Main Stage
Mittwoch, 12. März 2025 bis
Donnerstag 13. März 2025
Das Programm der Main Stage
Die Main Stage ist ein Highlight der Circular Valley Convention – ein Ort, an dem führende Köpfe aus Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft, Politik und Gesellschaft ihre Visionen und bahnbrechenden Projekte präsentieren. Hier erfahren Sie aus erster Hand, wie die Zukunft der Circular Economy gestaltet wird. Mit inspirierenden Keynotes und richtungsweisenden Impulsen bieten renommierte Experten wertvolle Einblicke in innovative Strategien, transformative Technologien und globale Trends. Lassen Sie sich von den Perspektiven der Top-Speaker begeistern und erleben Sie, wie Ideen Gestalt annehmen, die unsere Welt nachhaltig verändern werden.
Donnerstag, der 13. März 2025
09:30 - 10:00 Uhr
Eröffnung & Begrüßung
09:30 - 09:40 Uhr
Eröffnung
Format: Eröffnung
Session: Eröffnung & Begrüßung
Sprache: English
Speaker
Chérine de Bruijn
Moderatorin
Dr. Carsten Gerhardt
Chairman
Circular Valley Stiftung
Prof. Manfred Renner
Institutsdirektor
Fraunhofer UMSICHT
09:40 - 09:45 Uhr
Video-Grußwort des Düsseldorfer Oberbürgermeisters
Format: Eröffnung
Session: Eröffnung & Begrüßung
Sprache: English
Speaker
Dr. Stephan Keller
Oberbürgermeister
Stadt Düsseldorf
09:45 - 10:00 Uhr
Grußwort des NRW Umweltministers
Format: Keynote
Session: Eröffnung & Begrüßung
Sprache: English
Speaker
Oliver Krischer
Ministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Verkehr des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen
Vortragsinfos
TBA
10:00 - 11:00 Uhr
Keynotes - Enabling Circular Economy
10:00 - 10:15 Uhr
Perspective on Circular Economy in the Context of Federal Policy
Format: Speech
Session: Eröffnung & Begrüßung
Sprache: English
Speaker
Susanne Szech-Koundouros
Leiterin der Unterabteilung: Rohstoffpolitik, Kreislaufwirtschaft, Ressourcenschutz und Umweltrecht
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz
Vortragsinfos
Circular economy (CE) is a key issue for the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action. It is an important economic factor, it is a driver for innovation, it is a significant contribution to Climate protection and last but not least is an important pillar of the diversification of our raw material supply."
10:15 - 10:30 Uhr
Circular Economy as an Opportunity for Strengthening NRW’s Economic Future
Format: Speech
Session: Eröffnung & Begrüßung
Sprache: English
Speaker
Susanne Hagenkort-Rieger
Director General of Economic Policy
Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Vortragsinfos
The circular economy is not only an environmental necessity, but also a strategic advantage. In North Rhine-Westphalia, industrial change and sustainability go hand in hand. By implementing circular economy principles, we want to secure jobs, promote innovation and maintain our state as a leading economic hub. Find out how North Rhine-Westphalia is turning the circular economy into a competitive advantage for industry.
10:30 - 10:45 Uhr
Shaping the Future: Transforming the Chemical Industry into a Multidimensional Circular Economy
Format: Speech
Session: Eröffnung & Begrüßung
Sprache: English
Speaker
Prof. Lars M. Blank
Professor
RWTH Aachen University
Vortragsinfos
The WSS research center catalaix is spearheading the development of new recycling technologies that will drive the transition to a multidimensional circular economy. Through catalysis, we enable the sustainable processing of complex waste streams and the integration of renewable energy into production processes.
10:45 - 11:00 Uhr
The Circular Economy in Flanders – an overview
Format: Speech
Session: Eröffnung & Begrüßung
Sprache: English
Speaker
Bart Brosius
General Representative of Flanders in Germany
Embassy of Belgium
Vortragsinfos
Join us for an insightful presentation on the vital role of circular economy in Flanders/Belgium and international cooperation in driving sustainable growth and industrial competitiveness. The Government of Flanders is actively supporting businesses and industries in this transition through strategic policies, investments, and cross-border collaborations. Flanders and Nordrhein-Westfalen, both recognized as circular economy frontrunners, are working closely together to develop innovative solutions that enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste, and create new economic opportunities.
