Paula Camiña Eiras introduces her work, Co-Obradoiro Galego at the crQlr Awards Exhibition in FabCafe Barcelona

The crQlr Awards Exhibition in Barcelona, hosted by FabCafe Barcelona and the crQlr Awards Team, took place from March 1 to March 16, 2024, at FabCafe’s new venue in the historic Ciutat Vella neighborhood. This exhibition showcased five winners of the 2024 crQlr Awards, celebrating groundbreaking projects that advance the circular economy. 

An opening event marked the occasion, featuring speeches from David Vicente, CEO of FabCafe Barcelona, and Kelsie Stewart, Chairman of the crQlr Awards. Both highlighted the importance of this new FabCafe location and its connection to the vibrant, historic neighborhood of Ciutat Vella, known for its artistic heritage and cultural energy. The new FabCafe venue aims to engage more deeply with the community, fostering collaboration in one of Barcelona’s oldest quarters.

Among the award-winning projects presented, Paula Camiña Eiras introduced her work, Co-Obradoiro Galego. Located in Galicia, a region where the Atlantic Ocean has long been a source of food and cultural identity, this project addresses two significant environmental issues: the waste produced from unused crustacean shells and the impact of deforestation on local forests. By using chitosan, a bio-polymer derived from seashells, Eiras developed a biodegradable material to replace traditional wood for local basket weavers. This innovation honors Galician heritage, supporting traditional weaving practices while promoting sustainable resource use. Eiras thanked collaborators Rubén Berto, Enrique Táboas, and Carliños O Cesteiro, whose support was integral to her project’s success.

For a closer look at the excitement and energy from the opening party, a highlight video has been prepared in Spanish. Viewers can get a sense of the warm welcome FabCafe Barcelona received in its new home and see firsthand how the crQlr Awards Exhibition celebrated the work of these innovative creators.