Circular economy could help boost EU GDP by EUR 1.8 trillion by 2030, result in over 1 million new jobs across the EU by 2030, and be central to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and the chemical industry could be at the forefront of this transition by offering innovative solution for a better use of the materials and energy sources. (COM; 2019) However a few challenges are preventing a smooth shift to circular economy, in particular:

• Lack of awareness about circular economy benefits at social, environmental and business level.
• Lack of specialized training and education promoting skills necessary to fit in the circular economy model
• Lack of national policies promoting ESD principles through a multi-sectorial approach
• Lack of interest in Science and Technology subjects and related career among European students and young people

CIRCLE-LAB, n line with the European lifelong learning approach, is aimed at supporting the initial and continuous professional development of teachers’ profiles through the application of practical and innovative tools in order to promote circular chemistry in secondary schools. The project will consider identified needs & gaps related to circular chemistry education and in particular:

• lack of a promotion of circular economy principles and ESD core competencies within chemistry education.
• necessity of promoting and developing digital learning environment.
• need for a practice-based approach that provides innovative resources and tools