Good circular packaging solutions already exist, but they rarely work together. That is the idea behind SABOR, one of the winners of the first Open Call. The project brings recycling, traceability and new business models into a single circular system, tested across three packaging routes and three European regions. We spoke to Maria Busolo Pons, European Projects Researcher at CNTA, who represents the SABOR consortium, to find out more about the project.
What sparked the idea behind this project?
We saw that many good solutions already exist in circular packaging, but they are still too disconnected. SABOR was created to bring recycling, traceability and business models together and test them as one real circular system across three packaging routes.
How did the partnership come together?
We brought together regions with complementary strengths. Northern Netherlands contributes recycling expertise, Navarra adds food-packaging validation and traceability, and Northern Middle Sweden brings fibre packaging, logistics and circular business-model expertise.
What would success look like?
For us, success means proving that these solutions work under real industrial conditions and can be adopted by companies. We also want to deliver measurable impact: at least 15% better circularity, at least 15% lower CO₂e emissions, and up to 35% less virgin material use.
What makes SABOR unique?
SABOR is not about one material or one technology. Its strength is bringing the whole system together—recycling, traceability, industrial validation, regulation and business models—across three materials and three European regions.
Follow the journey
SABOR shows what the ECIV Open Call is meant to enable: partners from different regions combining their strengths to turn circular ideas into real-world solutions. Learn more about all the winning projects here.
