The transformation to a circular economy can only become a reality when countries and industries work together. When people collaborate across borders, ideas become concrete projects. This is the goal of the Circular Valley Forum 2025.

On November 14, 2025, over 1,200 prominent figures from business, politics, science, and society will gather once again at the Historic Town Hall in Wuppertal. The theme of this year's annual circular economy meeting is “Action across Borders and Industries,” focusing on how cooperation across industries and national borders can contribute to implementing a circular economy.

In this regard, politicians are taking an important step forward. The successful cooperation between Flanders and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia will extend to the Netherlands at the November event. Jo Brouns (Flemish Minister of the Environment and Agriculture), Thierry Aartsen (Minister of Environment and Public Transport from the Netherlands), and Oliver Krischer (Minister of the Environment, Environmental Protection and Transportation of North-Rhine-Westphalia) will sign the cross-border cooperation agreement. "This will solidify this expanded collaboration at the heart of Europe," says Dr. Carsten Gerhardt, chairman of the Circular Valley Foundation.

In addition to sending an important political message, the forum demonstrates the active involvement of the business community. CEOs from major industrial and midsized companies are participating once again, including those from the metals, chemicals, and construction industries.

As in previous years, the Circular Valley Forum will offer two formats. Discussions on key topics take place on the main stage, while roundtables in the halls of the historic town hall enable confidential exchanges between network partners. The program also features international startups presenting their innovative business models for a functioning circular economy.

At Circular Valley, we bring together the right partners to create alliances that transcend industry and national borders,” says Dr. Carsten Gerhardt, initiator of Circular Valley, emphasizing the importance of cooperation.

The Circular Valley Forum 2025 emphasizes once again that the path to a sustainable future lies in cooperation—and the greater Rhine-Ruhr region is the place where these alliances are forming.

All information about this year's Circular Valley Forum, the speakers, and the program can be found here: circular-valley.org/forum2025.

The construction industry is responsible for approximately 38 percent of global CO2 emissions and 50 percent of all waste. At the Circular Valley Partner Talk in Düsseldorf in August, the focus was on how to reduce these figures. The development bank is currently building a new headquarters on the site of the former Ministry of the Interior, across from its current location. The new building is sustainable with a design that promises longevity, and the previous building is being dealt with in a sustainable manner as well.

A deep pit now occupies the space where a 100-meter-long, eight-story building once stood. Little by little, piece by piece, it was taken apart. This included built-in furniture, carpets, lightweight plasterboard walls, cables and wires, pipes, and tiles. Later, mineral demolition began, and by spring of 2025, the concrete framework had been torn down. At the Partner Talk, participants look out from the Rheinkniebrücke into the underground parking garage of the old building.

The demolition of the former Ministry of the Interior is a showcase project for Schüttflix. The company offers a solution to a major construction project logistics problem: empty runs. Typically, one truck drives to the construction site with fresh material and returns empty, while another truck drives to the site empty and picks up material, explains Gerrit Kisters, who speaks for the company at Partner Talk. The Schüttflix platform allows suppliers to network and organize their trips, ensuring vehicles are utilized more efficiently. For example, one supplier can bring materials and, after unloading, pick up materials from another nearby construction site.

Secondary materials are also being used for the construction of the new NRW.Bank building

The company, which won the 2021 NRW.Bank Start-up Prize, has its own recycling centers where demolition materials are stored and processed temporarily. After a building is demolished, the materials are transformed into secondary raw materials that can be used at other construction sites. Such materials were used in the construction of the NRW.Bank building, specifically for the diaphragm wall. This wall was necessary due to the building's proximity to the Rhine, as it prevents the deep excavation pit from flooding with groundwater. Building materials collected during demolition were crushed on site and transported elsewhere for processing and reuse.

To ensure that the new building is as sustainable as possible, NRW.Bank brought Daniel Bittner from the consulting firm Drees und Sommer onto the team. He assists companies with certification by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). The lifespan of a building is always an important factor in its sustainability. However, it's not just about how long materials last and when a building starts to show signs of aging. New legal requirements for sustainability also mean that a building's condition is important. A building constructed in accordance with current climate and sustainability requirements may become outdated just a few years later and thus lose value.

