Sustainable growth: Marbella launches landmark Circular Economy Forum

Marbella emerged as the European leader for sustainable development following the first Circular Economy Forum held at The Pool Marbella. The Forum brought together more than 80 international experts in tourism, construction, innovation, and other sectors. 

Organised By CleanTech Hub – The Pool in partnership with Marbella Council and Grupo Innovación Activa, the event sparked urgent debate on balancing economic prosperity with environmental responsibility.

Cecilia Tarelli, representing CleanTech Hub and Innovación Activa, opened the forum by declaring Marbella poised for a “paradigm shift”. “The circular economic model is not only an environmentally-friendly solution, but it can also be a source of innovation and competition that will help Marbella become a benchmark in the world,” said Ms.

Marbella water loss highlighted

Swedish circular economy pioneer Elin Bergman, the “Queen of the Circular economy in Sweden” and Vice President of Cradlenet. delivered a stark warning. Highlighting Andalusia’s resource crises, she revealed that Malaga Province alone loses 7 billion litres of water annually through leaks and fraud, with only 17 per cent recycled, which costs €1.9 billion yearly.

The region wastes over one million tonnes of food, 94 per cent of which ends up in landfills, generating €2.55 billion in losses. Transport inefficiencies see 4 million people trapped in traffic jams, emitting 13.7 million tonnes of CO₂, while public transport usage lags at just 11 per cent compared to Sweden’s 77 per cent.

Bergman warns that “the future will either be circular or there won’t be one,” noting that the circular economy in Europe is expected to create millions of new jobs and reach a value of $4.5 trillion by 2030. “Andalusia is the perfect place to be Europe’s next success story in sustainability.”

“We must move from ‘extract, build, dispose’ to treating buildings as material banks”

Finnish Expert Anne RaudaskoskiRe-Generous Unlimited founder, focuses on the transformation of construction. She presented Spain’s Socrates circular building where 89 percent materials were recyclable, delivering a ROI of 20 per cent without additional costs or delays. “We must move from ‘extract, build, dispose’ to treating buildings as material banks,” she urged, calling for regenerative design that boosts both wellbeing and property value.

Many practical solutions are available. Juan Marín of Biotonomy The Hotel Mariposa in Malaga, a pioneer of zero-waste design using AI-driven energy and water systems along with biophilic design. The new A.I.R.E. The new A.I.R.E.

The moderator of a heated panel discussion on waste recycling is Inés Skotnicka and featuring Rubén Barredo (Agresur) and Alberto Chullia (Aimplas), stressed digitalisation and cross-sector collaboration as essential for turning waste into resources.

Alejandro Freijo from Marbella Economic Development concluded the Forum by saying, “The circular economies is the path to competitiveness and resilience.” He promised to continue municipal support for green investment and tourism.

With over 300 CleanTech Hub companies already implementing circular solutions across Europe, Marbella’s debut forum has firmly established the Costa del Sol resort as southern Europe’s new hub for sustainable innovation—and a model for cities worldwide.