The DiCE consortium gathered in the beautiful city of Valladolid, Spain, earlier in September, for its third project meeting – three inspiring days filled with creativity, collaboration, and meaningful discussions on how to advance circular innovation in healthcare. The meeting, hosted by INTRAS, offered partners the opportunity to reconnect in person, reflect on progress made so far, and shape the project’s final year together.
Engaging Workshops
We kicked off our first morning on an energetic note, with partners catching up over coffee before diving into a series of engaging sessions and group activities. The day revolved around three main workshops that combined reflection, discussion, and hands-on exploration.
The first session focused on identifying barriers and opportunities for implementing sustainability in medical device development processes. Partners explored how design, material selection, and regulatory requirements can influence the circularity of medical products – from manufacturing and use to end-of-life. The conversation highlighted the growing potential for reuse and refurbishment, as well as the importance of integrating sustainability early in the design phase.
Next, the group turned to the reuse of digital display labels and their broader application in healthcare environments. Participants discussed both the technical and organisational challenges associated with reusing these smart devices and brainstormed innovative ways to extend their lifespan. The workshop underlined how digital tools, when designed for circularity, can contribute to more sustainable and efficient healthcare operations.
To round off the day, participants visited the creative lab of the University of Valladolid for session on 3D printing using recycled materials. The activity demonstrated how innovative fabrication techniques can support resource efficiency and open new avenues for sustainable product design. The day concluded with a well-deserved Spanish dinner, where colleagues continued their conversations in a more relaxed setting, discovering the local cuisine and culture.
Involvement of our Advisory Board
The second day began bright and early with an extended session involving members of the project’s Advisory Board. Together, the group reviewed DiCE’s achievements to date and outlined priorities for the year ahead. Building on the project’s strong foundations, the discussion focused on how to ensure long-term impact and prepare for the implementation phase beyond DiCE’s lifetime.
Following the plenary session, partners participated in a new series of creative workshops. Topics included using storytelling to maximise communication impact, ensuring post-DiCE implementation, and learning from external circular initiatives such as ILUNION, CHATELAC, LIFE WEEELoop, and Takeda. These sessions encouraged participants to think strategically about replication potential, scalability, and the role of collaboration in achieving systemic change. Drawing on the insights and advice of our advisory board, we wrapped up the day with a renewed sense of direction and enthusiasm.
Practical Matters
As our time in Valladolid drew to a close, the final morning was dedicated to a general assembly and follow-up workshops that built on the previous days’ discussions. Partners consolidated key takeaways, agreed on next steps, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to supporting the transition towards a circular healthcare sector.
Three days of collaboration, creativity, and community left everyone inspired and ready to take on the final stage of the DiCE journey – building on the knowledge shared in Valladolid to ensure lasting impact well beyond the project’s completion.
