Lab of Tomorrow (LoT) is an innovative German program that aims to bring together businesses and various stakeholders to co-create sustainable solutions for economic and environmental challenges. It has successfully launched a new incubation phase in Albania. The 23rd edition of LoT, currently being implemented in Tirana on the theme of addressing and reducing glass waste, has mobilized around 20 businesses from various industries that are designing ideas and closed-loop models for the reuse, recycling, and reduction of glass packaging.
This two-day workshop is part of the project supported by EU4 Circular Economy and Livable Cities (EU4CELC), co-financed by the EU and BMZ, and implemented by GIZ Albania in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. For the Lab of Tomorrow activity, the selected partner for the co-implementation of the incubation program and piloting of ideas is “Partnerët Shqipëri për Ndryshim dhe Zhvillim” (Partners Albania for Change and Development).
Participants—including businesses, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and other key stakeholders—worked together to develop solutions for the circulation of glass. They engaged in creating concrete plans to address some of the main challenges in managing glass waste, as well as in developing business models that can contribute to a more efficient circular economy. The participating teams included:
- Albania Glass Recycling – Focused on developing solutions for recycling glass waste.
- Re-Living – Offering a new approach for the reuse of glass in Gjirokastër by developing a closed-loop scheme.
- ReuseAglass – Engaged in creating closed-loop systems for microbreweries and summer canteens.
- Circular Art Hub – Reusing glass packaging, such as bottles and jars, to create functional and artistic products.
During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to work intensively with mentors and industry experts to analyze competition, develop sustainability strategies, and identify collaboration opportunities. Assistance from experts from Serbia and on-site visits to glass processing companies and recycling centers allowed the groups to observe recycling processes up close and learn from successful models.
The program aims not only to develop new business ideas but also to strengthen a sustainable and innovative ecosystem that will help Albania transition towards a circular economy. The participants are already continuing to develop and test their ideas during the incubation phase, which will enable further improvements, including an analysis of their environmental impact and market feasibility.
At the end of the incubation program, the four teams will deliver their final presentations at a Demo Day, which will be attended by representatives from GIZ Albania, the EU delegation, and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. During the closing event, finalists for grants will also be selected; these grants will provide financial support for implementing the ideas developed during the three phases of the LoT program.
For more information, please visit the program page:
Enhancing Circular Glass Packaging Solutions in Albania
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