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.
Mittwoch, der 12. März 2025
10:00 - 10:45 Uhr
Eröffnung & Begrüßung
10:00 - 10:20 Uhr
Eröffnung
Format: Eröffnung
Session: Eröffnung & Begrüßung
Sprache: English
Speaker

Chérine de Bruijn
Moderatorin

Wolfram N. Diener
Vorsitzender der Geschäftsführung
Messe Düsseldorf GmbH

Dr. Carsten Gerhardt
Chairman
Circular Valley Stiftung

Prof. Manfred Renner
Institutsdirektor
Fraunhofer UMSICHT
10:20 - 10:25 Uhr
Grußwort und Videobotschaft des NRW Ministerpräsidenten
Format: Eröffnung
Session: Eröffnung & Begrüßung
Sprache: English
Speaker

Hendrik Wüst
Ministerpräsident
Landesregierung NRW
10:15 - 10:25 Uhr
Begrüßung
Dauer: 00:10 h
Format: Eröffnung
Session: Eröffnung & Begrüßung
Sprache: English
Speaker

TBA
Position
Unternehmen
10:25 - 10:40 Uhr
From concepts to practice: How to start the industrial "R"-Evolution
Format: Fireside Chat
Session: Eröffnung & Begrüßung
Sprache: English
Speaker

Dr. Claas Oehlmann
CEO
BDI-Initiative Circular Economy
Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie e. V.
Vortragsinfos
The transition to a circular economic model requires a holistic and ambitious perspective that creates a secure framework for closing loops and new Business opportunities. The fact that the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, continued to classify the circular economy as of straegic importance to industrial policy in her political guidelines for the years 2024 to 2029 is therefore correct. However, for the circular economy to become a real success factor for Europe, the circular "R"-Evulation has to be driven by companies and innovation networks embedded within an excelent scientifc environment.
10:40 - 10:45 Uhr
Grußwort und Videobotschaft der Bundesumweltministerin
Format: Eröffnung
Session: Eröffnung & Begrüßung
Sprache: English
Speaker

Steffi Lemke
Bundesministerin für Umwelt, Naturschutz, nukleare Sicherheit und Verbraucherschutz BMUV
Bundesregierung
10:45 - 13:30 Uhr
Keynotes - Enabling Circular Economy
10:45 - 11:00 Uhr
The value creation potential of circularity: opportunities for innovation, efficiency and resource conservation
Format: Keynote
Session: Keynotes – Enabling Circular Economy
Sprache: English
Speaker

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka
Präsident
Fraunhofer Gesellschaft
Vortragsinfos
The circular economy is not only ecologically necessary, but also offers economic advantages in light of global competition for resources. Waste contains significant quantities of valuable raw materials such as building materials, high-tech materials and precious metals. What opportunities does circularity offer and how can products be optimized for reuse and waste minimization? Innovative technologies, developed from the idea to the application in cooperation between applied research and industry, are key to addressing ecological challenges and securing access to valuable resources.
11:00 - 11:15 Uhr
Closing the Loop: BASF's Research-Driven Path to a Circular Economy
Format: Keynote
Session: Keynotes – Enabling Circular Economy
Sprache: English
Speaker

Dr. Carla Seidel
Senior Vize-Präsidentin
BASF SE
Vortragsinfos
BASF's ambition is clear: to be the preferred chemical company enabling our customers' green transformation. We are committed to advancing a Circular Economy by increasing our use of recycled and renewable feedstocks, shaping new material cycles, and creating innovative business models. This presentation will illustrate how we contribute to closing and extending these loops by developing and implementing circular solutions for sourced materials. Additionally, we will discuss our efforts to optimize operations and provide resource-efficient products and services that support our customers on their circularity journeys.
11:15 - 11:30 Uhr
Circular Economy as the solution for Businesses to become future proof
Format: Keynote
Session: Keynotes – Enabling Circular Economy
Sprache: English
Speaker

Rebecca Tauer
Team Lead Circular Economy
WWF Deutschland
Vortragsinfos
Companies face the challenge of implementing Circular Economy strategies that are innovate, economically viable and impactful for global commons such as climate, biodiversity, and water. This session presents key methods, tools and success stories from WWF’s work with businesses, highlighting how circular strategies drive resilience and long-term value. It draws from WWF’s latest publication, which provides clear steps for companies of all sizes to develop and implement effective Circular Economy strategies.
11:30 - 11:45 Uhr
Innovations for a circular business transformation
Format: Keynote
Session: Keynotes – Enabling Circular Economy
Sprache: English
Speaker

