Innovation Stage

Mittwoch, 12. März 2025 bis 
Donnerstag 13. März 2025

Das Programm der Innovation Stage

Die Innovation Stage ist der Ort, an dem visionäre Ideen und bahnbrechende Lösungen für die Kreislaufwirtschaft zum Leben erweckt werden. Hier treffen sich Vordenker, Innovatoren und Macher, um gemeinsam die Zukunft der Kreislaufwirtschaft zu gestalten. Innovative Start-ups und Unternehmen präsentieren auf dieser Bühne ihre wegweisenden Ideen und Technologien, die maßgeblich zur Transformation hin zur Circular Economy beitragen. Freuen Sie sich auf spannende Vorträge, praxisnahe Diskussionen und inspirierende Präsentationen. Lassen Sie sich von den neuesten Innovationen anstecken und entdecken Sie, wie kreative Lösungen und zukunftsweisende Technologien unsere Welt nachhaltig verändern können.

Mittwoch, der 12. März 2025

10:00 - 10:10 Uhr

Begrüßung & Eröffnung

10:00 - 10:05 Uhr

Begrüßung

 Format: Eröffnung

 Session: Begrüßung & Eröffnung

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Marc Semmler

Moderator

10:05 - 10:10 Uhr

Eröffnung

 Format: Eröffnung

 Session: Begrüßung & Eröffnung

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Andreas Mucke

Managing Director
Circular Valley / Circular Economy Accelerator

10:10 - 11:10 Uhr

Start-up Pitch Session 1

10:10 - 11:10 Uhr

10 Start Ups will pitch their innovative Circular Economy solutions

 Format: Pitch

 Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

10:20 - 10:25 Uhr

Sustainability and efficiency combined - print image inspection as a key technology

 Format: Keynote

 Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Dr. André Schwarz

Director Marketing & Documentation
EyeC GmbH

Vortragsinfos

The printing industry constantly faces the challenge of producing as efficiently as possible while maintaining the highest quality. Printing errors lead to overproduction, undetected errors lead to costly recalls, both of which result in large quantities of waste. With the help of intelligent print inspection, errors can be detected at an early stage and immediate action can be taken to prevent waste effectively. The artificial intelligence in the software helps the user to differentiate between relevant and non-relevant errors and increases efficiency - resources are conserved and work and machine time are utilized in the best possible way.

10:25 - 10:30 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

 Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

10:35 - 10:40 Uhr

Dr. Carl van Heijst

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Dr. Carl van Heijst

Co-founder
It Goes Forward

Vortragsinfos

Our tech enables fashion brands and retailers to resell and send online returns straight from consumer to consumer. Re-offering returns on their own website, at a discount, making the item skip the warehouse. Savings costs, CO2 and product depreciation.

10:35 - 10:40 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

10:40 - 10:45 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

10:45 - 10:50 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

10:50 - 10:55 Uhr

How major retailers rely on CircularX to launch their circular offerings

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Dr. Gautier Feld

Co-founder
CircularX

Vortragsinfos

Since 2020, CircularX has been supporting major retailers and manufacturers launch second-hand and refurbishment programs. Through our SaaS platform and expertise in circular economy, discover how CircularX is succeeding in accelerating the circular transformation of retail. We will share insights from successful partnerships with clients such as Amazon, Mediamarkt, Samsung, Microsoft, Boulanger or eBay, who are thriving in the refurbishment market.

10:55 - 11:00 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

11:00 - 11:05 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

11:05 - 11:10 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

11:10 - 12:25 Uhr

Vorträge Circular Construction

11:10 - 11:25 Uhr

Sustainability and Glass Recycling from the perspective of the glass industry

 Format: Speech

 Session: Circular Construction

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Jochen Grönegräs

Hauptgeschäftsführer
Bundesverband Flachglas e.V.

Vortragsinfos

TBA

11:25 - 11:40 Uhr

Sustainability and Glass Recycling from the perspective of the glass industry

 Format: Speech

 Session: Circular Construction

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Michael Elstner

Technical Advisory Service Manager / Vorstand
AGC Glass Europe / Bundesverband Flachglas e.V.

Vortragsinfos

TBA

11:40 - 11:55 Uhr

Circular Construction - how we can transform the largest polluter in the world

 Format: Speech

 Session: Circular Construction

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Dominik Campanella

Co-Founder & CEO
Concular

Vortragsinfos

TBA

11:55 - 12:10 Uhr

Circular economy in the construction sector: How a material register in NRW can contribute to greater transparency

 Format: Speech

 Session: Circular Construction

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Dr. Patrick Bergman

Managing Director
Madaster Germany

Vortragsinfos

In view of the current immense challenges, the real estate industry must ask itself what measures it can take to work sustainably in the future, but above all in a way that protects the climate and conserves resources. The answer to this question is quickly found: with the help of a functioning circular economy. The long-term and owner-independent documentation of materials and components turns buildings into material banks, primary resources are saved and CO2 emissions are significantly reduced. The key is therefore digital information on where, what, how much and in what quality is used. This is exactly what the building resource passport offers. However, the passport alone is of little use. An accumulation of information in a material register is necessary in order to develop and implement a regional raw materials strategy.

