First CIRCLEAR Test Section Installation in Zagreb
We’re excited to share that the construction of the first RUCONBAiR test section is currently underway in Zagreb, as part of the final phase of the CIRCLEAR project. 🌱 Over the past months, several potential sites were carefully evaluated to determine the most suitable location for real-world testing of the integrated noise and air pollution barrier system. The selected site – University of Zagreb’s Borongaj campus – offers an ideal mix of exposure to traffic noise and urban air pollution as well as accessibility for continuous monitoring of noise and air quality levels. The ongoing installation involves a test section measuring 28 meters in length and 4 meters in height, designed to allow comprehensive in situ evaluation of the system under real urban conditions. As part of the setup, the APA (Air Pollution Abatement) system will also be integrated into the barrier, enabling the active purification of urban air by reducing concentrations of harmful traffic-related emissions. Noise level measurements have already been conducted before installation, and follow-up measurements after installation will provide insights into the effectiveness of the barrier. Results from this analysis will be shared in an upcoming post – stay tuned! 📊 In addition to acoustic performance, the system will be monitored for its air purification efficiency and resilience to varying environmental conditions through a long-term measurement campaign. This test site marks an important step toward validating the RUCONBAiR system and paving the way for broader deployment in urban areas across Europe. We extend our sincere thanks to all project partners for their time, dedication, and collaboration: Beton-Lučko d.o.o., ISCLEANAIR, Aalto University and Innorec – and to EIT Manufacturing for their continued support in making this innovative work possible. 🤝 https://youtu.be/i7uhUkbXaT8
Visit to Sarajevo – CIRCLEAR presentation at ICNST 2025
Last week, we had the pleasure of visiting Sarajevo, where our colleague took part in the 6th International Conference on Natural Sciences and Technologies (ICNST 2025) and delivered a presentation titled “Circular solutions for cleaner, quieter cities: the future of traffic pollution barriers”, showcasing the ongoing work on the CIRCLEAR project – which focuses on addressing urban air and noise pollution through sustainable infrastructure innovations. 🚗 💨 📢 The conference brought together researchers, engineers, and professionals working on innovative approaches to environmental protection, smart technologies, and urban resilience – making it a perfect platform to present the RUCONBAiR barrier system. Our integrated solution – a barrier that simultaneously reduces traffic noise and filters urban air pollutants – directly supports the conference’s focus on nature-based and technology-driven responses to real-world challenges. With cities around Europe facing increasing pressure to meet environmental targets while improving quality of life for their citizens, RUCONBAiR stands as a practical, scalable response grounded in cross-disciplinary collaboration. 💧♻️🌱 As the CIRCLEAR project enters its final phase, we are excited to share that construction of the first test section in Zagreb is already underway. This installation will enable real-life testing of the barrier’s performance in reducing traffic noise and improving air quality in urban conditions. We would like to thank the organizers for the kind invitation and excellent event organization. It was a pleasure to connect with such an engaged audience and share our vision for cleaner, healthier urban spaces. More about the conference: https://www.icnt.ba/
CIRCLEAIR Presented at the Days of the Croatian Chamber of Civil Engineers 2025 in Opatija
From 12 to 14 June 2025, the CIRCLEAIR project was presented at the Days of the Croatian Chamber of Civil Engineers (HKIG), held in Opatija, Croatia. As the largest annual gathering of civil engineers and construction professionals in Croatia, the event brought together key stakeholders from the construction sector, representatives of local and regional authorities, and experts in infrastructure and environmental sustainability. CIRCLEAIR participated with a dedicated exhibition stand, organized in cooperation with project partner Beton Lučko. The stand featured informative visuals, brochures and promotional materials, as well as a 3D model of the RUCONBAiR – the final product of the project. RUCONBAiR is an innovative circular solution designed to reduce urban noise while capturing air pollutants, thus contributing to healthier and more sustainable urban environments. In addition to the exhibition, the project team held a workshop-style presentation, introducing the CIRCLEAIR concept, development process, and technical features of the RUCONBAiIR solution. The presentation was followed by an engaging discussion, during which interested parties from the construction sector and local governments posed insightful questions about the product’s performance, maintenance, scalability, and potential for integration in public infrastructure projects. 🤝 The dialogue highlighted a growing awareness of the importance of circular economy principles and the urgent need for sustainable solutions in public infrastructure. With over 90% material reusability and a significantly reduced ecological footprint, RUCONBAiR aligns closely with the principles of the circular economy and the future of sustainable infrastructure. ♻️💡 CIRCLEAIR’s presence at the HKIG Days 2025 was an important step in bridging the gap between innovation and implementation, and we are proud to have contributed to one of the most important professional events in the Croatian construction industry.
CIRCLEAIR Contributed to World Environment Day 2025: Fighting Plastic Pollution Together
The 2025 World Environment Day 🌍 , held under the theme “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration”, focused on one of the most pressing global environmental challenges – plastic pollution. The campaign called on individuals, communities, industries, and governments to take urgent and collective action to reduce plastic waste, curb pollution at its source, and move toward sustainable production and consumption patterns. This year’s event emphasized the harmful impact of plastic – especially microplastics, which have been detected everywhere from the deep oceans to human bloodstreams – and the importance of innovation and circular solutions to reverse this trend. Participants were encouraged to rethink their relationship with plastic, invest in eco-friendly alternatives, and support policies that foster a more circular economy. In line with this global message, the University of Zagreb and partner institutions organized a regional World Environment Day event on June 5, 2025, at Šetalište Ivana Pavla II. in Varaždin, where citizens, researchers, and innovators gathered to showcase solutions for a cleaner and healthier future. 🌿 At this event, the CIRCLEAIR project presented its innovative solution RUCONBAiR – a circular system designed to reduce noise pollution and improve air quality. By combining RUCONBAR noise barriers with APA (Air Pollution Abatement) technology, RUCONBAiR minimizes environmental impact and enables over 90% material reuse at the end of its lifecycle.♻️ This sustainable approach aligns strongly with the 2025 campaign goals, offering a practical example of how circular design and eco-innovation can help address environmental pollution and reduce our dependence on single-use materials. We were proud to contribute to this important initiative and to engage with the local community and fellow innovators in promoting #GenerationRestoration.
