Within the framework of the 679th edition of the Fira de Tots Sants de Cocentaina, a historic event that brings together thousands of visitors and more than 800 exhibitors from very diverse sectors, Facsa y Fovasa Environment They have brought the European project SYMSITES closer to the public. An initiative that demonstrates how innovation and international collaboration can drive real change in the management of water, energy, and resources, moving towards a more sustainable and circular model.
SYMSITES' presence at the fair allowed them to bring environmental challenges and technological solutions to the heart of a multi-sector trade show, introducing the general public to key concepts such as the circular economy, energy efficiency, and resource reuse. It was an opportunity to demonstrate that sustainability is also built through outreach and citizen participation.
In the exhibition space, the public has been able to learn in a practical way about the objectives and progress of SYMSITES —led by AITEX and with Facsa at the head of the Spanish ecosystem— in addition to participating in the educational workshop “The Course of Water”, designed to bring water culture closer to the children's public.
Outside, activities continued with a recycling workshop led by Fovasa and an area dedicated to the sustainable textile and cosmetics sector, in collaboration with partners such as Germaine de Capuccini, Francisco Jover SA, and GREENE, with the aim of transforming industrial waste into new resources. Additionally, the ITG technology center presented its work on developing an interactive digital tool designed to demonstrate and promote industrial-urban symbiosis (I-US).
About SYMSITES
Funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe program, SYMSITES is developing new technologies inspired by industrial and urban symbiosis. The project is being carried out at the Alcoy Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), managed by Facsa, in collaboration with the Valencian Community's Public Entity for Wastewater Treatment (EPSAR), which has provided the space and facilities for its development. Its aim is to create ecosystems in which the flows of water, waste, and byproducts are transformed into useful resources for other activities, mimicking nature's closed cycles and thus contributing to a low-carbon economy.
Through this participation, Facsa and Fovasa have highlighted the role of innovation, European cooperation, and environmental awareness as drivers of change. This commitment demonstrates that a sustainable future is built on tangible projects that connect research with society.
