Cuba Circular

The initial situation

Cuba has had only little technology and expertise for efficient recycling of materials so far. This results in low recycling rates and leads to sustainable materials frequently having to be imported. With the Cuba Circular project, the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Cuba is supporting the development of local solutions and pressing ahead with the establishment of sustainable structures in the Cuban packaging industry. In doing so, it links up with two successfully completed EXI projects: the “German-Cuban Alliance for Sustainable Development in the Environmental Sector” and the follow-on project “German Environmental Technologies and Local Engineering Expertise for Cuba and the Entire Central American and Caribbean Region”. Both projects created an excellent basis for furthering the German-Cuban partnership in the environmental sector.

The approach

German technology is to help establish a sustainable infrastructure in the packaging industry and increase the production of paper packaging. At the same time, local stakeholders in Cuba are to be trained and educated.

The objectives and measures

The project is intended to advance not only Cuba's economic development but also environmental protection in the country, thus enhancing the living conditions of the population. It contributes to introducing uniform environmental standards in the packaging industry and promoting suitable framework conditions for their implementation.

The following specific actions are planned for this purpose:

1. Technology provision:
   • Introduction of German technology for sustainable production and recycling in the packaging industry.
   • Support in establishing systems for the production of paper packaging.
2. Knowledge transfer:
   • German experts train Cuban specialists directly in a paper factory.
   • The trained specialists pass on their knowledge to local stakeholders, thus strengthening competencies in assembly, operation and customer service.
3. Regional impact:
   • Promotion of competencies that can be exploited beyond Cuba in Central America and the Caribbean.

The project is not only advantageous for the reduction of waste and import dependency, but also strengthens local economic cycles and improves the ecological framework conditions in the region. It promotes the application of sustainable technology and creates new opportunities for German-Cuban cooperation in the environmental sector.