Innovation Stage
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 to
Thursday, March 13, 2025
The program of the Innovation Stage
The Innovation Stage is the place where visionary ideas and ground-breaking solutions for the circular economy are brought to life. This is where thought leaders, innovators and doers come together to shape the future of the circular economy. Innovative start-ups and companies will use this stage to present their pioneering ideas and technologies that are making a significant contribution to the transformation towards a circular economy. You can look forward to exciting talks, practical discussions and inspiring presentations. Get infected by the latest innovations and discover how creative solutions and future-oriented technologies can change our world sustainably.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
10:00 - 10:10 a.m.
Welcome & Opening
10:00 - 10:05 a.m.
Greeting
Format: Opening
Session: Welcome & Opening
Language: English
Speaker
Marc Semmler
Moderator
10:05 - 10:10 a.m.
Opening
Format: Opening
Session: Welcome & Opening
Language: English
Speaker
Andreas Mucke
Managing Director
Circular Valley / Circular Economy Accelerator
10:10 - 11:10 a.m.
Start-up Pitch Session 1
10:10 - 11:10 a.m.
10 Start Ups will pitch their innovative Circular Economy solutions
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
10:20 - 10:25 a.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
10:25 - 10:30 a.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
10:30 - 10:35 a.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
10:35 - 10:40 a.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
10:40 - 10:45 a.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
10:45 - 10:50 a.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
10:50 - 10:55 a.m.
"The Future Materials Forum: Holistic Approaches to Circular Economy in the Plastics Industry
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1
Language: English
Speaker
Hanna Steffen
Project engineer
Technologiepark und Wirtschaftsförderung Schwerte - Wetstoffforum der Zukunft - Kunststoff-Institut Lüdenscheid
Lecture information
The "Future Materials Forum" provides a platform for pioneering projects and initiatives that promote the circular economy within the plastics industry. Its goal is to work on innovative solutions that consider the entire lifecycle of plastics, enabling a more sustainable value chain. Central to the forum are holistic approaches that involve all key stakeholders along the value chain - from raw material producers and manufacturers to recyclers and end consumers. This presentation will highlight the forum's structure and objectives, as well as key projects and synergies resulting from collaboration among companies, research institutions, and policy-makers. Through this introduction, we will explore how the Future Materials Forum drives sustainable transformation in the plastics industry, balancing ecological and economic aspects.
10:55 - 11:00 a.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
11:00 - 11:05 a.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
11:05 - 11:10 a.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 1
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
11:10 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.
Lectures Circular Construction
11:10 - 11:25 a.m.
Sustainability and Glass Recycling from the perspective of the glass industry
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Construction
Language: English
Speaker
Jochen Grönegräs
Managing Director
Bundesverband Flachglas e.V.
Lecture information
TBA
11:25 - 11:40 a.m.
Sustainability and Glass Recycling from the perspective of the glass industry
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Construction
Language: English
Speaker
Michael Elstner
Technical Advisory Service Manager / Board Member
AGC Glass Europe / Bundesverband Flachglas e.V.
Lecture information
TBA
11:40 - 11:55 a.m.
Circular Construction - how we can transform the largest polluter in the world
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Construction
Language: English
Speaker
Dominik Campanella
Co-Founder & CEO
Concular
Lecture information
TBA
11:55 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.
Circular economy in the construction sector: How a material register in NRW can contribute to greater transparency
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Construction
Language: English
Speaker
Dr. Patrick Bergman
Managing Director
Madaster Germany
Lecture information
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 p.m.
Structural efficiency: massive leverage for a more sustainable construction sector
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Construction
Language: English
Speaker
Dr. Peter Schniering
Founder
Future Cleantech Architects
Lecture information
TBA
12:25 - 02:10 p.m.
North Rhine-Westphalia as the hotspot of Circular Economy
12:25 - 12:40 p.m.
Circular design as an innovator - circular products & business models from NRW
Duration: 00:15 h
Format: Speech
Session: Focus NRW 1
Language: English
Speaker
Linda Dierke
Head of Development & Collaborations
Effizienz-Agentur NRW
Lecture information
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 - 01:25 p.m.
Panel discussion "Circular Design as an Innovator - Circular Products & Business Models from NRW"
Format: Panel discussion
Session: NRW as the hotspot of Circular Economy
Language: English
Speaker
Linda Dierke
Head of Development & Collaborations
Effizienz-Agentur NRW
Dr. Caroline Cassignol
Cluster Lead Circularity
Siemens AG
Sarah Osterholt
Sustainability Officer
Hoermann KG
Nicole Kolomyzev
Cooperations & Partnerships Manager
Janado
Lecture information
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.
01:25 - 01:40 p.m.
