The Federation of Chemistry and Parachemistry (FCP) organized a conference on November 27, 2024, in Casablanca, alongside its General Assembly, with the theme “circular economy and water efficiency: challenges and opportunities for a sustainable chemical industry.” The circular economy and sustainable water management: a key issue for Morocco. In a context where environmental challenges and pressure on natural resources are intensifying, the circular economy emerges as an innovative model to rethink our resource management. Based on the principles of reduction, reuse, and recycling, this concept aims to minimize waste while maximizing the use of available resources. Among these resources, water occupies a central place as a vital element for life and human activities. Water efficiency, which involves optimizing water use to simultaneously meet economic and environmental needs, thus becomes a fundamental pillar of this model. By adopting sustainable practices for water management, it is possible not only to preserve this essential resource but also to promote responsible and sustainable economic growth. This convergence between the circular economy and efficient water management, which is the theme of this workshop, opens promising perspectives for a resilient and sustainable future, particularly for the national chemical industry. Faced with the increasing scarcity of its water resources, Morocco has launched its National Water Management Strategy, whose roadmap, established until 2050, encompasses the actions and projects necessary to plan, manage, and rationalize water use in various economic sectors. During the meeting on November 27, organized in partnership with the ICCA (International Council of Chemicals Associations), experts and renowned personalities participated in the discussions, including Mr. Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Mehdi Tazi, General Vice-President of the General Confederation of Enterprises of Morocco (CGEM), Mr. Hassan Sentissi El Idrissi, President of the Moroccan Confederation of Exporters (CME), as well as Mr. Jeffrey Kovacs, President of Responsible Care Leader Group (RCLG). The opening session was marked by a welcome speech delivered by Mr. Abed Chagar, President of the FCP.
This meeting highlighted the strategic initiative led by the Ministry of Industry to promote the circular economy in industrial sectors. Expert interventions on smart water management underscored the crucial role that the circular economy has played in preserving and optimizing water resources. This model relied on reducing waste, reusing wastewater, and valorizing by-products, integrating innovative technologies such as advanced treatment and digital monitoring of flows. Experts also emphasized the importance of collaborations between industrial sectors, local authorities, and researchers, which have enabled the creation of local water reuse loops. These initiatives have not only reduced pressure on natural resources but have also contributed to lowering costs and the carbon footprint of water systems while enhancing their resilience to climate challenges. During the interventions dedicated to the theme of resource valorization through the circular economy, experts highlighted innovative approaches that have transformed waste into exploitable resources. They presented concrete examples of projects that optimized the reuse of materials in various sectors, including industry, agriculture, and energy. These initiatives demonstrated how the recovery of by-products and their reintegration into production processes reduced waste while generating new economic opportunities. Speakers also emphasized the importance of collaborations between public and private stakeholders to structure circular value chains, thus promoting sustainable growth and responsible management of natural resources. This event brought together nearly 150 leaders and provided an opportunity for representatives of the national chemical industry and institutions specialized in the environment, circular economy, and water management to share their successful experiences in implementing effective strategies. Testimonials contributed to raising awareness among stakeholders in the national chemical industry to engage more in responsible resource management. This rich morning concluded with a question-and-answer session. Subsequently, the FCP began its Mixed General Assembly (AGE & AGO) with the classic agenda items: Amendment of the statutes, Moral report, Financial report, Auditor’s report.
