[ Consortium ]
Ten partners, one shared indicator framework.
The CIRCULARIS consortium brings together universities, regional chambers, a marine protected area authority, SMEs and a certification body across five European countries — combining research excellence with direct access to the food service operators the project serves.
University of Piraeus Research Center (UPRC)
University of Piraeus Research Center (UPRC) is the coordinator of the Horizon Europe CIRCULARIS project.
UPRC brings extensive expertise in sustainable supply chains, circular economy, digital transformation, and stakeholder engagement, with a strong track record in European research and innovation projects.
In CIRCULARIS, UPRC leads the overall project coordination while driving communication, dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and exploitation activities. It also contributes to the development of behavioural and socio-economic models that support the adoption of Circular Economy solutions in the food service sector.
Together with the consortium, UPRC is helping build harmonised Circular Economy indicators and digital solutions that support a more sustainable and resilient food service ecosystem.
Aarhus University (AU)
Aarhus University (AU) is bringing the expertise of understanding people as a key to accelerating the transition to a Circular Economy.
As one of Europe’s leading universities in food science, consumer behaviour, and sustainable food systems, AU combines world-class research through the MAPP Centre, the START Centre, and its role as an EIT Food strategic partner.
In CIRCULARIS, AU leads the development of consumer understanding and behavioural analysis, helping ensure that Circular Economy solutions are not only technically sound but also embraced by consumers and businesses. By translating behavioural insights into practical actions, AU supports the adoption of circular practices across the food service sector.
University of Oslo (UiO)
University of Oslo (UiO) is bringing its expertise in Artificial Intelligence, semantic technologies, and digital governance to CIRCULARIS.
With extensive experience in knowledge graphs, ontologies, trustworthy AI, and interoperable digital systems, UiO has contributed to several European projects advancing digital transformation and Industry 4.0 solutions.
In CIRCULARIS, UiO leads the development of the AI-driven regulatory analysis module, helping businesses navigate evolving Circular Economy legislation through knowledge graphs and retrieval-augmented AI. The team also contributes to the design of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) architecture, ensuring secure, interoperable, and scalable data exchange across the food service value chain.
By combining AI with semantic technologies, UiO is helping make Circular Economy compliance smarter, more transparent, and easier for food service businesses across Europe.
Cyprus University of Technology (CUT)
Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) brings strong expertise in sustainability, stakeholder analysis, and systems thinking, supporting the development of practical solutions that bridge research, policy, and real-world implementation.
In CIRCULARIS, CUT leads the Conceptual Framework & Gap Analysis of Circular Economy Indicators, laying the scientific foundations for the project. Through literature reviews, stakeholder needs assessments, governance analysis, and requirements gathering, CUT helps define the next generation of harmonised Circular Economy indicators tailored to the food service sector.
By turning scientific knowledge into practical guidance, CUT is ensuring that the indicators developed in CIRCULARIS are robust, relevant, and ready to support businesses and policymakers on the path towards a more circular food system.
Cycladic Development Association (KETAN)
KETAN (Cycladic Development Association) is bringing the voice of island communities and SMEs to CIRCULARIS.
Representing more than 28,500 businesses across 24 Cycladic islands, KETAN has extensive experience supporting entrepreneurship, sustainable tourism, and regional development. Through initiatives such as Aegean Cuisine, a network of nearly 190 certified restaurants, KETAN promotes local gastronomy, strengthens local supply chains, and fosters sustainable business practices.
In CIRCULARIS, KETAN leads the Pilots, Demonstration, and Validation work package, coordinating the deployment and evaluation of Circular Economy indicators, Digital Product Passports, and engagement tools in real-world food service settings. By working closely with businesses, municipalities, and local stakeholders, KETAN will help ensure that the project’s solutions are practical, scalable, and ready for adoption across Europe.
From island communities to Europe-wide impact, KETAN is helping turn circular economy innovation into practical action.
Marine Protected Area Capo Milazzo (AMP)
Protecting nature while advancing sustainable innovation, that’s the mission Marine Protected Area Capo Milazzo (AMP) brings to CIRCULARIS.