Ulrike Sapiro
Chief Sustainability Officer
Henkel
Vortragsinfos
In this keynote, Ulrike Sapiro, Chief Sustainability Officer of Henkel, will explore the key contributions of Henkel's ongoing journey towards a circular business transformation. While companies are still learning and evolving, innovations help drive success in this transition, from the early design stage to the end of life of products, and beyond. Ulrike will make the argument that there is a business case to sustaining resource-efficiency in the long run and being a vocal player in driving policies and regulations that incentivize and reward circular business practices.
11:45 - 12:00 Uhr
The Power of Partnerships: Accelerating the Circular Economy for Economic Growth
Format: Keynote
Session: Keynotes – Enabling Circular Economy
Sprache: English
Speaker

Karin Huber-Heim
Stadt Wien Stiftungsprofessur für Kreislaufwirtschaft & transformative Geschäftsmodelle
Circular Economy Forum Austria
Vortragsinfos
The keynote explores how strategic collaborations can drive the transition to a circular economy, unlocking significant economic benefits. It will highlight key opportunities for businesses and governments to partner effectively, and demonstrate how such alliances can enhance resource efficiency and stimulate sustainable growth. It will elborate how leveraging partnerships can accelerate the shift to a circular economy and boost economic performance.
12:00 - 12:15 Uhr
10 years of circular economy implementation
Format: Fireside Chat
Session: Keynotes – Enabling Circular Economy
Sprache: English
Speaker

Joe Murphy
Executive Lead - Business Network
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Vortragsinfos
Circular economy requires real change to businesses and supply chains, which will take innovation, supportive policy and long-term investment. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has a network of over 200 organisations ranging from start-ups to global conglomerates that are making tangible progress today but are also running into barriers they can’t address without bigger market unlocks. After 10 years working with businesses at the forefront of this transition, Joe hopes to share a perspective on what is working and what isn’t, so we can focus attention on the areas where circular economy solutions are ‘in the money’ today and what actions are needed to unlock widespread commercial viability.
12:15 - 12:30 Uhr
Equipment Nexus in a Circular World
Format: Keynote
Session: Keynotes – Enabling Circular Economy
Sprache: English
Speaker

Dr. Martin Sonnenschein
Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats der
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Vortragsinfos
The business of HEIDELBERG bridges various resource cycles spanning to the lifecycle of consumer products and packaging. The nexus of machines and consumables are key in implementing a circular economy in the printing and packaging industry. By using intelligent technologies and automation more efficient and sustainable production processes set the course for leaders in the industry to produce circular products.
12:30 - 12:45 Uhr
TBA
Dauer: 00:15 h
Format: Speech
Sprache: Keynotes – Enabling Circular Economy
Sprache: English
Speaker

TBA
Position
Unternehmen
Vortragsinfos
TBA
12:30 - 13:30 Uhr
Panel Discussion "Uniting Industries for a Circular Tomorrow"
Format: Panel Discussion
Session: Keynotes – Enabling Circular Economy
Sprache: English
Speaker

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka
Präsident
Fraunhofer Gesellschaft

Dr. Carla Seidel
Senior Vize-Präsidentin
BASF SE

Dr. Carsten Gerhardt
Chairman
Circular Valley Stiftung

Joe Murphy
Executive Lead - Business Network
Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Dr. Martin Sonnenschein
Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats der
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG

Rebecca Tauer
Team Lead Circular Economy
WWF Deutschland

Karin Huber-Heim
Stadt Wien Stiftungsprofessur für Kreislaufwirtschaft & transformative Geschäftsmodelle
Circular Economy Forum Austria
Vortragsinfos
TBA
13:30 - 15:00 Uhr
Session 1 - Value Cycles for Plastics
13:30 - 13:45 Uhr
What does it take for a full plastics Circular Value Chain to be successful?
Format: Speech
Session: Value Cycles for Plastics
Sprache: English
Speaker

Jörg Deppmeyer
CEO
Der Grüne Punkt Holding GmbH & Co. KG – A member company of the Green Dot Group
Vortragsinfos
Developing successful Circular Value Chains for plastics requires a comprehensive approach in order to create synergies and efficiencies. From legislation to feedstock strategy, capacity planning, and the interaction between different recycling technologies, to securing resilient and performant markets for recycled plastics, all actors in the circular value chain have to engage and pursue a clear strategy. Laurent Auguste will address some of the challenges and opportunities from his first-hand experience as CEO of GreenDot.
13:45 - 14:00 Uhr
Solutions to close the loop on plastics - today and tomorrow
Format: Speech
Session: Value Cycles for Plastics
Sprache: English
Speaker