12:10 - 12:25 Uhr

Structural efficiency: massive leverage for a more sustainable construction sector

 Format: Speech

 Session: Circular Construction

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Dr. Peter Schniering

Founder
Future Cleantech Architects

Vortragsinfos

TBA

12:25 - 14:10 Uhr

North Rhine-Westphalia as the hotspot of Circular Economy

12:25 - 12:40 Uhr

Circular Design als Innovator – zirkuläre Produkte & Geschäftsmodelle aus NRW

 Dauer: 00:15 h

 Format: Speech

 Session: Focus NRW 1

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Linda Dierke

Head of Development & Collaborations
Effizienz-Agentur NRW

Vortragsinfos

Circular design of products and business models is key to addressing central challenges in the economy: from securing raw materials and stable supply chains to sustainable competitive advantages and future-proof strategies. Companies from North Rhine-Westphalia discuss how circular approaches are being implemented and provide insights into their own processes – from innovative product designs to take-back systems and service models. They share the opportunities and challenges this economic transformation process includes.

12:25 - 13:25 Uhr

Circular Design as an Innovator – Circular Products & Business Models from NRW

 Format: Panel discussion

 Session: NRW as the hotspot of Circular Economy

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Linda Dierke

Head of Development & Collaborations
Effizienz-Agentur NRW

Dr. Caroline Cassignol

Cluster Lead Circularity
Siemens AG

Sarah Osterholt

Nachhaltigkeits-beauftragte
Hoermann KG

Nicole Kolomyzev

Cooperations & Partnerships Manager
Janado

Sven FIscher

General Manager
Krall+Roth Services GmbH&Co.KG

Vortragsinfos

Circular design of products and business models is key to addressing central challenges in the economy: from securing raw materials and stable supply chains to sustainable competitive advantages and future-proof strategies. Companies from North Rhine-Westphalia discuss how circular approaches are being implemented and provide insights into their own processes – from innovative product designs to take-back systems and service models. They share the opportunities and challenges this economic transformation process includes.

13:25 - 13:40 Uhr

Digitalisation as a success factor of a circular economy

 Format: Speech

 Session: NRW as the hotspot of Circular Economy

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Benno Weißner

Project Manager
ZENIT - Zentrum für Innovation und Technik in NRW / NRW.EUROPA

Vortragsinfos

Everyone is talking about the circular economy and there are various market requirements for this concept. Digital tools provide many starting points for finding efficient solutions quickly and effectively. What does this mean? How can I use and evaluate tools for their effects on the circular economy? In which areas are there starting points? What are the conceptual starting points / interfaces between circular economy / digitalisation along the value chain? How can I implement this in my company? And who can help me with this?

13:40 - 14:10 Uhr

Dialogue "Green start-ups in NRW"

 Format: Themenblock

 Session: NRW as the hotspot of Circular Economy

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Hartmut Schug

Leiter
Kompetenznetzwerk Umweltwirtschaft.NRW

Vortragsinfos

TBA

14:10 - 15:10 Uhr

Start-up Pitch Session 2

14:10 - 15:10 Uhr

10 Start Ups will pitch their innovative Circular Economy solutions

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

14:20 - 14:25 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start Up Pitch Session 2

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

14:25 - 14:30 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

14:30 - 14:35 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

14:35 - 14:40 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

14:40 - 14:45 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

14:45 - 14:50 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

14:50 - 14:55 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

14:55 - 15:00 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

15:00 - 15:05 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

15:05 - 15:10 Uhr

TBA

 Dauer: 00:05 h

 Format: Pitch

Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2

 Sprache: English

Speaker

TBA

Position
Unternehmen

Vortragsinfos

TBA

15:10 - 15:55 Uhr

Themenblock: Fraunhofer CCPE

15:10 - 15:55 Uhr

Chair: Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE®

 Format: Themenblock

 Session: Themenblock

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Prof. Dr. Johannes Ganster

Division Director Biopolymers
Fraunhofer IAP

Vortragsinfos

In this session, materials-related topics for tackling the challenges of circularity will be addressed ranging from carbon neutral materials for geotextiles and roofing sheets over odor reduction of recyclates up to high-performance bio-based and biodegradable PLA composites.

15:10 - 15:25 Uhr

High quality fibres and films from plastics recyclates - Perspectives for geotextiles and roofing applications

 Format: Speech

 Session: Themenblock

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Dr. Christian Schütz

Business Development Biopolymers
Fraunhofer-Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF / Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE

Vortragsinfos

Non woven fabrics, films and foils are essential components when producing geotextiles and roofing materials. However, for the most part, they are produced from virgin plastics, while consumers and producers alike are ever on the lookout for more sustainable options. We will present the results of a project of eight Fraunhofer-Institutes working together under the lead of Fraunhofer's Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE looking at solutions involving recycling plastics, but also bioplastics.

