AIJU Brings Together Experts in Innovation and Sustainability to Promote Circular Economy in the Children's and Leisure Sector

AIJU, the Technological Institute for Children's and Leisure Products, gathered experts in innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation in consumer products on Thursday morning, May 8th, to address the major challenges and latest trends posed by the transition to a circular economy model in the consumer industry.

The event, aimed at professionals across the entire value chain of the children's and leisure product sector, including raw material companies, product manufacturing, design and management experts, as well as sustainability, safety, and emerging technology specialists, was designed as a strategic forum to update knowledge, share experiences, and establish new alliances.

The event, part of AIJU's 40th-anniversary celebrations, featured contributions from experts at the Technological Institute, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, the Valencian Association of Plastic Companies (AVEP), the University Institute of Material Technology at UPV, and companies like Tapintoit and Consume con COCO, an initiative that already brings together over 500 sustainable brands.

During the event, an analysis of the current legislative and regulatory context regarding eco-design and product safety was conducted, and the latest trends and innovations in sustainable materials were discussed, highlighting the need to promote sustainability practices throughout the entire value chain.

Additionally, topics such as product traceability and transparency through tools like the digital product passport, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among industry professionals, and developing talent and training in the circular economy field through initiatives aimed at young researchers in areas like artificial intelligence applied to plastic formulation and bioprinting were addressed.

Regarding business needs for qualified personnel, the results of the CIRCVET project were presented during the event. This project has generated training content in Circular Economy for the Plastic Sector at the European level, validated by universities, vocational training centres (from Ibi and Almussafes), and companies across Europe, 15 of which are AIJU associates.

A roundtable was also held during the event, addressing the various social and technological challenges presented by the Digital Product Passport (DPP), which aims to ensure traceability and transparency throughout the entire product value chain.

The objective of the Digital Product Passport is to create a unique electronic record that collects information on compliance, eco-design, and sustainability of the toy in question, facilitating its traceability, market surveillance, and recycling.

During the roundtable, experts sought to answer fundamental questions that companies in the sector must face to ensure product traceability, the information it must contain to turn this legislative requirement into opportunities for businesses, sustainability communication, product lifecycle and end-of-life, and other specific safety and sustainability requirements for the sector.

Asunción Martínez, head of AIJU's Materials area, explained that "the aim of the event is to serve as a key space for adapting to new legislative and regulatory requirements through innovation in sustainable practices."

"With these professional meetings, we aim to inspire and motivate companies to lead the change towards sustainability by presenting successful cases in the implementation of innovative practices and reflecting on corporate activism as a driver of transformation," Asunción Martínez emphasised.

Additionally, successful cases and best practices were presented during the morning, demonstrating how companies can lead the change through sustainable innovation, as well as initiatives for training and talent development in cutting-edge areas such as artificial intelligence applied to materials or bioprinting.

"This event aims to foster collaboration among industry agents and provide a platform for generating synergies at a crucial moment for the transformation towards a more responsible, competitive industry aligned with sustainability goals," concluded the head of AIJU's Materials area.