Based in Sicily, AMP combines expertise in marine conservation, biodiversity monitoring, environmental management, and stakeholder collaboration.
Within CIRCULARIS, AMP leads the Systemic Governance & Policy Alignment work package and plays a key role in the Italian pilot, where Circular Economy indicators, Digital Product Passports, and consumer engagement tools will be tested in real-world food service settings. AMP also contributes to the co-design of governance mechanisms, helping translate research into practical solutions for businesses, policymakers, and local communities.
By connecting environmental stewardship with circular innovation, AMP is helping create more resilient food systems and supporting Europe’s transition towards a sustainable future.
Best Value (BV)
Turning sustainability into everyday business, that’s what Best Value (BV) brings to CIRCULARIS.
As Cyprus’ leading one-stop shop for Ho.Re.Ca., food service, wholesale, and resale professionals, Best Value supplies more than 20,000 products, supporting businesses with efficient supply chain solutions and deep market knowledge. This real-world experience makes BV an invaluable partner for bringing circular economy innovations closer to the food service industry.
Within CIRCULARIS, BV contributes to the validation of Circular Economy indicators and digital solutions across the food supply chain, helping ensure they meet the operational needs of food service businesses. Its extensive network and expertise in distribution and wholesale will support pilot activities and demonstrate how circular practices can be successfully integrated into everyday operations.
By connecting innovation with practice, Best Value is helping pave the way for a smarter, more circular, and more sustainable food service sector.
TÜV AUSTRIA Cyprus
Building trust is essential for accelerating the Circular Economy, and TÜV AUSTRIA Cyprus is bringing its expertise in certification, conformity assessment, and sustainability standards to CIRCULARIS.
With extensive experience in food safety, ESG, management systems, and sustainability certification, TÜV AUSTRIA Cyprus helps organisations translate sustainability commitments into measurable and verifiable actions.
Within CIRCULARIS, TÜV AUSTRIA Cyprus leads the development of governance and certification frameworks, ensuring that the project’s Circular Economy indicators can support transparent assessment, benchmarking, and future certification schemes for food service businesses. Its expertise will help transform project results into practical tools that encourage adoption and strengthen stakeholder confidence.
By combining technical expertise with internationally recognised certification practices, TÜV AUSTRIA Cyprus is helping lay the foundations for a more transparent, credible, and circular food service sector.
ZELUS
Turning complex data into actionable insights—that’s what ZELUS brings to CIRCULARIS.
ZELUS specialises in data visualisation, AI-powered analytics, digital innovation, and citizen engagement, developing solutions that help organisations make informed, data-driven decisions. Its innovative platforms, including SmartViz, ROCTex, and ReVestir, demonstrate how digital technologies can support circularity, traceability, and sustainable behaviour.
Within CIRCULARIS, ZELUS develops real-time data collection tools and data governance mechanisms for the Digital Product Passport ecosystem, ensuring secure, interoperable, and user-friendly monitoring of Circular Economy performance. The company also leads the project’s exploitation and sustainability strategy, helping maximise the long-term impact of CIRCULARIS while fostering synergies with the CCRI and the New European Bauhaus initiatives.
By combining advanced analytics with intuitive visualisation, ZELUS is helping transform data into practical solutions that accelerate the circular transition of Europe’s food service sector.
Zerofect
Transforming product data into actionable insights—that’s the expertise Zerofect brings to CIRCULARIS.
Zerofect is a technology company specialising in digital traceability, Industry 4.0, circular manufacturing, and Digital Product Passport (DPP) solutions. With extensive experience the company develops innovative digital solutions that enhance transparency, interoperability, and sustainability across value chains.
Within CIRCULARIS, Zerofect leads the development of the Digital Product Passport architecture, designing the DPP data model, developing the platform prototype, and ensuring secure, interoperable data exchange across the food service ecosystem. Its AeonTrace DPP platform provides the technological foundation for real-time product traceability and lifecycle monitoring, helping businesses align with emerging EU Digital Product Passport requirements.
By combining cutting-edge technology with circular innovation, Zerofect is helping create a more transparent, connected, and sustainable food service ecosystem.