11:00 - 12:15 Uhr
Session 4 - Electronic Products in a Circular Economy
10:30 - 10:45 Uhr
Speech Dr. Thomas Stoffmehl: TBA
Dauer: 00:15 h
Format: Speech
Session: Electronic Products in a Circular Economy
Sprache: English
Speaker
Dr. Thomas Stoffmehl
Vorstandssprecher
Vorwerk SE & Co. KG
Vortragsinfos
TBA
11:00 - 11:15 Uhr
The 3Cs - levers for sustainable value creation
Format: Speech
Session: Electronic Products in a Circular Economy
Sprache: English
Speaker
Dr. Hendrik Wehr
CEO Vorwerk Engineering
Vorwerk Elektrowerke GmbH & Co. KG
Vortragsinfos
Circularity, Climate, Community - Spotlights insigths to a company targeting next level sustainability
11:15 - 11:30 Uhr
Circular Economy in The Automotive Industry – The BMW Perspective
Format: Speech
Session: Electronic Products in a Circular Economy
Sprache: English
Speaker
Dr. Markus Seidel
Senior Expert, Head of Research Circular Economy
BMW Group
Vortragsinfos
The vision of creating a Circular Economy is an integral part of the European Green Deal. Several regulatory initiatives are underway that will have a significant impact on the automotive industry. The presentation will provide an overview of how the BMW Group positions itself and which areas of innovation should be addressed to improve circularity. Furthermore, the presentation will highlight how the company is proactively engaged at the EU level through automotive associations and technology platforms in Brussels to drive change through complex collaborations.
11:30 - 11:45 Uhr
Lenovo & the Circular Economy
Format: Speech
Session: Electronic Products in a Circular Economy
Sprache: English
Speaker
Christian Eigen
stellv. CEO
Medion AG (Lenovo)
Vortragsinfos
With a vision for a net-zero future, Lenovo knows the transition to a circular economy is critical. During this presentation, Medion AG CFO Christian Eigen will share how Lenovo’s vision to deliver smarter technology for all extends to its circular economy practices that include Smarter Circular Design, Smarter Circular Use, and Smarter Circular Return activities.
11:45 - 12:00 Uhr
Apple’s Roadmap to 2030
Format: Speech
Session: Electronic Products in a Circular Economy
Sprache: English
Speaker
Dr. Jonas Dreger
Senior Manager Environmental Initiatives EMEIA
Apple
Vortragsinfos
We are committed to an ambitious, science-driven plan to achieve our Apple 2030 goal. Our efforts center on decarbonizing the three largest sources of emissions—materials, electricity, and transportation—throughout our value chain. We’re progressing toward our goal of relying solely on responsibly sourced recycled or renewable materials for our products and packaging.
12:00 - 12:15 Uhr
Energy Demand in Europe: A Comprehensive Study on the Impacts of Automotive Elec-trification, Energy Storage Solutions, Circular Economy Initiatives, and Imported/Exported Emissions
Format: Speech
Session: Electronic Products in a Circular Economy
Sprache: English
Speaker
Prof. Dr. Simon Lux
Managing Director
Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB
Vortragsinfos
This study indicates that while LFP cells exhibit the lowest energy consumption from primary materials in the production process, NMC cells have significantly higher energy demands. The emissions and energy intensity of NMC-based batteries could be alleviat-ed through effective recycling and circular economy strategies, particularly in the long term. Sodium batteries, as an alternative to LIB batteries, show lower energy demands across all electrification scenarios; however, all scenarios highlight a substantial reliance on mining and refining processes, underscoring the necessity for enhanced recycling capacities to reduce energy consumption.
Overall, a primary raw material cycle results in imported emissions, whereas a circular economy approach in the 2050s leads to localized European emissions, necessitating additional energy sources within.
12:15 - 13:30 Uhr
Session 5 - Circular Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence
12:15 - 12:30 Uhr
Sustainable AI / AI for sustainability
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence
Sprache: English
Speaker
Sean Jones
Head of Sustainability
Microsoft
Vortragsinfos
How does Microsoft tackle sustainability?
