Balearic authorities foster synergy between creative designers and manufacturers

A new platform, based around the concept of circularity, will serve as the focal point

On 29 April, the Balearic Ministry of Energy Transition and Productive Sectors launched the ‘LOOP, Design and Circularity’ project with the aim of promoting creative design and research for new materials as strategic factors, thus making regional companies more competitive. The project is accompanied by an online platform, which showcases the different examples of people and companies working in these fields.

Innovative and sustainable products that could bring attention to the region

The purpose of ‘LOOP, Design and Circularity’ is to encourage the use of more sustainable raw materials, research into new innovative materials and the search for solutions that require more sustainable resources to achieve the functionality and quality of traditional products. In addition, manufacturers and producers are required to work together with the creative industries to conceive new products, new business models and new ways of doing and thinking, thus contributing to redesigning the environment.

“We are talking about a strategic alliance between manufacturers and design professionals, which strengthens our industrial fabric. Companies that seek through the design and use of more sustainable materials the element that makes them different and more competitive internationally", said Juan Pedro Yllanes, Vice-President of the Balearic Islands region. “We are driving a creative industry from the local fabric, which we want to stay in our home, to grow and generate new job opportunities. This is the diversification of our economic model.”

The initiative is already counting with the participation of a dozen companies and professionals, however, it will likely grow in numbers as more SMEs are expected to join in later phases. It was also reported that research in new materials will be done in collaboration with the University of Balearic Islands (UIB).