Jaupaj highlighted on social media the work of Ecosoft Albania, a company that provides technology for water treatment, filtration and reuse, helping reduce unnecessary consumption of one of the country’s most valuable natural resources.

Ecosoft Albania has operated in the Albanian market since 2018, offering water-treatment solutions for households and businesses, including drinking-water filtration, sanitation systems and wastewater treatment.

The company said its projects have also sought to reduce plastic waste. Since 2020, its drinking-water filtration systems have helped cut plastic waste by around 19,000 tonnes a year, it said.

Ecosoft said environmental protection was not simply a marketing campaign but part of its long-term business model aimed at preventing pollution.

“In the circular economy, water is not a resource to be used only once, but an asset that must be conserved, treated and, wherever possible, reused,” Jaupaj said.

“Less waste, less pressure on water resources and more technology at the service of the environment,” she added.

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The programme serves as a joint platform supporting Albania’s transition towards sustainable development and its European integration process.

Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said discussions focused on measures ranging from strengthening the circular economy framework through the Extended Producer Responsibility law, to improving the climate monitoring system and greenhouse gas inventory, as well as ensuring sustainable management of protected areas through new financial instruments and integrated management plans.

“Through institutional coordination, we can ensure accurate data for decision-making, build capacities at central and local levels, and channel investments that increase resilience to climate change while protecting biodiversity,” Jaupaj said.

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The tour kicked off at Destil Creative Hub, a multifunctional collaborative space in Tirana and a key implementing partner of EU4Innovation and GIZ initiatives. Destil serves as a vibrant cultural and social platform that fosters creative exchange and hosts digital nomads, artists, and entrepreneurs.

Through EU4Innovation and the EU4Circular Economy and Livable Cities project, Destil has implemented several initiatives aimed at supporting startups in the creative industries.

One such initiative is SEAM (Space for Experimentation in Art and Making), which exemplifies how innovation and design can be harnessed to preserve and reinterpret cultural heritage. SEAM & Space 05 integrates architecture, design, sustainability, and urban hospitality in response to Tirana’s rapid transformation.

The tour also showcased the Circular City Lab Tirana, a collaborative accelerator launched by Destil, POLIS University, and Co-PLAN. Supported by EU4Innovation and EU4Circular Economy programs, the lab focuses on piloting reusable packaging systems for businesses, aiming to reduce single-use waste and promote sustainable business models.

Several program beneficiaries presented their innovative solutions. BioCosm encourages circularity by offering product refills and discounts for returned bio-cosmetic packaging.

TOK Digital / Barefoot Festival promotes sustainable event practices, introducing a Mobile Refill System to reduce disposable packaging waste during large festivals.

Patoko, a digital mobility platform, connects users with licensed taxi drivers and provides real-time public transport information, improving accessibility and sustainable travel options.

These projects underscore Germany’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable urban development in Albania through targeted support and cooperation with local partners.

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The Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mirela Kumbaro, attending a promotion event of the document, said in her remarks that the roadmap should help in implementing concrete projects for every citizen.

“The challenge is for the roadmap to serve tangible projects for all citizens, with the Circular Economy being a priority, either with infrastructure investments such as the construction of the integrated waste management chain in Kukës and Gjirokastër-Vlora  in Albanian south, or with the new law on extended producer responsibility, but also with many educational initiatives in schools,” Tourism Minister said.

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