Dr. Daniel Schwaab
SVP Strategy
TOMRA
Vortragsinfos
There are three main building blocks to close the loop on plastics packaging; Enabling reuse, collecting for recycling, closed loop recycling. Viable solutions already exist and just to be applied and scaled: reuse systems for food takeaway, deposit return systems for beverage container, mixed waste sorting, advanced sortation of plastics, advanced mechanical recycling. The main bottleneck today is business models and not availability of technology.
14:00 - 14:15 Uhr
How expensive is a closed loop circular economy for plastic packaging?
Format: Speech
Session 1: Value Cycles for Plastics
Sprache: English
Speaker

Prof. Dr. Thomas Müller-Kirschbaum
Chief Scientist
Circular Valley
Vortragsinfos
A closed loop circular technology needs to keep the carbon in the loop. But while several technologies are available for plastic recycling on high quality levels only a small portion of post-consumer plastic packaging is recycled and reused for plastic packaging again. The Circular Economy Action Plan and the recent Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation build a strong regulatory background. Why does closed loop recycling of plastic packaging not level off? Is it only the economy? The presentation will show how a well balanced set of technological, economical and regulatory parameters can enable an economically viable closed loop circular economy for plastic packaging. And how all partners across industries and legislation need to collaborate on it.
14:15 - 14:30 Uhr
Developing plastic waste solutions for a Resource-Efficient and Sustainable Circular Economy
Format: Speech
Session: Value Cycles for Plastics
Sprache: English
Speaker

Nicola Lelli
Senior Advisor
Alliance to End Plastic Waste
Vortragsinfos
A comprehensive, system-based approach is required to accelerate a circular economy for plastics. This involves collaborating with stakeholders across the plastic value chain to design, test, and implement practical solutions that can be scaled and replicated globally
14:30 - 14:45 Uhr
Industrialization of Circular Economy - A case study on OMV ReOil
Format: Speech
Session: Value Cycles for Plastics
Sprache: English
Speaker

Dr. Andreas Leitner
Senior Vice President Innovation&Technology
OMV AG
Vortragsinfos
To transform - We innovate. For the OMV´s transformation into an integrated sustainable fuels, energy and chemicals company, we reinvent essentials for a more sustainable living. OMV developed a proprietary technology called ReOil for chemical recycling enabling to close the loop of the value chain for polyolefins. This case study will outline the requirements for successful implementation of circular economy concepts along the plastics value chain.
14:45 - 15:00 Uhr
Circular Economy - enablers, products and business models
Format: Speech
Session: Value Cycles for Plastics
Sprache: English
Speaker

Prof. Manfred Renner
Institutsdirektor
Fraunhofer UMSICHT
Vortragsinfos
The Circular Economy is a new economic system characterized by new business models and a new way of thinking, designing and using products. The presentation will move from a broad focus specifically to an exemplary product and introduce a circular business model and necessary materials and technologies
15:00 - 16:30 Uhr
Session 2 - Circular Construction Industry
15:00 - 15:15 Uhr
Home Remedies for Circulatory Disturbance
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Construction Industry
Sprache: English
Speaker

Prof. Dr. Philip Leistner
Institutsleiter
Fraunhofer-Institut für Bauphysik IBP
Vortragsinfos
There are good reasons for a flourishing circular economy, such as conserving, securing and creating resources.
However, this requires holistically established value creation cycles across materials, technologies and sectors.
So the challenges are great, but so are the opportunities, especially in the construction industry.
15:15 - 15:30 Uhr
Circular economy in the construction sector - our path to a sustainable future
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Construction Industry
Sprache: English
Speaker

Thomas Nyhsen
Mitglied des Vorstands
STRABAG AG
Vortragsinfos
The construction industry is responsible for 38% of global CO2 emissions and more than 50% of waste. Circular economy in construction is not a vision, but one of the keys for a sustainable future. How do we fulfil this responsibility? What has STRABAG already done to realize circular economy? And what next steps do we want to take in the future? You will find the answers to these questions in this presentation.
15:30 - 15:45 Uhr
Circular Economy in the wallpaper industry
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Construction Industry
Sprache: English
Speaker

Felicitas Erfurt-Gordon
CEO
Erfurt & Sohn KG
Vortragsinfos
This presentation shows how the use of recycled raw materials leads to developing a system of circular economy in the production process.
15:45 - 16:00 Uhr
How the Schüttflix Group is making the European construction industry more sustainable and digital
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Construction Industry
Sprache: English
Speaker

