Ewa Harlacz

100 days after the election of the new German government, the Circular Economy Day took place on 5 June 2025. The event was organised by the Federal Association of the German Waste, Water and Circular Economy (BDE) with the aim of promoting independence from raw materials, strengthening Germany as a business location and driving forward the expansion of the circular economy.

Professor Dr. Martin Faulstich contributed to the discussion by delivering a keynote speech. He welcomed the continuation of the National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS). Although climate neutrality was mentioned as the first measure in the German government’s immediate action programme, a clear focus on the circular economy, waste and raw materials has so far been lacking. Prof. Faulstich emphasised the importance of concrete measures: ‘The success of the circular economy requires the monitoring of recyclate usage quotas, the definition of minimum usage quotas, and the introduction of a recycling label’.

In addition, Prof. Faulstich took part in the first panel, ‘Raw material security and value creation: securing Europe’s future with a circular economy’.

Discussions were held with experts from politics and industry: Innovative recycling strategies, economic opportunities through secondary raw materials and the necessary political framework conditions for new business models. The focus was on the possibilities of securing sustainable yet competitive raw material flows through the circular economy.

On 5 June 2025, the Federal Association of the German Waste, Water and Circular Economy (BDE) is holding the ‘Circular Economy Day‘. This conference will provide a platform for dialogue and discussion to promote the development of the circular economy. Guests from the worlds of politics, industry, SMEs, science and civil society have been invited. The focus will be on raw material security, competitiveness, and value creation.

Prof. Dr. Martin Faulstich will also give a scientific keynote speech at the event.

We are looking forward to the conference and the opportunity to engage in stimulating discussions with circular economy experts.

On 10 July 2025, we will be taking a look ahead at our event ‘Transformation of the plastics industry – opportunities for start-ups’ at the Industrieclub Düsseldorf. Start-ups bring fresh ideas, bold technologies and completely new ways of thinking to an industry that is currently being reinvented. However, the path to industrial realisation is often rocky – high investments, long start-up times, many risks. But how can start-ups overcome the financial hurdles in the plastics industry? How can established companies and young founders benefit from each other? And what will be needed for the plastics industry of the future? We want to discuss all these questions together.

That is why we are focussing on founders and their role in the transformation at this event – and bringing them together with those who can help shape and enable this change: Established companies, politicians & funding bodies as well as joint ventures & investors.

The event offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and potential of transformation – with inspiring speakers who will provide valuable insights and impetus, as well as a wide range of opportunities for dialogue.

📅 10 July 2025

📍 Industry Club Düsseldorf

💡 Speaker & programme: Coming soon!

Whether you promote, network, found or produce – register now: Transformation of the plastics industry – opportunities for founders!

The change of government also raises the question of the federal government’s plans for the new legislative period. The 2025 Federal Congress of Municipal Waste Management and Urban Cleanliness will bring together key figures from the worlds of politics, science, and business to discuss the current challenges and future strategies involved in creating a sustainable circular economy. Taking place on 20 and 21 May 2025 in Berlin, the congress is organised by the Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU).

Prof. Dr. Martin Faulstich will participate in the panel discussion on ‘The circular economy in the past and upcoming legislative periods’, alongside Michael Thews and Prof. Dr. Henning Wilts.

The congress’s central topics are coping with the costs of climate transformation, competition in waste management, and future mobility organisation.

Further information on the congress: Federal Congress of Municipal Waste Management and Urban Cleanliness 2025 #KommunalDigital

On 7 April 2025, the Hydrogen Competence Region Düssel.Rhein.Wupper, together with educational institutions, held a forward-looking workshop in Düsseldorf on the subject of “Qualification requirements in the hydrogen economy”. Hydrogen plays a central role in the future of the sustainable industrial economy. The promotion and demand for skilled workers in this field is therefore of great importance.

Prof. Dr. Martin Faulstich presented the Master’s programme Sustainable Energy and Hydrogen Infrastructures at the EUREF CAMPUS Düsseldorf and led the third workshop “Academic Qualification” together with Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Hannibal.

In his opening speech, Lord Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller emphasised the importance of hydrogen for Düsseldorf’s climate strategy and economic development. The event clearly showed that the transition to a hydrogen economy can only be successfully realised through close cooperation between industry, science and education.

The Hannover Messe took place on 2 April 2025 with the theme ENERGIZING A SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRY.

Daniel Ohl moderated a panel as a speaker from the Green Economy Network.NRW (KNUW) and PhD scholarship holder at the INZIN Institute in the field of plastics recycling. The focus was on innovations in the plastics sector – improving recyclability through additive manufacturing technologies.