12:30 - 12:45 Uhr
Enhance Circularity with SAP Technology Solutions
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence
Sprache: English
Speaker
Darren West
Global Head of Circular Economy solutions
SAP
Vortragsinfos
Today, SAP uses generative AI to optimize network capacity and reduce energy consumption. Moving forward, we aim to use it to address Scope 3 emissions and enhance ESG reporting and calculation processes. SAP is now developing the ability to optimize circularity performance, by optimizing materials against both profit and planet objectives. Hear from Darren West and learn on how to enhance circularity with SAP technology solutions
12:30 - 12:45 Uhr
Speech: TBA
Dauer: 00:15 h
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence
Sprache: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Unternehmen
Vortragsinfos
TBA
12:45 - 13:00 Uhr
Augmented Engineering: Supercharge Circularity by Artificial Intelligence
Format: Fireside Chat
Session: Circular Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence
Sprache: English
Speaker
Dr. Dorothea Pohlmann
CTO Sustainability
Capgemini Engineering
Vortragsinfos
Artificial intelligence (AI) is developing from a specialised application into a general-purpose technology. In the course of this, all engineering activities and products will be augmented. Whether people, processes, products or services: they will all reach new levels of intelligence and effectiveness, which offers great potential for sustainability.
13:00 - 13:15 Uhr
Traceability & Digital Product Passports – Empowering the circular economy
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence
Sprache: English
Speaker
Dr. Benedikt Brenken
Director R-Cycle
R-Cycle / ProData GmbH
Vortragsinfos
Nachhaltigkeit braucht Daten! R-Cycle, die erste globale Tracing-Plattform für Kunststoffprodukte und Verpackungen, ermöglicht eine lückenlose Rückverfolgbarkeit entlang des gesamten Lebenszyklus. Mithilfe von GS1-Standards und einer schlüsselfertigen SaaS-Lösung sorgt R-Cycle für einen sicheren, effizienten und standardisierten Datenaustausch – über Unternehmensgrenzen hinweg. Alle Teilnehmer der Wertschöpfungskette können dank globaler Interoperabilität einfach eingebunden werden und automatisiert präzise Informationen erhalten und teilen, etwa zu Materialzusammensetzung und Herkunftsnachweisen. So entstehen Transparenz, Kosteneinsparungen und regulatorische Sicherheit – für eine echte Kreislaufwirtschaft!
13:15 - 13:30 Uhr
Data Ecosystems and the Circular Economy
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence
Sprache: English
Speaker
Prof. Dr. Boris Otto
Direktor
Fraunhofer ISST
Vortragsinfos
To seize the business and environmental opportunities of the circular economy, various stakeholders in the ecosystem needs to team up to share their data. Data spaces have emerged as the architecture approach to stimulate data sharing while contribution to the trust and sovereignty needs of data providers and users. The presentation presents industry examples, discusses the state of the art and gives an outlook to future developments.
13:30 - 15:30 Uhr
Session 6 - Circular Business Models Strategies
13:30 - 13:45 Uhr
Road to Zero Waste: How PreZero closes loops and transforms companies; communities towards sustainability
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Business Models Strategies
Sprache: English
Speaker
Marcus Sagitz
Managing Director Marketing & Corporate Affairs PreZero International
PreZero Stiftung & Co. KG
Vortragsinfos
TBA
13:45 - 14:00 Uhr
Circular business model to accelerate the hydrogen economy
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Business Models Strategies
Sprache: English
Speaker
Liam Condon
CEO
Johnson Matthey plc
Vortragsinfos
This presentation will explain how the principles behind the well-established circular business model for automotive catalysts can be combined with digital innovation to accelerate the energy transition.
14:00 - 14:15 Uhr
Metal recycling in the global competition
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Business Models Strategies
Sprache: English
Speaker
Henning Reuter
CEO
Siegfried Jacob Metallwerke
Vortragsinfos
Although it is well known that metal recycling can save large amounts of energy and therefore CO2 emissions, there are numerous reasons why it is often not done. These include political framework conditions, but also a growing number of complex alloys or product designs. As a result, recycling is often at an economic disadvantage compared to primary raw materials. So what needs to be done?
14:15 -14:30 Uhr
Identification of Circular Value Pools
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Business Models Strategies
Sprache: English
Speaker
Marc Hetzer
Director, Business Consulting, Circular Ecosystems
EY Consulting GmbH
Vortragsinfos
Discover how businesses can identify and leverage value pools that drive both economic and ecological benefits through a circular business approach.