Digitalization as a success factor of a circular economy
Format: Speech
Session: NRW as the hotspot of Circular Economy
Language: English
Speaker
Benno Weißner
Project Manager
ZENIT - Center for Innovation and Technology in NRW / NRW.EUROPA
Lecture information
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 / digitalization along the value chain? How can I implement this in my company? And who can help me with this?
01:40 - 02:10 p.m.
Dialogue "Green start-ups in NRW"
Format: Theme block
Session: NRW as the hotspot of Circular Economy
Language: English
Speaker
Hartmut Schug
Director
Green Economy Network.NRW
Lecture information
TBA
02:10 - 03:10 p.m.
Start-up Pitch Session 2
02:10 - 03:10 p.m.
10 Start Ups will pitch their innovative Circular Economy solutions
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
02:20 - 02:25 p.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:10 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start Up Pitch Session 2
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
02:25 - 02:30 p.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
02:30 - 02:35 p.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
02:35 - 02:40 p.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
02:40 - 02:45 p.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
02:45 - 02:50 p.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
02:50 - 02:55 p.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
02:55 - 03:00 p.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
03:00 - 03:05 p.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
03:05 - 03:10 p.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 2
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
03:10 - 03:55 p.m.
Theme block: Fraunhofer CCPE
03:10 - 03:55 p.m.
Theme block Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPE®
Format: Theme block
Session: Theme block
Language: English
Speaker
Dr. Florian Geistmann
Managing Director
Shimadzu Deutschland GmbH
Lecture information
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 minimize 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 prioritizes sustainability. Join us to discover how analytical solutions turn today's challenges into opportunities for a greener future.
03:55 - 05:40 p.m.
Circular Economy best practise
03:55 - 04:10 p.m.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: The Impact of Analytical Instruments in Circular Economy
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Economy best practise
Language: English
Speaker
Dr. Florian Geistmann
Managing Director
Shimadzu Deutschland GmbH
Lecture information
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 minimize 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 prioritizes sustainability. Join us to discover how analytical solutions turn today's challenges into opportunities for a greener future.
04:10 - 04:25 p.m.
Implementation of SiOx plasma treatment for agrochemical packaging
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Economy best practise
Language: English
Speaker
Gert Callaerts
Packaging Innovation Coordinator
Bayer Crop Science
Lecture information
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.
04:25 - 04:40 p.m.
Envalior driving a sustainable economy in engineering thermoplastic materials
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Economy best practise
Language: English
Speaker
Dr. Rudy Rulkens
Principal Scientist
Envalior
Lecture information
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.
04:40 - 04:55 p.m.
Environmental management by Gelsenwasser
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Economy best practise
Language: English
Speaker
Henning Pretis
Wastewater policy and strategy
GelsenWasser
Lecture information
TBA
04:55 - 05:40 p.m.
Panel Discussion "How digitalization makes the cycle possible"
Format: Panel discussion
Session: Circular Economy best practise
Language: English
Speaker
Philip Bittermann
Editor-in-Chief
Hüthig Medien
Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart
Founder and Scientific Managing Director
BRAUNGART EPEA
Vivian Loftin
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Recyda
Elliana Jensen-Abieva
Founder
CircularTech Initiative
Prof. Dr. Alexander Sauer
Institute Director
Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA)
Lecture information
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.
05:40 - 06:40 p.m.
Scale Up Start-ups
05:40 - 05:55 p.m.
Battery recycling without limits
Format: Speech
Session: Scale Up Start-ups
Language: English
Speaker
Michel Siemon
CEO
Primobius
Lecture information
TBA
05:55 - 06:10 p.m.
Digitalization: the missing piece of the puzzle for a successful circular economy
Format: Speech
Session: Scale Up Start-ups
Language: English
Speaker
Christian Schiller
Founder and CEO
Cirplus
Lecture information
Christian Schiller will explore the essential role of digitalization in the plastics sector and its potential to scale the recycling market by improving data quality, unlocking the opportunities that multiple lifecycles of plastics hold for both planet and business.
He will shed light on the status quo and provide context with real-world examples which topics are more myth and which are real in terms of digitization. The presentation will close with tech scenarios where AI can actually optimize the closing of the plastics loop, ultimately resulting in stable supply chains for recycled plastics at scale.
06:10 - 06:25 p.m.
Speech Fridolin Pflüger: TBA
Format: Speech
Session: Scale Up Start-ups
Language: English
Speaker
Fridolin Pflüger
Managing Director
HolyPoly GmbH
Lecture information
TBA
06:25 - 06:40 p.m.
AI-powered packaging for modern products
Format: Speech
Session: Scale Up Start-ups
Language: English
Speaker
Martin Weber
Founder & CEO
one • fıve
Lecture information
Grow your strategic edge with AI-generated solutions that deliver the ultimate packaging performance, affordability & sustainability
08:00 p.m. - 00:00 a.m.
Evening event "Circular Night" on the Main Stage