Of course, the materials also play a significant role in the certification process. Meaning: Where do the building materials come from, and are they secondary or renewable? What is the carbon footprint of the construction and building materials? How easy is it to dismantle and separate the building? What about material health? How many pollutants does the material release into the air and environment? The goal when providing advice is to earn the maximum number of points for certification, as was the case with the construction of the new complex for NRW.Bank, says Daniel Bittner.

A contemporary living space is not just modern but also built in a sustainable and resource-efficient manner

After the keynote speeches and a tour of the construction site, a discussion round took place at Partner Talk. Gerrit Kisters from Schüttflix, Thomas Koch (Head of Transformation and Innovation), and Thomas Stausberg (Head of Housing Promotion at NRW.Bank) participated in the discussion. Sebastian Hanny-Busch, from the development bank's Economic Development Advisory Center, moderated the discussion. Housing promotion has long been an integral part of the bank's work, contributing to the creation of affordable housing. However, it is also important that newly built apartments are designed in a contemporary manner. This means taking into account aspects such as accessibility and energy efficiency, as well as using resource-saving methods in the construction process.

That is why there are subsidies targeted towards building with wood or mineral oil-free insulation materials. However, when it comes to secondary building materials and circular construction, we have some way to go. In the area of public housing subsidies, we collaborate with relevant ministries, local authorities, and agencies. They know exactly where the needs lie.
Gerrit Kisters emphasized the importance of networking and cooperation for establishing a functioning circular economy. Thomas Koch agrees: "Networks are a key factor." At NRW.Bank, they envision the future in which they want to invest or support the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and then consider how to make these visions a reality.

They find sensible ways to reuse waste. They develop innovative, climate-friendly processes. They help companies create transparency with digital applications. They transform unused, valuable resources into usable ones. And they are: They are all coming to the greater Rhine-Ruhr region this year to participate in the ninth round of the Circular Economy Accelerator.

Since 2021, the program has helped more than 130 young companies significantly advance their business ideas. Startups collaborate with experts from the Circular Valley network to refine their pitches, learn how to attract investors successfully, and gain insights into industry practices. Through the Foundation's extensive network, participants can establish important connections with potential partners and investors.

The external jury of the Circular Economy Accelerator selected 14 companies from hundreds of international applicants. The founders hail from around the globe, including Australia, Singapore, Turkey, Cyprus, Nigeria, Colombia, and the United States. Five German companies are participating again.

The startups in this round are working on five key topics:

From October to November, the startups will visit the greater Rhine-Ruhr region, where they will benefit from the expertise and contacts of the Circular Valley network. The highlight of their visit will be the Circular Valley Forum on November 14. There, they will present their ideas at Demo Day and network with potential supporters and partners at their booth.

From October to November, the startups will visit the greater Rhine-Ruhr region, where they will benefit from the expertise and contacts of the Circular Valley network. The highlight of their visit will be the Circular Valley Forum on November 14. There, they will present their ideas at Demo Day and network with potential supporters and partners at their booth.

Leni and Leon wanted to take their toy train, Willi, to see the polar bears. Suddenly, they realized that Willi was missing a wheel. Their dad couldn't get Willi running again, and they didn't want to throw the train away. Their neighbor Bella has the solution: an open repair shop. There, the children discover a new world where helping others is second nature and people tinker and put things together.

In „Leni & Leon und die kaputte Lok“ author Marie-Theres Hosp and illustrator Franziska Viviane Zobel tell the heartfelt story of how repairing things together strengthens not only objects, but also self-confidence and the sense of community. The book encourages children and their parents to value possessions, take responsibility, and experience the joy of doing things themselves.

"It was a pleasure for us to support the publication.“

The Circular Valley Foundation sponsored the book project. The book addresses key issues for a sustainable society, such as sustainability, repair culture, and the circular economy. "Thematically, the book appealed to us naturally, and we were inspired by the evident passion with which the author and illustrator approached their work," says Dr. Carsten Gerhardt, founder of the Circular Valley Foundation. "We share this passion, so it was a pleasure for us to support the publication.“

Presenting the topic of sustainability in a child-friendly manner and enabling children to engage with it from an early age is a crucial step toward fostering conscious consumer behavior. Leni & Leon and the Broken Train shows that repairs are possible and can be enjoyable. In this way, the book inspires even the youngest children to embrace a world where things aren't immediately thrown away, but rather given a second chance.