CIRCLEAR at GREENTECH FESTIVAL Berlin: Accelerating the Circular Economy Together
We’re thrilled to share highlights from our recent participation in the GREENTECH FESTIVAL 2025 in Berlin! Over the past few days, the CIRCLEAR team was immersed in a dynamic and inspiring environment, connecting with passionate innovators, sustainability pioneers, and industry leaders who all share a common goal: building a more circular and sustainable future. From engaging panel discussions to hands-on technology demonstrations, every moment at the festival emphasized the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. Our team was proud to showcase RUCONBAiR, a revolutionary solution that combats road traffic noise and air pollution at the same time. It combines two complementary technologies – RUCONBAR (rubberized concrete noise barrier) and APA (air pollution control) – into a seamless system that can be installed on busy urban roads. In doing so, it improves both the air quality and the soundscape of urban spaces. The product is made from recycled materials and is based on the principles of the circular economy. The connections we made and the conversations we had have already begun opening doors to exciting partnerships and collaborations – a true testament to the importance of coming together to accelerate progress. We extend our sincere thanks to the organizers of GREENTECH FESTIVAL, and to our incredible partners: Beton-Lučko d.o.o., ISCLEANAIR, INNOREC, and Aalto University. And of course, thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to learn more about our work! Let’s keep this momentum going. Together, we can shape a cleaner, more sustainable world.
CIRCLEAR Heads to the GREENTECH FESTIVAL!
Exciting news! 🌍 Project CIRCLEAR is proud to participate in this year’s GREENTECH FESTIVAL, taking place from May 20-22, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. The festival is one of the world’s leading events dedicated to green technologies, sustainable innovation, and the future of our planet.🌱 Held in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment, the festival brings together pioneers, startups, industry leaders, and policymakers who are shaping the transition to a cleaner and smarter world. We’re thrilled to be part of that conversation! At the festival, we’ll be showcasing our innovative solution: next-generation noise barriers made from recycled materials, featuring integrated air purification technology. These multifunctional barriers are designed not only to reduce traffic noise but also to actively clean polluted air, addressing two of the most pressing urban environmental challenges in one intelligent system. We look forward to engaging with the international sustainability community, exchanging ideas, and exploring new opportunities for collaboration and large-scale deployment. If you’re attending GREENTECH, be sure to stop by, meet the team, and learn how CIRCLEAR is helping cities become healthier, quieter, and more sustainable. 🌇 Stay tuned – we’ll be sharing insights and highlights from the event! 👉 Learn more about the GREENTECH Festival here
CIRCLEAR Featured on HRT’s Prometej and Prepares for Real-World Testing in Zagreb
We’re proud to share that Project CIRCLEAR was recently featured on HRT’s science and technology show Prometej, a nationally broadcast program showcasing pioneering research and innovation from across Croatia and beyond. 📺 The segment highlighted our goal to transform traditional infrastructure into sustainable, multifunctional systems that actively protect the environment. By applying circular economy principles, CIRCLEAR is developing next-generation noise barriers made from recycled materials and equipped with integrated air purification technology, addressing both air and noise pollution at once. One of the key highlights of the episode is the upcoming construction of our test site in Zagreb, where a 28-meter-long and 4-meter-high barrier with seven panels will be installed – including one equipped with our APA air purification system. The site will enable field testing of the barrier’s acoustic performance and air cleaning effectiveness under real traffic and weather conditions. This real-world testing phase will not only validate our concept but also provide essential data for further refinement and broader implementation. Although it’s the first physical deployment, it marks the beginning of a much larger vision for sustainable infrastructure. 🧪 Tune in to learn more about our progress, partnerships, and ambitions for a greener future: 👉 Watch on HRT ▶️ Watch on YouTube
CIRCLEAR at CESTE 2025: Advancing Sustainable Infrastructure Together
Project CIRCLEAR was presented at the INTERNATIONAL ROAD CONFERENCE “CESTE” in the beautiful town of Rovinj, Croatia. Our team showcased innovative research on a new generation of multifunctional noise barriers designed to reduce traffic noise while actively purifying the air-merging sustainable design with cutting-edge environmental technology. 🌍 Using recycled materials and integrated air purification technology, these multifunctional barriers aim to simultaneously tackle noise and air pollution-two of the most pressing environmental challenges in urban areas today. We also addressed the importance of aligning infrastructure solutions with regulatory frameworks to ensure long-term impact and feasibility. The event sparked meaningful dialogue among infrastructure stakeholders, civil engineers, environmental experts, and policymakers. These discussions emphasized the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in developing scalable and sustainable pollution abatement strategies. It was inspiring to see a shared commitment to greener, more livable cities. 🌱 We’re grateful for the opportunity to share our work and exchange ideas with such a dedicated and forward-thinking community. Thank you to everyone who joined the conversation-we look forward to future collaborations and continued innovation!
