On March 18, 2025, a thematic workshop titled "CIRCO Methodology: Products that Last" was held at the University of Applied Sciences FHM (Fachhochschule des Mittelstands) in Bielefeld, Germany. The event took place within the framework of the Erasmus+ ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CBHE international project "Developing Innovative Curricula and Modules in Circular Economy and Sustainable Development - CirculEC."

The workshop brought together project partners from Central Asian countries, including representatives of D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University (EKTU) - the project's grant holder and coordinator. EKTU continues to play a key role in promoting sustainable learning approaches and implementing innovative practices at the international level.

The CIRCO methodology introduced during the workshop focuses on designing products with a long lifespan and is built around three key phases: Initiate - Ideate - Implement. It is aimed at transforming traditional linear production models into circular and sustainable value chains.

Working in small groups, participants developed strategies for sustainable product design and business models using real-world examples. One of the cases involved furniture manufacturing, where the conventional one-time sale model was replaced with a leasing concept. In this model, clients return furniture after use, and the company either repairs the items or recycles the materials to produce new products. This business model enables a 30% reduction in wood consumption and a 15% increase in profit through multiple reuse cycles.

The CIRCO approach demonstrates significant benefits not only for business efficiency but also for environmental sustainability. It helps reduce raw material and disposal costs, lowers carbon emissions, and conserves natural resources through closed-loop production systems.

EKTU's participation in mastering the CIRCO methodology highlights the university's ongoing commitment to integrating innovative, environmentally conscious solutions into the educational process. As part of the CirculEC project, the university continues to strengthen its scientific and methodological capacity in building a sustainable academic environment and preparing professionals equipped to apply circular economy principles in the real sector.