Ewa Harlacz

This year’s summer party was held on 1 July in conjunction with the Forum of Young Science at Rheinblick 741.

The event began with the sixth INZIN General Assembly. Next, as part of the Young Scientists’ Forum, our doctoral students presented their current research topics.

Professor Dr. Martin Faulstich, board member and founder of INZIN, began with an introduction to the INZIN Institute. This was followed by a report from Konstantin Saure on the tasks and prospects of our doctoral students. Daniel Ohl then presented his research on recyclate utilisation rates for polypropylene. Next, our new doctoral student, Carina Diemel, presented her project, ‘Green Steel’.

Klara Theobald joined our doctoral team on 1 July – she was able to take part in the forum right at the start and then in the summer party.

The forum was followed by the summer party, which provided ample opportunity for dialogue and was a successful end to the day.

We would like to thank all the members and guests who participated in making the evening such a success. Special thanks go to our doctoral students, who contributed to the event with their presentations and also provided valuable support in organising it.

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!