The Re_source program, a collaborative innovation initiative promoted by Sociedade Ponto Verde (SPV), has unveiled 12 pilot projects aimed at revolutionizing the packaging waste management sector in Portugal. This is the result of a collaboration with Beta-i and a network of 148 startups, alongside 20 partners from the packaging value chain. The program's objective is to identify and implement ambitious, scalable solutions that will have a measurable environmental impact, accelerating the transition towards a circular economy.

After a year of intense collaboration and over 200 applications, the selected 12 projects will receive €330,000 in co-financing from SPV to implement their solutions. These pilot projects are designed to address three strategic missions set for this edition of Re_source: recycling 75% of glass packaging in Portugal by 2030, focusing on the Horeca sector; reducing the per capita production of packaging waste in urban areas by 5% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels; and digitalizing and integrating the information flows of the Integrated System for Packaging Waste Management (SIGRE) by 2034.

These pilot projects come at a critical time as Portugal continues to strive for sustainability goals, especially in the packaging sector. They reflect the program’s commitment to fostering innovative solutions that combine technology with consumer behavior to address some of the most pressing waste management challenges. Notable projects incorporate artificial intelligence, computer vision, and digital systems such as smartbins and apps to improve waste sorting efficiency, incentivize citizen participation, and ultimately increase recycling rates, especially for glass.

Moreover, reducing waste and promoting more sustainable consumption models are central to the projects. These include solutions involving reusable packaging, refill systems, and behavioral nudging strategies aimed at encouraging responsible habits in commercial centers and urban spaces. Technology plays a pivotal role, with automation, data analysis, and digital platforms helping to create practical, effective solutions that can be scaled across the value chain.

Re_source’s fourth edition demonstrates its expanding reach, with applications coming from 54 countries, surpassing the previous edition’s 182 submissions. A total of 134 international and 14 national startups participated, showcasing the global impact of the initiative. This expansion highlights the growing international interest in packaging waste management and the importance of collaborative innovation in tackling global sustainability challenges.

For Ana Isabel Trigo Morais, CEO of SPV, the Re_source program is a clear example of the power of collaborative innovation in transforming the packaging waste sector. “In practice, we’re opening up space for new solutions and partnerships, creating the conditions for real change. It is crucial for the future of the sector that these pilot projects are tested on the ground, as they allow us to collect concrete data and assess whether they are ready to be replicated and scaled, leading to better and more efficient recycling of packaging,” she stated.

Additionally, Diogo Teixeira, CEO of Beta-i, emphasized how Re_source has evolved over the four editions. From being a platform for connecting partners and innovators, it has grown into a program focused on execution, where pilots are actively tested in real-world conditions. “We know that circular economy challenges are systemic and require more than incremental innovation. They demand coordination between businesses, innovators, public entities, and regulators, but above all, they require action,” Teixeira pointed out.

Since its launch in 2021, the Re_source program has seen an investment of over €1.7 million, spread across 35 pilots, involving 55 partners and over 600 applications. This level of investment reflects the growing commitment to solving the packaging waste crisis and supporting the circular economy in Portugal and beyond.

The Re_source program’s efforts are especially timely, as Portugal faces challenges in meeting European recycling targets. In 2025, Portugal failed to meet the EU’s packaging recycling targets despite investing €212 million in recycling infrastructure. With such substantial investments and the pressing need to meet EU recycling goals, initiatives like Re_source are critical for ensuring that Portugal can catch up and help lead the way in the transition to a sustainable, circular economy.