Hannover Messe 2025 was an informative and forward-looking event. The high level of interest and response shows that sustainable materials solutions and the circular economy are key issues for the industry.

We congratulate our doctoral student Daniel Ohl on his successful presentation at the fair!

The Circular Valley Convention (CVC) 2025 took place from 12-13 March at the Böhler Areal. It provides a cross-industry platform to support the collective transformation to a circular economy. Innovations were presented, presentations were given and important discussions were held to develop new ideas and advance existing ones.

Our INZIN Institute was also present at the Circular Valley Convention. Prof. Dr. Martin Faulstich and Dr. Ewa Harlacz attended this interesting event together with the Green Economy Network.NRW (KNUW). KNUW presented the innovative recycling solutions that are needed to secure the supply of critical raw materials. At the same time, KNUW enabled start-ups to participate in the Circular Valley Convention and present their innovations in the circular economy.

Prof. Faulstich accompanied NRW Environment Minister Oliver Krischer on a tour of the exhibition stands of the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and KNUW. After his welcome speech on the main stage, the Environment Minister visited both stands.

Prof Faulstich also met the artist HA Schult. The artist´s “Trash People” symbolised the throwaway society. One of the more than 100 figures in his exhibition was also photographed with our Prof Faulstich and his artist.

Further information on KNUW and the innovations of the individual start-ups can be found here:
https://www.knuw.nrw/en/trade-expos/detail/circular-valley-convention-2025.html

The 14th Scientific Congress of the German Association for Waste Management (DGAW) took place at the University of Kassel on 13 – 14 March. The event provides a platform for young scientists to present their own topics in the field of waste and recycling management.

Our INZIN Institute was represented by two of our doctoral students. Both presented key aspects of their doctoral projects and made a valuable contribution to the 14th Science Congress in Kassel:

• Pauline Jegen with a poster presentation on “Analysing the impact of implementing R-strategies on material flows in the construction sector in the Ruhgebiet”.
• Konstantin Saure with a presentation on “Urban redistribution logistics for reusable packaging for prepacked food”

In addition to the specialist lectures and poster presentations, the “Science meets business” event took place on 12 March. This offered exciting workshops on skills for future managers as well as an opportunity for dialogue between scientists and managers.

Another highlight was the evening gathering in the elegant garden Hall of the Orangerie Kassel.

We are delighted with the successful participation and congratulate our doctoral students on their successful presentations!

Many thanks to the DGAW and all those involved for the excellent organisation of this inspiring congress!

3D Printing: More Than Just a Gimmick?

3D printing can do more than produce USB sticks in the shape of hot dogs, mini-sneakers for dogs and aquarium slides for fish.
Rather, it can make an important contribution to plastic recycling!

That is why we are dedicating the KNUW panel at the Hannover Messe to the questions of how additive manufacturing affects the recyclability of plastics and how the use of recyclates in 3D printing is organised.

Curious? Then come and see us!

📅 Date: 2 April 2024
🕠 Time: 4:25 – 4:45 pm
📍 Location: Tech Transfer Stage

We are very pleased to welcome Lukas Pelzer from Layer Performance as a participant. Layer Performance offers customised solutions with its innovative software to further expand the wide range of additive manufacturing applications!

The panel will be moderated by Daniel Ohl, speaker of the Green Economy Network.NRW (KNUW) and doctoral scholarship holder at the INZIN Institute in the field of plastics recycling.

Let’s talk together about how we can create more sustainable solutions for industry through technological innovation!

Come along and join the discussion!

On 17 February 2025, a high-ranking Chinese delegation from Beijing met with the INZIN Institute for a professional exchange. The delegation’s stay and the event at the IHK Forum in Düsseldorf were organised by the German-Chinese Business Association (DCW) e.V. and provided a valuable opportunity for international networking and knowledge transfer.

As part of the event, three doctoral students from the INZIN Institute gave lectures and presented their doctoral projects. Pauline Jegen presented her doctoral project on the “Effects of implementing circular construction on material flows”. Konstantin Saure presented his research on “Urban redistribution logistics for reusable packaging for pre-packaged food”. Daniel Ohl gave an insight into his work on “Recyclate utilisation rates for plastics”.

Dr. Ulrich Teich introduced the INZIN Institute and supported the German-Chinese dialogue.

Many thanks to the German-Chinese Business Association (DCW) and the IHK Forum Düsseldorf!