Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Advances Circular Economy with New Catalysis Lab and Regional Policies

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is strengthening its commitment to the circular economy through scientific innovation and strategic policy measures. On April 23, 2026, the launch of Labcom ERACLECE was announced by the École normale supérieure de Lyon, CNRS, Lyon 1 Université, and IFPEN. This new partnership aims to develop cutting-edge catalysts that support decarbonization and resource valorization by combining computational and experimental chemistry. The ERACLECE project builds on over 30 years of catalysis research, and focuses on designing efficient catalysts for sustainable processes, including biomass conversion and CO2 valorization, while also addressing catalyst recycling post-use. The initiative integrates molecular modeling and artificial intelligence to enhance catalyst synthesis and evaluation and will include educational modules to train the next generation of researchers.

Complementing this scientific push, regional policies in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes are advancing a circular economy framework to counteract the environmental limits of the linear economic model. The regional development plan (Sraddet) targets a 70% recovery rate for waste materials and organic matter by 2031 through measures like incentive pricing and support for reuse sectors. The approach is grounded in seven pillars such as eco-design, sustainable consumption, and reuse, which foster a paradigm shift exemplified by companies transitioning from product sales to usage-based services.

Together, these initiatives position Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes as a leader in combining innovation and policy to achieve environmental sustainability and economic resilience through circular economy principles.