REMEDIES was launched as one of the first innovation projects of the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”, with a clear ambition: to tackle plastic pollution by moving beyond clean-up towards prevention, circularity and long-term behavioural and systemic change. Coordinated by the National Institute of Chemistry in Slovenia, the 48-month Horizon Europe project brought together research, technology, business, public authorities and civil society to co-create practical solutions for healthier oceans and waters.
At its core, REMEDIES demonstrated an integrated, people-centred approach to plastic pollution through three interconnected pillars: Detection & Monitoring, Collection & Valorisation, and Prevention & Zero Waste. The project developed and demonstrated technological and participatory approaches to better understand where plastic pollution originates and how it moves through rivers, coastlines and the sea; to collect plastic and microplastic pollution; and to prevent plastic waste from entering the environment in the first place. These included monitoring protocols and digital tools, drones and sensors, microplastic trapping systems, river and marine litter collection technologies, beach clean-ups, and approaches for the valorisation and recycling of recovered plastics.
Prevention was equally central to the project. REMEDIES explored reusable and alternative solutions to single-use plastics, biodegradable fishing gear, zero-waste cosmetics, water reuse and circular supply chains. Demonstrations across Mediterranean locations showed how technical innovation can be combined with local conditions, businesses and communities to create more circular ways of producing, consuming and managing resources.
A defining feature of REMEDIES was that technology was never considered a solution on its own. Citizen science, participatory co-creation and community engagement were embedded throughout the project, helping citizens and local stakeholders become active participants in understanding and addressing plastic pollution. More than 100 beach clean-ups were carried out across the Mediterranean, involving over 2,000 citizens and collecting more than 20 tonnes of plastic litter. Through open calls, mentoring and financial support, REMEDIES also extended its reach beyond the core demonstration sites and supported regions in developing and deploying plastic collection, valorisation and zero-waste solutions.
The project therefore established more than a portfolio of individual technologies: it created an integrated approach connecting science, innovation, circularity and people. Its experience demonstrated how monitoring can inform action, how collected waste can become a resource, and how prevention and community engagement can address pollution upstream. As an added value of the Future of Plastic (R)evolution conference, REMEDIES partners will showcase 13 innovations and organize the 10th Cluster Meeting with the coordinators of sister projects to share the latest updates and key lessons learned.
This foundation now feeds directly into REMEDIES 5.0, which takes the lessons, partnerships and people-centred innovation approach developed through REMEDIES. Building on this foundation of technology, circularity, and citizen engagement, REMEDIES has paved the way for REMEDIES 5.0, expanding these results and partnerships beyond plastic pollution towards a broader vision for restoring Europe’s oceans, rivers, coasts and waterfronts.