Startport, the innovation platform, is launching the Reverse Logistics Accelerator on behalf of Circular Valley. This initiative provides targeted support to startups combining logistics and the circular economy. The program supports business models that contribute to the circular economy and strengthens networking with industry partners and potential investors.

The new accelerator program aims to support startups in developing and launching innovative, sustainable solutions in this area.

The program assists with questions related to financing, sales, and communication. It also helps establish long-term collaborations between startups, established companies, and investors. The program combines virtual and on-site modules. Participants meet in person at intensive workshops, coaching sessions, networking events, and the Circular Valley Forum on November 14, 2025, with industry partners. Participants also stay in touch digitally through weekly meetings, mentoring sessions, online workshops, and virtual networking.

“Logistics is a key issue for a functioning circular economy.“

“Circular Valley's goal is to set up accelerator programs for as many circular focus topics as possible in the greater Rhine-Ruhr region,” says Dr. Carsten Gerhardt. “Logistics is a key issue for a functioning circular economy. With startport of the Port of Duisburg, we are delighted to have an excellent partner with extensive expertise in this field.”

"With Circular Valley, we have a strong partner to promote innovation in this area," says Johannes Franke, startport's managing director. “Together, we are creating the Reverse Logistics Accelerator, a platform where startups can collaborate with industry, logistics, and sustainability experts in a practical setting—right in the heart of the Rhine-Ruhr region.”

On September 17, the digital kickoff for the startups in the new accelerator program took place. The young entrepreneurs introduced themselves and shared exciting insights into their work and aspirations. One thing was clear from the beginning: the diversity of this group promises exciting prospects and great potential for the coming months.

In recent months, some alumni of the Circular Economy Accelerator Program have continued to make progress successfully. For instance, Upcyde, a startup from the program's sixth round, has reached an important milestone: its VerdeSKIN material has been certified by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization for its low carbon footprint. Upcyde transforms agricultural waste into valuable materials, including plant-based leather and sustainable packaging. Their carbon-saving materials are finding their way into interior design and real estate, opening up new markets for superior materials.

Circonomit, a company from Batch 7, has just raised €2.8 million in seed funding with support from Vorwerk Ventures. The startup is developing a digital “corporate brain” to help companies integrate sustainability into their decision-making processes, model financial and environmental KPIs, and scale primary environmental data across their operations. The result is faster, smarter, and more sustainable decisions, especially for industrial "hidden champions." This is just one example of how Circular Valley brings the right players together to accelerate the circular transformation.

Novoloop, Hydroleap, and Bioweg secure financing - CyFract sets up pilot plant

Novoloop, also a startup from Batch 7, has secured investments as well, totaling $21 million, allowing it to meet the high demand for its technology. Novoloop uses polyethylene, a material that is difficult to recycle, to produce high-performance thermoplastic polyurethanes. The funding will accelerate commercial deployment and strengthen partnerships across the global polyurethane supply chain.

Hydroleap was part of the fourth cohort of the accelerator program. The Singapore-based start-up has now raised $4.75 million in its latest funding round to expand its electrochemical water treatment technology in the Asia-Pacific region. The Singapore-based startup focuses on treating industrial wastewater using fewer chemicals.

Bioweg, a startup that was part of the second funding round, also secured significant financing. Now, €16 million is available to develop biodegradable alternatives to microplastics in cosmetic products.

CyFract from Batch 4 has commissioned a new pilot plant in Villingen, Baden-Württemberg. The plant is located near an industrial park at a rainwater clarification basin. Rainwater is directed from the basin into the CyFract basin. CyFract's technology separates particles, such as tire abrasion, from the water so that it can be cleanly discharged into the river. The plant operates independently with its own photovoltaic system.

The latest round of negotiations in Geneva on a global plastics agreement ended without a resolution. The more than 180 nations involved were unable to reach an agreement.

The dangers posed by plastic waste have been known for over 50 years, yet more and more plastic is being produced every year. Around 460 million tons of plastic are produced every year, less than 10 percent of which is recycled. Over 30 million tons end up in the oceans.

Such approaches have long been on the table.

