Decarbonising value chains sits at the intersection of business and sustainability. Introducing circular practices at every stage of production and supply can significantly reduce emissions while creating more resilient systems. In September 2025, Cork became the meeting point for some of Europe’s leading voices on sustainability as the city hosted the REEValue International Conference: Decarbonising European Value Chains, organised by Cork Chamber. Over two packed days at the Clayton Hotel Cork City, policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and innovators came together for panel discussions, workshops, and technical sessions exploring practical solutions to accelerate decarbonisation across European value chains.
It was also a valuable opportunity for the consortium partners to connect in person, strengthening collaboration and sharing knowledge to ensure the success of the project.
REEValue consortium
The decarbonisation of value chains is one of the most pressing challenges for business and society today, requiring coordinated action from every sector. The REEValue Conference focused on how to embed circularity and sustainability at every stage of production and supply systems — with an emphasis on reducing resource use, emissions and waste.
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, reflected on the significance of the event, “It has been remarkable to welcome such a diverse group of voices here in Cork. Over the past two days we’ve seen how collaboration and shared learning are central to finding real and sustainable solutions to the decarbonisation challenge. The REEValue project is pivotal in driving this agenda forward and we are proud to host these important discussions at a time when decisive action is needed”.
The programme was designed to combine technical insights with interactive sessions, ensuring both knowledge-sharing and practical collaboration. Day One opened with a technical session from the REEValue team and a live platform demo, led by Consortium partners from Cork Chamber, Malta Business Bureau (MBB), Associação Industrial Portuguesa (AIP) and Authentic Energy Management Services (AEMS). Delegates also heard from a panel discussion including industry representatives from Sammontana (Best practice case – Italy), 9WhiteDeer Brewery (Best practice case – Ireland) and Farsons (Best practice case – Malta), who shared best practice in decarbonising operations in the food and beverage sector. An afternoon panel featuring the European Investment Bank, Forvis Mazars, Malta Business Bureau and Enterprise Europe Network explored green financing and European collaboration projects – an essential enabler for scaling up climate solutions across borders.
Panel Discussion: Best Practice in Food & Beverage Industries
Day Two was devoted to practical collaboration, starting the morning with a Speed Networking session organised in collaboration with Enterprise Europe Network where participants were given 3 minutes to talk in pairs introducing themselves and findings potential opportunities for collaboration.
Speed Networking session
The conference ended with Value Chain workshop session, facilitated by Dr. Mario Xuereb (MBB), that brought participants together to explore practical steps for decarbonising value chains through collaboration. Participants were enabled to identify relevant energy efficiency and value chain best practices, determine required supports, and explore collaboration opportunities in grouped purchases, protocols, procedures and policy. Tables, each chaired by two REEValue partners, explored all topics in a single discussion, allowing participants to connect ideas across topics.
REEValue Workshop – Decarbonising Value Chains through Decarbonisation
Speaking at the conference, MEP Billy Kelleher underlined the importance of linking EU policy with on-the-ground innovation, “Decarbonising value chains is one of the greatest economic and environmental challenges facing Europe, but it is critical that meaningful steps are undertaken to ensure the green transition reaches every layer of European value chains. What we have seen here in Cork is the real potential of businesses, researchers and policymakers working hand in hand. The EU is committed to supporting projects like REEValue that bridge the gap between EU decarbonisation ambitions and local actions that deliver real change and secure our competitiveness in a globalised economy.”
Billy Kelleher MEP
Dr Alicia Mateos-Cárdenas, REEValue & Sustainability Lead at Cork Chamber, closed the event by highlighting the collaborative ambition of the project: “REEValue was established to accelerate solutions that integrate sustainability across entire value chains. This conference has demonstrated the power of cross-border collaboration and knowledge-sharing. By working together, we can move from ambition to action and build greener, more resilient economies for the future.”
Also, Charles Buttigieg (EWA) said “This event celebrates best practice and fosters discussion on building a more sustainable food and drink manufacturing sector. REEValue’s role extends beyond technical guidance to enterprises; it is also about raising awareness of the benefits of sustainable behaviours and investments across the entire value chain. The companies presenting here have shown that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand, paving the way for greater energy and water efficiency while setting an example for others to follow“
The REEValue project is a cornerstone LIFE-funded initiative dedicated to decarbonise European value chains through collaboration. Cork’s role as host city underlines the region’s growing reputation as a hub for sustainability leadership and green innovation.
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