First launched in 2019, the second edition of the “Uruguay Circular — Towards a new economy” awards was held on October 28th. The first of its kind in Latin America, the programme recognizes achievements across areas such as the use of renewable energies and materials, reuse and repair and improving product efficiency among others.
The awards are a collaborative effort between the PAGE Uruguay Program Management Committee, the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining (MIEM) together with the United Nations Organization for Industrial Development (UNIDO) and the National Development Agency (ANDE).
Beyond giving visibility and recognition to companies, entrepreneurs, communities and educational institutions who are making advances in circular economy, Uruguay Circular supports events and learning throughout the year on topics such as eco-design, repair, reuse, and rental markets.
The programme aligns with the ambitions of Uruguay to develop circular economy in the country, particularly within the framework of its sustainable development plan. And, on the high-level, the National Circular Economy Action Plan was launched in September 2019 by Transforma Uruguay — the National System of Productive Transformation and Competitiveness, which was created in 2016 with the purpose of promoting productive innovation and economic development. The Plan also promotes research and innovation and knowledge of business models, identifies early activities, and encourages practices based on its principles.