Convention

Art meets circular economy: Over 100 ‘Trash People’ by artist HA Schult are the strong symbol of the Circular Valley Convention 2025

An impressively large group of figures made of packaging waste, scrap metal and electronic waste, lined up in a row against the imposing backdrop of the Matterhorn: This impressive motif characterises the visual communication of the Circular Valley Convention 2025. On 12 and 13 March 2025, over 100 ‘Trash People’ by artist H. A. Schult will be on display in the corridors, on the stages and in the exhibition and networking area at the Areal Böhler in Düsseldorf, giving additional expression to the theme.

Art as a mirror of the throwaway society

H. A. Schult, a pioneer of art that criticises consumption and the environment, has created a remarkable art project called ‘Trash People’, which has been shown in many iconic locations around the world since 1996 – from the pyramids in Egypt to the Great Wall of China. These sculptures made from seemingly worthless waste such as plastic packaging and computer scrap transform rubbish into monuments to our times and carry a clear message: waste is not the end, but the beginning of a cycle. Schult’s art challenges the viewer to reflect on our use of resources and to take responsibility for protecting our planet.

An appeal for a sustainable future

The ‘Trash People’ are more than just an art project. They are a statement in favour of each individual’s responsibility for our environment and an appeal to transform our economy. They call for waste to be seen not as the final residue, but as a valuable resource in a circular system. It is precisely this idea that is taken up at the Circular Valley Convention. The CVC brings together global decision-makers from business, science and society to jointly develop innovative solutions for the circular economy. The transition to a sustainable economy can only succeed through collaboration across industry boundaries.

The Circular Valley Convention 2025: A holistic approach to the circular economy

The Circular Valley Convention takes a holistic approach to driving the transformation towards a circular economy. It covers the entire value chain – from product design, production and use to recycling and reuse. The event combines theory and practice and offers space for the exchange of ideas and solutions. At a time when resource-conserving economic activity is becoming increasingly important, the CVC is a central platform for the future of the circular economy.
Philipp Scheffler, Project Lead of the Circular Valley Convention, explains: ‘We want to drive forward the sustainable transformation of the industry. The Trash People as a symbol of consumer criticism and recycling fit perfectly with our mission, which is to promote dialogue between different stakeholders. Our aim is to inspire companies, scientists and political decision-makers to take action together.’
Be there – experience the ‘Trash People’ live in Düsseldorf, exchange ideas with leading experts and discover the latest solutions for a sustainable future.
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