Startups from the Circular Valley network are working on solutions

Some of these companies have already received support from the Circular Economy Accelerator of the Circular Valley Foundation. Proservation, for example, is a start-up that manufactures cushion packaging from by-products of the grain industry. Bioweg replaces microplastics with biomaterials from food waste. Biomyc uses mycelium composites made from mushroom roots and plants. Nyungu Africa makes feminine hygiene products from pineapple leaf and corn husk fibers. Midwest Composites uses crop waste to produce textiles. Vlastic offers an alternative to foamed plastics made from flax.

When products reach the end of their useful life, recycling can give them a second life. For example, Ecoplastile transforms waste into durable roof tiles, Gescol makes building panels from shoe soles, and Novoloop uses hard-to-recycle polyethylene to produce high-performance thermoplastic polyurethanes.

Chemical recycling breaks plastics down into their molecular building blocks. Carboliq uses a low-temperature catalytic process to convert mixed plastics into oil that replaces fossil raw materials. Radical Dot extracts monomers for reuse.

This year, Circular Valley released an informational film on recycling plastics: "Two Paths, One Goal." The film showcases the potential of various recycling methods. The film is available on YouTube.

An effective collection and sorting system is essential for recycling. Lixo uses AI-powered monitoring to improve sorting accuracy and ensure that materials are processed correctly. Plastic Fischer intercepts plastic waste in rivers before it reaches the ocean, while CyFract filters microplastics out of water systems. Cyrkl is a startup that connects the supply and demand for recycled plastics and operates a marketplace for secondary raw materials.

Many of these technologies are on the verge of being commercialized. With the right support, they could help solve the plastic problem in the future. "These young companies' efforts give us hope that a solution is in sight," says Dr. Carsten Gerhard.

Krefeld has a large inventory of buildings that will be renovated in the coming years. Furthermore, Krefeld Business, along with the city and its real estate company (GGK), is interested in ensuring that these renovations are sustainable. "There is great potential for testing and experimentation there," says Dr. Carsten Gerhardt. This is one reason why a circular hub focusing on circular construction is being created in the new start-up center in cooperation with Circular Valley.

Luisenstraße 32 used to be home to a silk factory. By fall 2026, the building will be converted into a startup center. "The Luisenstraße building itself will be a prime example of circular construction. An existing building will be transformed into a new one — it's the perfect place to demonstrate how it can be done," says Carsten Gerhardt. This is another reason why the collaboration's focus is appropriate there. The foundation has already established central locations for specific topics at various sites in the greater Rhine-Ruhr region, and Krefeld is now set to become the center for circular construction.

Not only interesting for startups, but also for small and medium-sized enterprises, industry, and citizens

The new Krefeld Business Start-Up Center is poised to become a hub of change for the city, its economy, and its society. The center aims to promote sustainable business models, connect stakeholders from business, science, and urban society, and develop innovative circular economy solutions. Additionally, the center seeks to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and insights across industries in the field of circular economy.

The start-up center is intended to appeal to not only start-ups, but also small and medium-sized enterprises, industry, and regional citizens. GGK Krefeld is developing and operating the site to facilitate cooperation and networking within the city and region. The Circular Valley Foundation is contributing its extensive network of businesses, startups, politicians, and scientists, as well as its expertise in the circular economy.

"For an industrial location like Krefeld, the circular economy is naturally an interesting topic," said Eckart Preen, managing director of Krefeld Business. “The realization that we should recycle material flows rather than throw everything away after use is relevant for companies for environmental, economic, and climate protection reasons.” Krefeld needs to develop expertise in the circular economy.

The International Garden Exhibition (IGA) will come to the Ruhr region in 2027. From April 23 to October 17 of that year, visitors will be able to explore parks and gardens in more than 53 cities, participate in activities, and share their ideas about the city of the future. This exhibition's decentralized concept is what makes it special. It makes use of the region's many centers and brings people together to think about sustainable living spaces.

The Circular Valley Foundation will have a pavilion in one of the five Future Gardens, the Future Garden Duisburg. The pavilion will be made from circular materials, meaning materials and modules based on circular business models. Partners from the Circular Valley network of startups, companies, researchers, and scientists will present their solutions and products. They will demonstrate how buildings can be designed to be more flexible, durable, and resource-efficient and showcase what is currently possible in the field of circular construction. In keeping with the spirit of circularity, the pavilion will be rebuilt and exhibited at another location after the exhibition.

IGA 2027 will be a stage for international pioneers in circular construction

This initiative will turn the IGA 2027 in the Ruhr region into a stage for international pioneers in circular construction.

