui Alba, General Director of POLYMAT and member of our advisory board, together with colleagues from Women Action Sustainability (WAS). Their discussion emphasized the vital role of women in driving innovation and circular transformation across Europe.

The Gipuzkoa Circular Economy Forum 2025 reaffirmed the region’s position as an international model in sustainability and strategic autonomy. From AI in resource management to industrial decarbonization, the forum set the stage for Europe’s transition toward a carbon-neutral future by 2050.

🌍 Explore more about our commitment to circular innovation and sustainable materials, here.