The ECOGRES 4.0 project by Grestel - Produtos Cerâmicos is the only Portuguese finalist in the ‘A Green Europe’ category of the prestigious REGIOSTARS 2024 Awards.
The ECOGRES 4.0 project by Grestel – Produtos Cerâmicos, co-financed by COMPETE 2020, is the only Portuguese finalist in the ‘A Green Europe – Ecological transition as a factor in regional development’ category of the REGIOSTARS 2024 Awards.
Since its creation in 2008, REGIOSTARS has become a seal of excellence for projects funded by the European Union, demonstrating significant impact and inclusion in regional development. This recognition emphasises the importance of local and regional cohesion policy projects in achieving EU priorities, promoting a smart, green and fair economy.
This year, the REGIOSTARS jury assessed a record 262 applications, selecting just 25 finalists. ECOGRES 4.0 stands out as the only Portuguese representative in the category dedicated to ecological transition and regional development.
Conheça o projeto
ECOGRES 4.0 focuses on the sustainability and efficiency of processes and products. It created new stoneware pastes based on the circular economy, incorporating waste from ceramic and non-ceramic industries. The differentiating element was the production of pastes with more than 95 per cent waste and by-products from the internal process and other industries. The inclusion of waste from the metalworking and aluminium industries adds value to materials that would otherwise be discarded in landfills. This makes this project unique worldwide.
Carlos Pinto, Manufacturing Director of the Costa Nova Indústria group, comments: ‘This nomination is recognition by European Community experts and technicians of the innovative value of the project that gave rise to the Ecogres – Cerâmica Ecológica factory, considered a pioneer and exemplar in the area of sustainability.’
Next steps
The winners will be decided in the second evaluation phase, which includes live presentations and interviews with the jury. In addition, the public will be able to vote for their favourite finalist for the Audience Award, with voting starting on 2 September.
The nomination of ECOGRES 4.0 in REGIOSTARS 2024 is a testament to Portugal’s and the Programme’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the ceramics sector.
Links úteis
Read the interview with Jorge Carneiro, head of the ECOGRES 4.0 project, in the COMPETE 2030 newsletter.
Follow the news on the European Commission’s website.
Meet the entrepreneur responsible for the largest almond shelling factory in the Alentejo, at a COMPETE 2030 event to celebrate St Martin's Day.