As the REMEDIES project reaches the end of its journey, a new chapter is beginning. Launched in September 2026, the REMEDIES 5.0 project – Integrated and People-Centred Waterfront Restoration for a Resilient European Blue Economy – builds on the foundations of REMEDIES while expanding its ambition from tackling (micro)plastic pollution towards the broader restoration of European waterfronts.
The Future of Plastic (R)evolution Conference, taking place on 7 October 2026 in Ljubljana, marks this transition. Co-organised by the REMEDIES 5.0 project just weeks after its official launch, the conference connects the legacy of REMEDIES with the beginning of the next four years of European collaboration.
From REMEDIES to REMEDIES 5.0
The REMEDIES project demonstrated how science, circularity, innovation and community engagement can come together to address plastic pollution. REMEDIES 5.0 takes this collaborative approach further, addressing interconnected challenges facing Europe’s waterfront cities and ports – from pollution and ecosystem degradation to climate vulnerability and the transition towards a circular blue economy.
At its heart is a place-based and people-centred approach, in which technology serves people and contributes to healthier and more resilient waterfronts.
Across 13 demonstration sites, the project will demonstrate a portfolio of more than 20 integrated solutions. Through Living Labs, partners and local communities will co-create and deploy solutions ranging from AI-powered monitoring and advanced pollution treatment to nature-based restoration and circular blue economy models. Citizen science and community participation will ensure that people remain an integral part of the transformation.
From source to sea – and from demonstration to replication
Rather than treating individual environmental challenges in isolation, REMEDIES 5.0 connects its activities through a Source-to-Sea approach, following the natural journey of water from inland rivers through cities and estuaries to Europe’s coasts, ports and islands. Its 13 demonstration sites are designed as an interconnected pan-European portfolio where solutions can be tested, adapted and prepared for wider replication.
Ambition goes beyond demonstration. REMEDIES 5.0 aims to restore at least 8 hectares of vital habitats, validate technologies for removing plastics and chemical pollutants, and establish new circular value chains that transform waste into resources.
To support wider uptake, the project will develop bankable Replication Blueprints, train more than 60 professionals and mobilise at least €10 million in follow-on investment.
Through this integrated approach, REMEDIES 5.0 aims to deliver measurable progress towards the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” and contribute to healthier, more resilient and prosperous European waterfronts.
Coordinated from Slovenia, connected across Europe
The REMEDIES 5.0 project is coordinated by the National Institute of Chemistry in Slovenia, bringing together 49 partner organisations and 3 associated partners for four years of collaboration, from September 2026 to August 2030.
The project is led by Project Coordinator Dr. Uroš Novak, supported by a core coordination team at the National Institute of Chemistry consisting of Dr. Dušan Materić, Andreja Palatinus and Dajana Jeglič.
Together, the coordination team will support the implementation of this ambitious European collaboration and connect the work of partners, demonstration sites and activities across the project.
The Future of Plastic (R)evolution Conference therefore represents more than the conclusion of REMEDIES. It also provides a fitting setting for the beginning of REMEDIES 5.0 – and the next four years of collaboration towards restoring Europe’s oceans and waters.
One Mission, bigger ambition. The next chapter starts here.