Gerrit Kisters
CEO
Schüttflix Group
Vortragsinfos
No other sector consumes as many resources and produces as much waste as construction. It is responsible for 40 per cent of all CO2 emissions and two thirds of the waste produced in Europe. Politically, the EU Commission and the German government have now set the course for greater CO2 and resource efficiency in the construction industry with initial regulations. The focus here is on the digital optimisation of material flows and better networking of all parties involved in the value chain in order to increase the proportion of recycling and minimise transport. The Schüttflix Group is already setting the decisive standards here.
16:00 - 16:15 Uhr
From environmental damage to environmental value - Decarbonising architecture
Format: Speech
Session 2: Circular Construction Industry
Sprache: English
Speaker

Markus Lehrmann
CEO
Architektenkammer Nordrhein-Westfalen
Vortragsinfos
A particularly effective lever for improved resource conservation can be found in the construction sector. Enormous potential could be realised with just a few regulatory interventions. Longevity is the key to construction. The life cycle must be extended through reuse and, if necessary, recycling. Always in view: It must become simpler, in the authorisation process, in execution and in risk assessment.
16:15 - 16:30 Uhr
Sustainability and circularity - core for the future in the lime industry
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Construction Industry
Sprache: English
Speaker

Frederick Verhelst
Head of Materials - Business Innovation Center
Lhoist Europe
Vortragsinfos
Lime is crucial for a sustainable society.
Increasing agricultural production, supply of pure water and healthy living environment, enabling recycling of steel, copper and building debris, delivering safe buildings and last but not least acting as a CO2 sponge, lime is crucial in facing todays challenges of sustainability.
At the same time, the lime industry is considered hard to abate and as such the engineering efforts will be huge.
At Lhoist we are fully committed to make the difference and assure lime was, is and will be available to continue to play this increasingly crucial role.
In the presentation, i will expand on how Lhoist and the lime industry
1) is tackelling the avoidable CO2 in production - energy
2) assure future low carbon lime supply by carbon capture
3) Lhoist is already today working on circularity of its full value chain including CO2 by carbon utilisation
4) Lime will contribute to carbon neutrality
16:30 - 18:00 Uhr
Session 3 - Circular Packaging & Printing
16:30 - 16:45 Uhr
What does sustainable embellishment mean and how do we get there?
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Packaging & Printing
Sprache: English
Speaker

Ralph Hopfensitz
Executive Senior Vice President Global Technology / CTO
LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG
Vortragsinfos
Can premium embellishment truly be sustainable? At KURZ, we believe it can. Our transfer technology ensures that no plastic film is applied to the final product - only an ultra-thin lacquer layer remains, which does not influence recyclability. But what happens to the carrier material removed during the application process? In this presentation, we will explore how KURZ is addressing this challenge with its slim program, a PET reduction plan that minimizes the use of carrier material in the industrial cycle. For material that cannot be avoided, our in-house recycling system, RECOSYS® 2.0, provides an innovative solution to reintroduce it into the process. Join us to learn how sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology can transform embellishment – reducing waste while maintaining exceptional quality.
16:45 - 17:00 Uhr
How Additives and Colorants can enhance plastic recycling
Format: Fireside Chat
Session: Circular Packaging & Printing
Sprache: English
Speaker

Dr. Jan Sültemeyer
Global Sustainability Leader
Avient Corporation
Vortragsinfos
As the content of PCR in packaging articles is continuously increased, it becomes more and more important to understand how to best protect the polymers during the recycling process to have as less as possible accumulation of degraded and colored material, leading to a higher PCR quality and hence bring the industry one step closer to a truly circular economy.
The Presentation will focus on today’s major gaps in mechanical recycling and will highlight additive and color solutions that can close the gaps and enhance the mechanical recycling process.
17:00 - 17:15 Uhr
Circularity in Pharmaceuticals - rethink process & production by Green Chemistry principles
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Packaging & Printing
Sprache: English
Speaker

Dr. Timo Fleßner
Senior Vice President, Manufacturing API & Medical Devices Lead at Bayer
Bayer AG
Vortragsinfos
Circularity is gaining more and more momentum in the Pharmaceutical industry. Bayer is driving sustainable production and the transition to circular options in order to reduce, recycle, reuse and replace.
17:15 - 17:30 Uhr
The myths and truths about fiber-based flexible barrier packaging solutions
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Packaging & Printing
Sprache: English
Speaker

