The purpose of the tool is to assist its users in adaptation to circular economy principles as well as to set a platform to network with each other. The digital tool can be accessed here: makertech.com. To make the registration progress easier, video tutorials have been created. So, what are the key features that the tool holds?

Circular Maturity Test: This essential self-assessment tool allows businesses and individuals to gauge their current level of circularity. This test provides invaluable insights, helping users understand where they stand in their sustainability journey and what steps they can take to improve. The test has been created for five different user groups – makerspaces, makers, SMEs and start-ups, suppliers and others. Furthermore, there is an additional perk for makerspaces – the opportunity to receive a circularity label after taking the test and receiving a specific result. The label will be added to the makerspace’s profile created by its representative and will be seen by others.

Training program: A comprehensive training program has been created and made accessible to the public. The program covers nine topics which complement each other. It is designed to equip users with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement sustainable practices effectively. Each module consists of methodological notes which serve as a guiding material for trainers, and a presentation which can be adjusted to the target group specifical needs.

Guidelines: The aim of these guidelines is to provide practical and actionable insights for makerspaces to foster a transition towards a circular economy. By aligning with regional sustainability goals and economic resilience strategies, these guidelines are designed to ensure impactful and measurable contributions to sustainability. The guide elaborates on ten aspects or must-haves for makerspaces to transition into circular makerspaces. Each of them includes a checklist of the aspect-specific actions which is followed by a list of tools and templates that makerspace can use.

Circularity label for products: A unique feature that allows users to add a circularity label to their products when publishing them on the platform. This label signifies that the product meets specific sustainability criteria, enhancing its value and visibility in the market.

Forum for collaboration: A topic “Circular economy” in the forum has been created. It is a place where users can connect, share experiences, and collaborate on sustainable projects.

The creation of the digital tool is a response to the growing need for industry-wide collaboration in addressing sustainability challenges. By connecting various stakeholders – from makers to suppliers – the platform bridges the gap between knowledge and action, ensuring that sustainable practices are not only discussed but implemented.

What is a makerspace? A makerspace is a collaborative workspace that provides individuals with access to tools, equipment, and resources for creating, designing, and building. These spaces are designed to encourage exploration and experimentation across various disciplines, including electronics, woodworking, 3D printing, and more.

About “Circular spaces”: The aim of the project is to bring makerspaces and their users together to promote sustainable material use and jointly contribute to circular economy principles. Project’s team is implementing various activities such as creating and piloting a training program, adjusting makerspaces to circular economy principles, piloting circular business ideas and providing the industry representatives with a digital circular collaboration tool.

Activities are implemented within the INTERREG Baltic Sea Region program’s project “Circular Economy makerspace” (project No. #C024) and are co-financed by the European Union. More information about the project: interreg-baltic.eu/project/circular-spaces