From 9 to 11 June 2026, the island of Chalki became a vibrant hub for circular economy innovation, creativity and international cooperation as it hosted a series of events organised within the framework of the CAROUSEL Project implemented by INSULEUR.
Bringing together project partners, local stakeholders, creators, entrepreneurs and public authorities from across the ADRION region, the events demonstrated how small island communities can play a leading role in the transition towards more sustainable and circular economic models.
International Partners Meet in Chalki
The programme began with the 5th CAROUSEL Technical Meeting, where project partners reviewed the progress achieved so far, discussed the implementation of pilot actions and coordinated the next steps of the project.
A key highlight was the presentation of the Chalki Pilot, developed by the Municipality of Chalki with the support of INSULEUR. Participants had the opportunity to explore the CAROUSEL Hub, the Pop-Up Shop and the island’s wider circular economy initiatives, illustrating how local communities can actively engage in sustainable development.
The meeting also included study visits to local businesses and creative initiatives, showcasing innovative upcycled products and demonstrating how circular economy principles can be translated into practical opportunities for local entrepreneurs and artisans.
The Pop Circularity Festival: Celebrating Creativity and Circularity
The centrepiece of the programme was the Pop Circularity Festival, a two-day event held at the Chalki Innovation Park that brought together creators and artisans from Greece, Italy, Serbia and Slovenia.
Visitors discovered a wide range of products created through upcycling and creative reuse, including textiles, marine wood creations, mosaics, jewellery and natural cosmetics. Beyond the products themselves, the festival highlighted the stories, skills and creativity of the people transforming discarded materials into valuable new resources.
Through exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops and exchanges with the public, the festival illustrated how circular economy is not only about reducing waste, but also about creating opportunities, strengthening communities and fostering innovation.
A particularly symbolic moment was the unveiling of a co-created public bench built entirely from construction waste and recycled Chalki glass. Created collaboratively during the festival, the installation now stands as a tangible example of how materials often considered waste can be transformed into functional and meaningful assets for local communities.
From Local Action to Replicable Island Solutions
The events concluded with the conference “Developing Local Circular Economy Communities in Small Island Municipalities of Greece”, which provided an opportunity to discuss the broader impact and future potential of the CAROUSEL Project.
Particular attention was given to the transferability of the Chalki Pilot and its potential replication in other island and local communities across Greece and the wider Adriatic-Ionian region. Discussions highlighted how circular economy solutions can successfully flourish even in small and remote territories when supported by strong local partnerships and community engagement.
The conference was attended by the Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, and the Regional Governor of the South Aegean, George Hatzimarkos, who visited the CAROUSEL Pop-Up Shop and expressed strong interest in the innovative upcycled products showcased during the event.
Building Circular Communities Across the ADRION Region
The Chalki events demonstrated the added value of cooperation between local authorities, businesses, creators and European partners in advancing the circular economy agenda.
Through pilot actions, community engagement and knowledge exchange, the CAROUSEL Project continues to support the development of stronger local circular ecosystems across the ADRION region, helping island and coastal communities transform environmental challenges into economic and social opportunities.
INSULEUR is proud to contribute to this collaborative effort and to support initiatives that showcase how islands can become laboratories for sustainability, innovation and circular development.
More about the CAROUSEL Project:
Website: https://carousel.interreg-ipa-adrion.eu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carousel_adrion_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarouselAdrion#