In October, the Propelor European project team attended the Interreg Atlantic Area BluePoint consortium meeting which convened in the French Basque Country for a dynamic exchange of ideas and entrepreneurial energy. Hosted by our project partner ESTIA, the meeting brought together innovators, business leaders, and regional stakeholders to accelerate progress in the blue circular economy.
The BluePoint agenda spotlighted bold, business-led solutions to sustainability. At CETIA in Bidart, partners showcased textile recycling tech redefining fashion’s footprint. In Hendaye, Décathlon shared practical insights from their circular retail transformation. We also connected with entrepreneurs tackling marine plastic pollution, proving how local ventures can lead on impact and community innovation.
We further heard dynamic updates from the Bluepoint partners on the new innovative pilots’ progress including 3D printing solution using marine plastic and expanding use of drones and AI modelling for plastic identification and sorting.
A key milestone was the introduction of Harriet Donnelly, CEO of Flossie and The Beach Cleaners, as Ireland’s new Blue Ambassador. Harriet participated in the Mater Boat Blue Expedition in Anglet and Pasaia Harbour where she shared her insights and gained new perspectives to bring back to Ireland. Her compelling presentation during the project’s showcase with fellow EU project ADT4blue highlighted the urgency and opportunity behind sustainable coastal enterprise and the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration.
As BluePoint continues to support the development of resilient, future-ready coastal businesses, this gathering reaffirmed the value of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial vision in shaping a thriving blue economy.
