CirculUP!

Building Capacity and Raising Awareness to Popularize Circular Economy in Armenia

Vision

To ignite a systemic shift in the Armenian economy and society at large towards circularity.

Mission

We are on a mission to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: creating a sustainable future through the adoption of Circular Economy principles.

Goals

Empower Civil Society: Strengthening civil society’s role in the Armenian Coalition for Circularity. Foster Circular Entrepreneurship: Promoting the adoption of Circular Economy principles in the Armenian entrepreneurial ecosystem. Raise Circular Awareness: Increasing understanding and sensitivity to circularity among Armenian citizens.

Main Components

CirculUP! is a comprehensive project that consists of several key components, bringing together various stakeholders to create a positive impact on the Armenian economy and society.

The problem we face is our current linear economy, where resources are extracted, products are made, used, and eventually discarded as waste. This linear approach is causing significant environmental and social issues. It leads to resource depletion, pollution, climate change, and an overwhelming amount of waste. Our planet’s finite resources are being exploited faster than they can be replenished, putting future generations at risk.

As global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and waste generation continue to escalate, the circular economy presents a powerful solution.

Why should you care? Because the consequences of the linear economy affect all of us. It impacts the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the overall health of our ecosystems. It also affects our communities, economies, and the well-being of future generations. We believe that it’s our collective responsibility to address these challenges and create a more sustainable and resilient future.

We care deeply about the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. We believe that by adopting Circular Economy principles, we can unlock numerous benefits. It offers opportunities for innovation, job creation, economic growth, and improved quality of life. It’s a chance to build a more resilient and inclusive society, where sustainability is at the core of our actions.

Our primary objectives at CirculUP! are clear and ambitious. We aim to empower civil society actors to actively participate in the newly-formed multi-stakeholder Armenian Coalition for Circularity. Through collaboration and collective action, we seek to drive systemic change and foster sustainable business solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

By rethinking how we produce, consume, and manage resources, we can create an economy that is regenerative, resilient, and equitable.

CirculUP! is a collaborative effort led by Impact Hub Network, Impact Hub Yerevan, and the Environment and Health NGO, with generous funding from the European Union in Armenia.

We are passionate about implementing change and driving the transition towards a Circular Economy. By embracing Circular Economy principles, we can create a system that aims to minimize waste, maximize resource efficiency, and foster sustainable practices. It’s about shifting from a “take-make-waste” mindset to one that focuses on regeneration, reusing materials, and designing products and services with longevity in mind.

We also strive to create a supportive environment within the Armenian entrepreneurial ecosystem for the adoption of circular economy principles and conscious environmental practices. By providing guidance, resources, and networking opportunities, we aim to enable entrepreneurs and innovators to develop circular business models that generate positive environmental and social impact.

In addition to these objectives, CirculUP! places great emphasis on raising awareness and understanding of circularity among Armenian citizens. We believe that education and community engagement are key to building a knowledgeable and engaged society that actively participates in the transition towards circularity. Through educational initiatives, awareness campaigns, and interactive events, we aim to instill a deep appreciation for the circular economy’s potential and inspire individuals to embrace sustainable practices in their daily lives.

Project Outcomes

Empowering Civil Society

By engaging civil society actors and forming the Armenian Coalition for Circularity, we are enabling active participation in shaping policies and driving systemic change toward circularity.

Raising Awareness and Education

By implementing targeted educational initiatives, awareness campaigns, and community engagement programs, we are increasing understanding and knowledge of circular economy principles among Armenian citizens.

Catalyzing Circular Business Models

Through capacity-building programs, incubators, and accelerators, we are supporting entrepreneurs and innovators in developing circular business models that contribute to the Armenian economy’s long-term sustainability.

Sustainable and Inclusive Development

Through the adoption of circular practices, we are creating a more sustainable and inclusive Armenian economy that maximizes resource efficiency, reduces waste, and promotes social and environmental well-being.

Resources

CirculUP! Final Evaluation Report

This comprehensive evaluation examines CirculUP!’s role in advancing Armenia’s green transition through capacity building and systemic policy change. Learn about our results, the sustainability of our initiatives, and recommendations for future circular economy projects.

"Embedding circularity": A toolkit for incubators and accelerators

As we move toward a circular economy, sustainability is a key measure of success. That’s why we help future-forward organizations and ventures apply circular design principles to their mission and operations.

Research Study: Circular Economy and SMEs in Armenia

This study assesses and analyzes the current state of circularity among Armenian SMEs, identifying the gaps and barriers preventing SMEs from adopting circular business models. It highlights three promising sectors: food processing, tourism, and textiles as those with a potential for rapid transition to circularity.

From “Take-Make-Waste” to Circular Economy: Paving the path to a sustainable future

There is a growing consensus among climate activists, environmental enthusiasts, and green experts that we need to move beyond our existing (linear) economic model — and fast. But what can we do to help move beyond the take-make-waste economy? Find out by reading these Circular Economy Guidelines!

Study on the Opportunity of an Inclusive Circular Economy for Armenia

Is a circular transition economically viable for Armenia? This latest study provides a bottom-up modeling analysis of five key industries, proving that circularity is a powerful tool for industrial upgrading and fiscal growth. By mapping physical material flows to measurable economic outcomes, this report identifies the regulatory shifts and investments needed to turn waste into a resource. Download the analysis to see the roadmap for Armenia’s circular future.

Study on the Opportunity of an Inclusive Circular Economy for Armenia: Value Chain Analysis

This detailed study examines the structural circularity gaps across Armenia’s most vital industries: garments, plastic packaging, metals, aquaculture, and food processing. By analyzing material inflows and production residues, the report identifies untapped opportunities—from converting fish waste into feed to transforming grape pomace into high-value exports. Learn about the technological, regulatory, and market shifts needed to turn industrial waste into economic assets by downloading the full report.

The CirculUP! project is led by Impact Hub Network, Impact Hub Yerevan, and Environment and Health NGO, funded by the European Union in Armenia.