Vetro Challenge

In December 2022, six primary schools took part in the competition, which was aimed at pupils in classes 5 to 8 in KrapinaZagorje county. The teams each comprised four pupils and one teacher. Each team chose their own innovation challenge, focusing on the increasing use and recycling of glass packaging. They began by working out a solution in concept form and went on to develop it, step by step, into a complete project. They had just four minutes to present their project to a jury of three judges who chose the three best solutions.

Third place went to the Little Green team. They developed a water bottle with a design based on the Croatian regions of Panona, Goranka and Primorka. They also designed matching jute bags that make it easier and safer to transport the bottles.

The Eco Birds team came in second place. Their project – 'Curious Containers' – is a simple and entertaining way for everyone to recycle: the students themselves devised this solution from various used materials.

First prize was awarded to the Green Hum Team, which designed an interactive container named Recipro (derived from RECYcle and PROfit) that includes a loyalty programme. This container also comes with a little companion – a light-hearted junior version of the container that inspires children to recycle, no matter how young they are.

This approach encourages the school pupils to recognise challenges as opportunities and act on their own initiative to bring about positive changes in society. As well as educating children about the problems involved in the circular economy, this project helps them to develop an innovative and systematic mindset, teaches them project management skills, and shows them how to present their ideas convincingly.