NEWS: Ptuj’s (SLO) local papers article on CAROUSEL

CAROUSEL – creating a marketplace for products made from used materials and given a new purpose

The CAROUSEL project (Creating A maRketplace fOr Up-cycled productS sEcond Life) connects ten partners from six countries of the Adriatic-Ionian region, among them the Slovenian project partner, also being the Scientific Research Center Bistra Ptuj. The purpose of the project, funded by the Interreg Adrion program, is to encourage the transition to a circular economy by developing a new market for upcycled products, i.e., products made from waste materials that receive a second, higher-quality life.

Places in the region, including Slovenia, often face challenges of excessive waste and limited possibilities for its reuse. At the same time, numerous creative initiatives are emerging in these environments, where local entrepreneurs, designers, and craftsmen use waste wood, textiles, plastics, or metals to create new, useful products that can also have a completely new, different function than before. Such products often lack an established sales channel or promotion method, and the CAROUSEL project addresses exactly this: temporary physical shops for selling upcycled products will be created, as well as a cross-border online platform for promoting such products, thus building a community of all stakeholders who believe in the circular economy. In this way, the CAROUSEL project connects the entire circle: local authorities as resource providers, companies and designers as processors, influencers and intermediaries as promoters, and final customers.

ZRS Bistra Ptuj will work together with the Municipality of Ptuj to ensure the project becomes active locally. Ptuj, with its long tradition and active role in sustainability projects, offers an excellent foundation for the development of circular practices. It is expected that experiences from pilot activities in Slovenia will contribute to the creation of a lasting local ecosystem supporting companies and individuals developing innovative products from waste materials.

The CAROUSEL project not only brings ecological benefits but also new business opportunities. Upcycling opens doors for small and medium enterprises, creators, and NGOs to present their ideas to broader markets. Important elements also include educational activities and workshops that will raise awareness among citizens and foster creativity, especially among young people.

CAROUSEL will last three years, during which it will lay the foundation for the long-term development of the upcycled product market in the Adriatic-Ionian region. The vision is to create a strong international community that connects local creators and enables them access to new markets. Ptuj and the wider Styria region have the opportunity to establish themselves as a place of innovative circular practices that combine ecology, entrepreneurship, and creativity.

What is upcycling?

Upcycling means creatively reprocessing waste or unwanted materials into new products with higher value and quality. Thus, materials are preserved and can even acquire a new function – for example, old clothes become bags or tin cans become furniture.

All those already engaged in material reuse, designing from waste sources, or developing sustainable products are invited to join the CAROUSEL community. You can participate in workshops, events related to the circular economy, and pop-up shops where you can present your products to a broader audience. It is an opportunity to show how quality, useful, and aesthetic products can be made from local resources and build a future in which waste is not a problem but an opportunity.

Interested parties can contact the Scientific Research Center Bistra Ptuj for more information and project involvement (email: bistra@bistra.si, phone: +386 2 748 02 58).

Note:  This article was originally published at Ptuj’s local newspaper on 26th September 2025.