14:30 - 14:45 Uhr
Why digitalisation is becoming a game changer in the circular economy
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Business Models Strategies
Sprache: English
Speaker
Claudia Wegener
CIO
Interzero Circular Solutions Germany GmbH
Vortragsinfos
Digitalisation plays a key role in the transformation towards a genuine circular economy. In her presentation, Claudia Wegener will show how digital technologies are making the circular economy more efficient, sustainable and future-proof. She will highlight how digitalisation is helping to increase transparency in material flows, raise recycling efficiency and optimise processes in the circular economy.
14:45 - 15:00 Uhr
Tailored Solutions for Pallet Pooling
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Business Models Strategies
Sprache: English
Speaker
Dipl. Ing. Gürsel Zorlu
Chief Growth Officer
PGS Group
Vortragsinfos
PGS Reverse, PGS Group's pooling service, is an innovative system designed for efficient pallet collection, maintenance, storage, and seamless reuse within the logistical flow, all managed from the nearest PGS facility.
This pooling service embodies our commitment to sustainability and efficiency, offering a tailored approach to pallet management that not only meets the logistical needs of businesses but also supports environmental sustainability through the reuse of resources. By leveraging our extensive network and expertise, we ensure that pallets are where they need to be, exactly when they're needed, minimizing waste and optimizing supply chain operations.
15:00 - 15:15 Uhr
Circular economy solutions in SME's in developing countries
Format: Fireside Chat
Session: Circular Business Models Strategies
Sprache: English
Speaker
Smail Alhilali
Chief, Division of Circular Economy & Green Industry
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Vortragsinfos
UNIDO promotes circular economy solutions to green industrial supply chains and SME's in developing countries. Despite the changing business environment and the multiple crisis, SME's in developing countries are demonstrating the relevance of circular solutions to safeguard the people and the planet. From design for circularity in textiles, plastics, electronics and construction to chemical leasing business models, UNIDO supports developing countries to transform the manufacturing sector and industrial supply chains to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
15:15 - 15:30 Uhr
Panel Discussion: Plastic sorting from a different perspective
Format: Panel Discussion
Session: Circular Business Models Strategies
Sprache: English
Speaker
Axel Möhring
Geschäftsführer
energenta ersatzbrennstoffe gmbh
Christoph Mundri
Direktor
Röber Institut GmbH
Tim Stäbisch
Plant Manager
APTIV SERVICES DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
Dr. Carsten Gerhardt (Moderator)
Chairman
Circular Valley Stiftung
Vortragsinfos
What do an automotive supplier, a waste disposal company and a seed purification specialist have in common?
A real-life recycling use case - spontaneous and pragmatic.
15:30 - 16:15 Uhr
How to make plastic packaging circular? Opportunities and Challenges in Medium-Sized Businesses
15:30 - 16:15 Uhr
Panel Discussion "How to make plastic packaging circular? Opportunities and Challenges in Medium-Sized Businesses"
Format: Panel Discussion
Session: How to make plastic packaging circular? Opportunities and Challenges in Medium-Sized Businesses
Sprache: English
Speaker
Andreas Vogt
Geschäftsführer
Vogt Plastics
Jens Stadter
CEO
Jokey SE
Gunda Rachut
Vorstand
Stiftung Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister
Matthias Lesch
Managing Director
Pöppelmann Holding GmbH & Co. KG
Georg Pescher
Managing Director DBNL
Alpla
Prof. Dr. Thomas Müller-Kirschbaum (Moderator)
Chief Scientist
Circular Valley
Vortragsinfos
Plastic packagings play a key role in sustainable consumption, reducing food waste and conserving resources. At the same time, these same packaging solutions are also under intense social and political scrutiny - primarily due to waste discharges into the environment and fossil-based raw materials. And so the predominantly medium-sized companies are facing up to three transformative processes: Optimized design with consistent recyclability, a changed raw material base away from fossil-based virgin material towards recyclates and correspondingly adapted efficient production processes - all within the framework of comprehensive packaging regulation. The panel discussion will focus on the challenges, responsibilities and milestones of this transformation.
