Pro-social materials – Sustainable models powered by quality education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69143/2464-9309/17262025Keywords:
inclusive education, fragile communities, territorial materials, local micro-entrepreneurship, academia-community synergyAbstract
A ‘quality education’ is a fundamental engine for reducing social inequalities. However, vulnerable communities often do not have access to training programs that provide skills related to circularity and sustainability issues. In this light, the paper illustrates a research project that explores an innovative educational framework centred on developing sustainable materials starting from local by-products, fostering a connection between the University and the territory. The Bioloop Factory project exemplifies this approach by integrating co-design methodologies, principles of circular economy, and community engagement: through participatory processes, the project facilitated knowledge transfer, offered new opportunities to vulnerable communities, and supported the development of inclusive small-scale production chains (micro-supply chains), proving to be a replicable model for sustainable development.
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Received: 14/03/2025; Revised: 19/04/2025; Accepted: 21/04/2025
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Copyright (c) 2025 Barbara Del Curto, Sara Valassina, Romina Santi
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