A full-circle moment – not only for GET 4.0 in Argentina

The global IKI project “Green Economy Transformation and Decarbonization Pathways in the Context of Economic Recovery” (GET 4.0) has supported Argentina’s transition to a greener, low carbon economy.

GET 4.0 has supported four partner countries over the last years in the preparation and implementation of policy solutions for the transformation towards an inclusive green economy. The project was implemented in Argentina, Costa Rica, Indonesia and South Africa and was completed at the end of last year. After two years of supporting several activities at different levels of government, the project has achieved a wide range of results and successes in Argentina. GET 4.0 has received very positive feedback and appreciation from the Argentine partners.

Variety of activities

The project supported the Undersecretary of Environment in the implementation of the National Strategy for Sustainable Consumption and Production (NSSCP) and strengthened Argentina’s international position in the field of sustainable consumption and production. This was achieved through the development of an action plan for the NSSCP, a training on climate change and sustainable production for exporting small and medium-sized enterprises in strategic value chains and a standardized dashboard for food and beverage wastes.

The Directorate of Sustainable Industry, within the Ministry of Economy, promoted an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law at national level. GET 4.0 supported them with several studies focusing on the analysis of different waste chains and the aspects to be considered for the implementation of an EPR system. The project also facilitated a discussion process between private and public sector representatives to facilitate the negotiation of the law.

The participation of Argentinian project partners in the One Planet Network (OPN) Forum and the World Circular Economy Forum, supported by the project, facilitated the exchange of knowledge and the sharing of national approaches at the global level. This led, among other things, to the reintegration of Argentina into the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee of the OPN’s Sustainable Food Systems Program and Argentina’s reintegration into the Latin America and the Caribbean Circular Economy Coalition, strengthening the country’s position in the international agenda.

Support to the subnational level

At the subnational level, GET 4.0 supported the Province of Córdoba with its circular economy and climate change agenda. It supported the development and organization of a session at the International Climate Conference “Latin American Commitment” (CCI25), which brought together 5,000 representatives from local and regional governments, academia, and the private sector to discuss climate and biodiversity protection, gender equality, circular economy, and sustainable finance.

The conference strengthened cooperation between local and regional governments in the LAC region in combating climate change and mobilizing additional resources to finance adaptation measures. During the conference, the Ministries of Environment of the Argentine provinces present officially reaffirmed this commitment by signing the conference outcome document.

The participation of the German circular economy initiative “Circular Valley”, facilitated by GET 4.0, was a highlight of CCI25, showcasing how the circular economy is promoted by a network of organizations from North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. As a result, a strong partnership is being established between the Province of Córdoba and Circular Valley.

Long-term impact

The impact of GET 4.0 in supporting its political partners in Argentina is visible beyond the project's completion. In February 2026, the Argentinian government signed a reciprocal trade and investment agreement with the United States that explicitly mentions the importance of resource efficiency and circular economy. In the agreement, the parties are encouraging innovation that promotes circularity. Argentina commits to “take measures to promote the recovery of critical minerals from waste streams, encouraging regulations, infrastructure, or technologies to expand the collection of electronic waste and spent lithium-ion batteries for recycling and recovering critical minerals”.

A full circle moment – not just for the GET 4.0 project team working closely with Argentine partners on the ground, but for the Argentine economy as a whole.