16:15 - 18:00 Uhr
Session 7 - Circular Logistics
16:15 - 16:30 Uhr
Port of Duisburg: Hub of the circular economy - How the world's largest inland port is contributing to the transformation
Format: Fireside Chat
Session: Circular Logistics
Sprache: English
Speaker
Markus Bangen
CEO
Duisburger Hafen
Vortragsinfos
Kreislaufwirtschaft braucht mehr als innovative Ideen - sie braucht effiziente Logistik und zentrale Knotenpunkte, die den nachhaltigen Fluss von Ressourcen ermöglichen. Der Duisburger Hafen spielt als größter Binnenhafen der Welt eine Schlüsselrolle in diesem Wandel. Der Vortrag beleuchtet, wie der Duisburger Hafen als logistisches Herzstück die Kreislaufwirtschaft vorantreibt. Durch eine optimierte Infrastruktur und gezielte Unternehmensansiedlungen werden die Weichen für eine nachhaltige Zukunft gestellt. Dabei wird die entscheidende Bedeutung zentraler Logistikknoten für das Gelingen der Kreislaufwirtschaft hervorgehoben.
16:30 - 16:45 Uhr
The role of logistics in the journey from linear to circular
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Logistics
Sprache: English
Speaker
Katja Busch
CCO DHL and Head of CSI (DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation)
DHL
Vortragsinfos
Logistics serve as a critical enabler towards achieving circularity. Driving supply chains from linear to circular requires finetuned logistics to support brands and manufacturers in this transition – learn more about the role of logistics, the meaning of “the 5Rs” and a few real-life examples.
16:45 - 17:00 Uhr
The Role of Technology in Circular Logistics: Traceability and Efficiency
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Logistics
Sprache: English
Speaker
Dietmar Focke
CEO
Lufthansa Industry Solutions
Vortragsinfos
From containers and packaging materials to fuel, millions of tons of valuable materials are lost each year within the global logistics chain. At the same time, resources are becoming scarcer, and the availability of international products and services is no longer taken for granted. Technologically optimized and intelligently managed supply chains create transparency, efficiency, and independence. Let us explore and discuss, using concrete examples, how IoT, blockchain, artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and ready-made IT solutions can help companies remain competitive while paving the way toward a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.
17:00 - 17:15 Uhr
Exemplary sustainability - the airport's path to a sustainable future
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Logistics
Sprache: English
Speaker
Pradeep Pinakatt
Managing and Labor Director
Flughafen Düsseldorf GmbH
Vortragsinfos
Düsseldorf Airport is pursuing an ambitious sustainability strategy. Pradeep Pinakatt, Commercial Director of the airport and Labor Director, gives an exclusive insight into the comprehensive corporate sustainability approach of NRW's largest airport. “Excellent airport”, ‘Exemplary sustainability’ and ‘For employees and the region’ - the airport's three strategic goals are the focus of his presentation. Pradeep Pinakatt outlines the airport's path to a sustainable future in harmony with the people in our region and the environment. The airport relies on technological innovations and innovative business models to minimize its emissions and the use of raw materials and energy. It promotes the avoidance, recycling or environmentally friendly disposal of waste and the sustainable use of renewable resources. At the same time, it supports its catering partners in the terminal in the selection and implementation of reusable offers for travelers. As a cooperation partner for universities and companies, the airport offers a platform for testing and promoting innovative, environmentally friendly technologies.
17:15 - 17:30 Uhr
From Fossil Fuels to Clean Mobility: The Role of Circular Economy in Financing the Transition of Commercial Transport
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Logistics
Sprache: English
Speaker
Dr. Albrecht Haase
Sprecher der Geschäftsführung
GEFA Bank GmbH
Andre Rolfes
Head of Sustainable Finance & CSR
GEFA Bank GmbH
Vortragsinfos
Leasing models are highly dependent on the value retention of the leased asset. Battery electric vehicles currently suffer from rapid and steep depreciation over the lifetime of the vehicle. This reduces the attractiveness of transitional financing with these assets, as they carry significant risks for the bank or leasing institution.
Circular economy approaches that aim to close the loop on the value of BEVs support transition financing by increasing longevity and predictability.
17:30 - 17:45 Uhr
Logistic network design and digitization - how we get to a sustainable circular economy
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Logistics
Sprache: English
Speaker
Prof. Dr. Uwe Clausen
Institusdirektor
Fraunhofer Institut für Materialfluss und Logistik (IML)
Vortragsinfos
Efficient logistical structures and processes play a key role for a successful circular economy.
The talk provides insights from applied research on circular logistics, including digitization concepts.
17:45 - 18:00 Uhr
Wrap up / Closing Words
Format: Wrap Up
Session: Wrap Up
Sprache: English
Speaker
Chérine de Bruijn
Moderatorin
