“Eco-innovation refers to all forms of innovation – technological and nontechnological – that create business opportunities and benefit the environment by preventing or reducing their impact, or by optimising the use of resources. Ecoinnovation is closely linked to the way we use our natural resources, to how we produce and consume and also to the concepts of eco-efficiency and ecoindustries. It encourages a shift among manufacturing firms from “end-of-pipe” solutions to “closed-loop” approaches that minimise material and energy flows by changing products and production methods – bringing a competitive advantage across many businesses and sectors” (REPAiR 2018, p.11).

Moreover, the Horizon 2020 REPAiR call “WASTE-6a-2015” stated that Eco-Innovative Solutions are:

“demonstration, at an appropriate pilot scale, and market replication, of integrated eco-innovative cost and energy-efficient TECHNOLOGIES, PROCESSES and/or SERVICES for waste prevention, treatment, enhanced collection, recycling and recovery of high- grade valuable materials from waste” (REPAiR 2018, p.11).

For further information see:
https://h2020repair.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Deliverable-5.3-Eco-Innovative-Solutions-Naples.pdf