Visitors will learn how resource consumption in the construction sector can be significantly reduced, how buildings can be designed to be more flexible, durable, and recyclable—and why this change is central to life in the cities of tomorrow. And: they should also be encouraged to follow suit.

There are many players in the field of battery recycling with a wealth of knowledge and innovative ideas in their respective areas. To bring this knowledge together, a networking event was held at the Karlsruhe Research Factory in July. The event featured presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities.

The event focused on three crucial topics for the transformation of the battery industry: circular approaches in battery production, innovative recycling technologies with a focus on automated dismantling and infrastructure, and the recovery of critical raw materials in Europe.

Participants from research and industry represented all areas of the value chain, including battery cell production, mobile application use, energy storage, dismantling, recycling, and raw material recovery. The goal was to share knowledge, generate new ideas, and establish collaborations that would pave the way for a resource-efficient circular economy.

Presentations and lively discussions on important technical issues

Various presentations were given on these topics. Dr. José Rodriguez, Circular Valley Techscout, welcomed everyone and provided insight into the goals and focus areas of the TraWeBa project. He also explained the role of Circular Valley within the TraWeBa hub. Maximilian Stephan from the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI) then gave an in-depth overview of the current status and planned developments of lithium-ion battery recycling capacities in Europe. Sebastian Henschel from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) presented a flexible plant design concept for different battery formats, opening up new possibilities for automation.

Jan Molz, an alumnus of the Circular Economy Accelerator and founder of the start-up Circu Li-ion, offered practical insights into the world of fully automated battery dismantling and diagnosis. He demonstrated how technological innovations can make the recycling process more efficient and safer.

The program was rounded off by a lively discussion in which all participants in the networking meeting exchanged views on technical issues, experiences, and perspectives. It became clear that German and European industry is highly competitive in terms of both technology and market positioning for battery recycling in Europe. A diverse range of players, capacities, and technology scaling is currently developing here.

The networking event showcased the industry's significant innovative strength and willingness to implement change. TraWeBa's role is to continue connecting stakeholders, raising awareness of technologies, and developing marketable solutions jointly for a circular battery economy. The TraWeBa Hub will continue providing a platform where researchers, industry professionals, and startup founders can collaborate to create a sustainable, resilient, and resource-efficient future.

Since 2022, Circular Valley has been bringing the topic of the circular economy into classrooms. During interactive workshops, students learn about sustainability and the differences between the linear and circular economies. They also explore why the economy needs to change. Students also develop their own business ideas for better recycling and saving resources in their everyday lives and environment. More schools participate in the workshops every year.

A new Circular Valley educational project is now launching. The Environment and Development Foundation of North Rhine-Westphalia has agreed to fund the project, "Circular Valley Scouts: On the Trail of the Circular Economy." Students will be trained as Circular Valley Scouts. In addition to learning about sustainability and the circular economy, the Scouts will examine a specific case study from the Circular Valley network that illustrates circular solutions in a concrete way. This includes visiting companies to experience their work firsthand. The project combines education for sustainable development with career orientation.

Circular Valley is also represented at the BNE-Festival

Circular Valley is involved in education in other ways, too. On October 9 and 10, the foundation will be represented at the BNE-Festival NRW in Hamm. The Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Environment and Development Foundation of North Rhine-Westphalia are inviting all education for sustainable development (BNE) activists and interested parties to exchange ideas, further their education, and network for two days.

Participants can take part in the “Simplycycle” simulation game there. In this game, players are transported to an island where they must work to create a positive environmental impact. To accomplish this, they must improve products and processes in an ecologically effective way and develop creative ideas.

Circular Valley is once again co-hosting Tech Tour Bio-based Industries 2025, Europe’s leading investment and innovation event for the bio-based sector. Taking place on 13 November 2025 in Wuppertal, Germany, this flagship gathering connects pioneering startups with the most active venture capital and corporate investors driving the circular bioeconomy.

The day offers a unique mix of networking formats – from engaging group exchanges to more than 100 One2One meetings – alongside keynotes, expert panels, and pitches from 40 carefully selected companies.

With more than 45 seasoned investors and senior industry leaders in attendance, the event provides an unparalleled opportunity to benchmark technologies, exchange strategies, and build meaningful partnerships.