15:25 - 15:40 Uhr

Tackling the challenge of odor contaminations in the context of a circular plastics economy

 Format: Speech

 Session: Themenblock

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Roxana Grömmer


Fraunhofer Institut für Chemische Technologie

Helen Haug


Fraunhofer IVV / Fraunhofer CCPE

Vortragsinfos

In addition to other parameters, reducing undesirable odors in plastic regrinds is crucial for meeting quality requirements and the acceptance of products containing recycled material. Within the Fraunhofer CCPE, concepts are being developed to minimize odors and emissions from plastics. This includes improving recyclate quality through advanced recycling processes and the use of odor scavenger additives. What lies behind the odor of plastic recyclates and how can it be measured? What challenges and opportunities exist for reducing odor contamination in plastic regrinds? We will address these questions in our presentation.

15:55 - 17:40 Uhr

Circular Economy best practise

15:55 - 16:10 Uhr

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: The Impact of Analytical Instruments in Circular Economy

 Format: Speech

 Session: Circular Economy best practise

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Dr. Florian Geistmann

Managing Director
Shimadzu Deutschland GmbH

Vortragsinfos

In the quest for a sustainable future, analytical instruments are serving as vital tools that are enabling industries to optimise the use of resources and minimise waste. It also demonstrates how precision analytics can help companies implement innovative and effective circular solutions, such as evaluating recyclables, monitoring waste streams for contaminants, and optimizing production processes for reduced resource use. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry and governmental institutions, we can collectively shape a resilient economy that prioritises sustainability. Join us to discover how analytical solutions turn today's challenges into opportunities for a greener future.

16:10 - 16:25 Uhr

Implementation of SiOx plasma treatment for agrochemical packaging

 Format: Speech

 Session: Circular Economy best practise

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Gert Callaerts

Packaging Innovation Coordinator
Bayer Crop Science

Vortragsinfos

A pilot project for SiOx plasma treatment of HDPE containers is implemented as an alternative barrier technology to coextruded HDPE/PA. It provides 100% recyclable packaging, free of F-chemistry and a 30% reduced carbon foot print in the manufacturing process.

16:25 - 16:40 Uhr

Envalior driving a sustainable economy in engineering thermoplastic materials

 Format: Speech

 Session: Circular Economy best practise

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Dr. Rudy Rulkens

Principal Scientist
Envalior

Vortragsinfos

As a global supplier of high-performance engineering materials, Envalior has built global leadership positions in a wide variety of industries by designing and developing better, smarter, stronger, safer, smaller, lighter, longer lasting and more sustainable solutions. Examples are given of our dedication to sustainability and circularity.

16:40 - 16:55 Uhr

Circular Economy in Action: Phosphorus Recycling from Sewage Sludge Ash

 Format: Speech

 Session: Circular Economy best practise

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Martin Braunersreuther

Geschäftsführer Phosphorgewinnung Schkopau
GELSENWASSER AG

Vortragsinfos

In 2021, Phosphorgewinnung Schkopau GmbH was founded through the collaboration between GELSENWASSER AG and EasyMining Services Sweden AB to build the first Ash2Phos plant. The innovative Ash2Phos technology (A2P process) enables the production of high-purity calcium phosphate (Revocap), which can be used as a substitute for imported mineral phosphates in the phosphorus processing industry. The plant, located in Schkopau, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, has an annual capacity of 30,000 tons of ash and represents an important step in the circular economy.

16:55 - 17:40 Uhr

How digitalization makes the cycle possible

 Format: Panel discussion

 Session: Circular Economy best practise

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Philip Bittermann

Chefredakteur
Hüthig Medien GmbH

Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart

Gründer und wissenschaftlicher Geschäftsführer
BRAUNGART EPEA

Vivian Loftin

Co-Founder und Geschäftsführerin
Recyda

Elliana Jensen-Abieva

Founder
CircularTech Initiative

Prof. Dr. Alexander Sauer

Institutsleiter
Fraunhofer Institut für Produktionstechnik und Automatisierung (IPA)

Vortragsinfos

Digitalization offers enormous potential for making the circular economy more efficient and sustainable. From data-based recycling processes and intelligent material tracking to networked value chains - innovative technologies are paving the way for a circular future. In the course of our panel discussion, we want to shed light on the topic with experts from science and practice from different perspectives and highlight opportunities, but also (current) limits.

17:40 - 18:40 Uhr

Scale Up Start-ups

17:40 - 17:55 Uhr

Battery recycling without limits

 Format: Speech

 Session: Scale Up Start-ups

 Sprache: English

Speaker

Michel Siemon

CEO
Primobius

Vortragsinfos

TBA

17:55 - 18:10 Uhr

Digitalization: the missing piece of the puzzle for a successful circular economy

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