Herwig Kirchberger
Managing Director
DELSCI GmbH
Vortragsinfos
Fiber-based flexible packaging solutions are currently on every brand’s lips as an alternative to hard-to recyclable polymer films.
The so called functional-barrier papers only require ultra-thin polymer layers to protect the paper’s surface and to deliver the required protective functions for food and non-food packaging.
Most important barrier papers promise good recyclability in the existing paper waste stream as well as a good overall sustainability profile.
On the other hand, this new material class poses a lot of challenges over the whole packaging value chain and the latest EU regulations (e.g. PPWR) created uncertainties over the right material selection for sustainable packaging.
This presentation highlights on the most important challenges and opportunities of functional barrier papers and suggests concrete strategies to overcome some of the hurdles in a sustainable packaging transformation process.
17:30 - 17:45 Uhr
First steps to enable circular loops for flexible transport packaging
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Packaging & Printing
Sprache: English
Speaker

Simone Mosca
CEO
Mosca GmbH
Vortragsinfos
Mosca stellt seit 18 Jahren recyclingfähige Umreifungsbänder auf Basis von fast 100% Post Consumer Recycling Gehalt her. In dem Pilotproject „strap loop“ haben sie mit Partnern den Kreislauf vom Band zum Band geschlossen. In ihrem Vortrag zeigt Simone Mosca auf, was die Herausforderungen und die Learnings waren, den Loop zu etablieren.
17:45 - 18:00 Uhr
Is everything going in circles? Why a successful circular economy can't just be packaged in technology alone
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Packaging & Printing
Sprache: English
Speaker

Prof. Dr. Andrea Büttner
Geschäftsführende Institutsleitung
Fraunhofer-Institut für Verfahrenstechnik und Verpackung IVV
Vortragsinfos
In the pursuit of a sustainable circular economy, focusing solely on technological feasibility is insufficient. This presentation explores the critical role of packaging in the circular economy, emphasizing that successful implementation requires a holistic approach. Beyond technology, it is essential to consider socio-political scenarios, economic viability, regulatory frameworks, and consumer acceptance. By addressing these factors, we can create a truly sustainable and effective circular economy – with the required foresight for a world in transformation.
18:00 - 18:45 Uhr
Dinner (flying buffet)
19:00 - 20:00 Uhr
Abendveranstaltung "Circular Night"
19:00 - 19:05 Uhr
Eröffnung & Wrap Up Day 1
Format: Wrap-Up
Session: Abendveranstaltung „Circular Night“
Sprache: English
Speaker

Chérine de Bruijn
Moderatorin
19:05 - 19:20 Uhr
Why the planet needs the Circular Valley
Format: Keynote
Session: Abendveranstaltung „Circular Night“
Sprache: English
Speaker

Prof. Dr. André Bardow
Professor
Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering
ETH Zurich
Vortragsinfos
Our current linear economy is fundamentally unsustainable. To overcome this paradigm, our industry must transition from its fossil foundation to renewable resources for both energy and raw materials. This transition is particularly challenging for the chemical industry since carbon is at its core of most of its products. In this contribution, we therefore present transition pathways towards chemicals and plastics within the planetary boundaries. The circular carbon economy is identified as the key enabler.
19:05 - 19:20 Uhr
Keynote by Minister Mona Neubaur
Format: Keynote
Session: Abendveranstaltung „Circular Night“
Sprache: English
Speaker

Mona Neubaur
Ministerin
Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Industrie, Klimaschutz und Energie des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen
Vortragsinfos
Our current linear economy is fundamentally unsustainable. To overcome this paradigm, our industry must transition from its fossil foundation to renewable resources for both energy and raw materials. This transition is particularly challenging for the chemical industry since carbon is at its core of most of its products. In this contribution, we therefore present transition pathways towards chemicals and plastics within the planetary boundaries. The circular carbon economy is identified as the key enabler.
19:20 - 20:00 Uhr
Panel Discussion "From Green Deal to Industrial Deal: Economy as the basis for greater ecology and social stability"
Format: Panel Discussion
Session: Abendveranstaltung „Circular Night“
Sprache: English
Speaker

Prof. Dr. Henning Wilts
Abteilungsleiter Kreislaufwirtschaft
Wuppertal Institut

Prof. Dr. André Bardow
Professor
Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering
ETH Zurich

Dr. Ralf Düssel
CEO Plastics Europe Deutschland e.V.
Head of Sustainability Evonik

Ute Spring
EMEA R&D Director Packaging & Specialty Plastics
Dow Chemical

Prof. Manfred Renner (Moderator)
Institutsdirektor
Fraunhofer UMSICHT
Vortragsinfos
The aim of the discussion is to discuss the key points for Germany's competitiveness using the example of a circular and sustainable plastics industry with the aim of making the plastics system climate-neutral and ending the plastic waste problem.
20:00 - 23:00 Uhr
"Circular Night" music & drinks
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