For the first time, the Lab of Tomorrow (LoT) program has arrived in Albania, bringing with it innovative solutions for the country’s waste management challenges. As Albania grapples with the issue of glass waste, the Lab of Tomorrow’s 23rd cohort focused on circular economy strategies aimed at transforming waste into a resource. This initiative is part of the broader EU4 Circular Economy and Livable Cities (EU4CELC) project, co-financed by the European Union (EU) and BMZ, and implemented by GIZ Albania in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment.
Circular Economy in Albania: A New Beginning
With the backing of EU4CELC, the LoT23 ideation sprint in Albania marks a significant step toward adopting circular economy principles in the country. The intensive four-day workshop, held for the first time in Albania, gathered small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry experts, and design thinking coaches to address one pressing issue: glass waste. The sprint offered Albanian SMEs the opportunity to rethink the traditional, linear model of production and disposal and instead create circular innovations that could reshape how glass packaging is handled in Albania.
The Ideation Sprint: Fostering Collaborative Innovation
The Lab of Tomorrow’s Ideation Sprint served as a platform for participants to explore new ways of reducing glass waste. The sprint focused on bringing together the private sector to collaboratively develop sustainable solutions. Over the course of four days, participants immersed themselves in design thinking, prototyping, and business model development, all while learning how to align their innovations with circular economy principles.
Here’s a closer look at how the sprint unfolded:
Day 1: Setting the Stage for Circular Innovation
The opening ceremony set the tone for the sprint, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors. Keynote speakers from the EU4CELC project highlighted the urgency of adopting circular economy practices in Albania, particularly in the glass packaging industry. Participants were introduced to the goals of the sprint and the circular economy principles that would guide their work. The day concluded with an overview of the ideation process, preparing the teams for the creative challenges ahead.
Day 2: Prototyping Circular Solutions
On the second day, participants dove deeper into prototyping and testing solutions. With the help of design thinking coaches, they began to develop early-stage models of their ideas, with a focus on turning concepts into scalable solutions. Teams also started preparing their pitch decks for the final Demo session, where they would showcase their circular innovations.
Day 3: Testing Prototypes and Developing Business Models
Day three was dedicated to testing prototypes and refining business models. Participants attended a glass workshop where they learned about the material’s properties and how it can be reused and recycled within a circular economy. This hands-on experience gave them new insights into how glass packaging can be managed more sustainably. Following the workshop, teams worked on developing their business model canvases, mapping out their solutions from production to reuse.
Day 4: Final Presentations and Demo Session
The final day brought together all the pieces. Teams worked on finalizing their pitch decks, incorporating feedback from the previous days. The afternoon was dedicated to the Demo session, where each team presented their circular innovations to a panel of experts from the private sector and environmental organizations. Ms. Elvana Rama, a representative from the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, delivered a keynote speech, emphasizing the importance of circular economy initiatives in Albania.
After the presentations, participants received valuable feedback from the expert panel, followed by a networking session where they had the opportunity to connect with potential partners and stakeholders.
What’s Next: The Business Incubator Phase
The next phase for the selected teams is the Business Incubator phase. Over the coming months, these teams will further refine their business models, test their solutions, and prepare for their respective target markets. This incubation period will be implemented by Partner Albania for Change and Development in cooperation with GIZ Albania.
The following teams were selected to move forward to the Incubator phase:
- Albania Glass Recycling – Developing innovative recycling solutions for glass waste.
- Re-Living – Creating a take-back scheme for glass jar packaging in Gjirokastra.
- ReuseAglass – Establishing take-back systems for microbreweries and wineries.
- Circular Art Hub – Transforming glass packaging into functional and artistic products.
These teams will work on their projects over the next three months, with the aim of showcasing their final business pitches at Demo Day next year.
Conclusion: A New Path Toward Sustainability
The Lab of Tomorrow’s Ideation Sprint represents a significant step for Albania in its transition to a circular economy. By addressing the issue of glass waste and fostering collaboration among SMEs and industry experts, this initiative has laid the groundwork for sustainable, long-term solutions. Stay tuned as the teams continue their journey through the Business Incubator phase, working towards creating a greener, more sustainable future for Albania.
