For two days, the Areal Böhler in Düsseldorf became the central meeting point for circular economy stakeholders from all sectors. The Circular Valley Convention 2026, held on March 11 and 12, impressively showcased how the topic has evolved from a vision into a concrete industrial policy reality. 

"In North Rhine-Westphalia, we know: The circular economy drives innovation, benefits the climate, and makes us less dependent on expensive raw material imports and vulnerable supply chains – this is more important than ever given the current crises in Iran and worldwide," said Mona Neubaur, Deputy Minister-President and Minister of Economic Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia, at the opening of the Convention. 

At the heart of many discussions was the question of how the circular economy can serve as a strategic response to global challenges: rising raw material prices, fragile supply chains, and geopolitical uncertainties. Representatives from politics, industry, and science emphasized that circular economy has long since moved beyond resource protection, environmental issues, and recycling. It is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for competitiveness, resilience, and economic independence. 

Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider emphasizes: The circular economy is crucial for security and economic strength. 

At the start of the second day, Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider highlighted the role of politics. "Those who succeed in using products and facilities for longer, employing resources more efficiently, and recycling intelligently are not only doing good for the environment but also contributing to greater security and economic strength." 

NRW Environment Minister Oliver Krischer added in his welcoming address: "The future belongs to the circular economy: It is the key to innovation, resilience, and new value creation. North Rhine-Westphalia has the best conditions to set decisive impulses for the circular economy with its businesses, innovative start-ups, and excellent research." 

At the same time, the convention demonstrated how far implementation has already progressed. More than 130 exhibitors – ranging from research institutes to large international corporations, mid-sized global market leaders, local initiatives, and startups – presented concrete solutions at the expo. These included approaches such as circular product design, digital solutions, and innovative recycling technologies. The event thus fulfilled its promise not only to stimulate discussions but also to showcase practical applications. 

A functioning circular economy encompasses the entire product lifecycle. 

A common thread ran through many of the contributions: Circular economy must be considered throughout the entire product life cycle – from the first design decision to the return of materials. This systemic perspective was also reflected in the program: The Circular Valley Convention focused on the full range of so-called R-strategies, making it clear that true circularity can only succeed if all phases of the product life cycle are considered together. 

Special emphasis was placed on the early R-strategies: Refuse, Rethink, Redesign, and Reduce. In several panels and presentations, it was highlighted that the crucial decisions for circular value creation are made during the conceptual and design phases. Questions such as "Do we need this product at all?" or "How can it be designed to be circular from the outset?" were also addressed. 

Early, middle, and late R-strategies were a core theme of the Circular Valley Convention. 

However, the middle and late R-strategies also played a central role. Approaches such as Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, or Remanufacture show how product life cycles can be extended – with ecological and economic benefits. At the same time, it became clear that recycling and recovery are increasingly becoming strategic resources, especially in the context of scarce raw materials and global dependencies. 

Contributions from industry and research made it clear: High-quality secondary raw materials, efficient recovery systems, and new process designs are becoming decisive competitive factors. It is no longer just about waste management but about the targeted control of material flows along complex value chains. 

The Circular Valley Convention 2026 thus demonstrated above all: The circular economy has arrived in practice and is increasingly becoming a central building block of a future-proof industry. 

The transformation to a circular economy is not a national task – it is European and global. At the Circular Valley Convention, the trilateral cooperation between North Rhine-Westphalia, Flanders, and the Netherlands was particularly in focus. The cross-border collaboration between NRW and Flanders was already sealed at the Circular Valley Forum in 2022 and expanded to include the Netherlands in 2025. 

In this industrial core region of Europe, politics, industry, and research are working together on concrete projects – such as in the fields of chemistry, batteries, and construction. The convention demonstrated that this cooperation has long since moved beyond political declarations of intent and is increasingly being translated into concrete applications. 

The project groups on batteries and circular construction took the opportunity to meet in person 

The Batteries Project Group took the opportunity to meet not only virtually but also in person. The group includes representatives from industry, startups, research institutions, and politics. Together, they discussed specific topics that will soon be addressed, such as the project application for Horizon funding from the EU. 

The project group on circular construction also convened at the convention. NRW Minister of Construction Ina Scharrenbach also participated in the exchange. Together, they identified topics for future discussions between the project group and the ministry. The group's work will be coordinated from the Netherlands as part of the trilateral cooperation. A special focus lies on the areas of infrastructure, residential buildings, and methods and implementation tools. 

A clear commitment to cooperation was expressed during the panel on trilateral collaboration. 

But the cross-border collaboration was not only strengthened in small groups. On stage, Arnoud Passenier, Strategic international Advisor Circular Economy in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in the Netherlands, Brigitte Mouligneau, Manager and Strategic Advisor Circular Economy for Flanders Circular and Inge Neven CEO of Vito in Flanders also engaged in discussions, clearly advocating for continued cooperation. "In the Netherlands, we have been working for a long time to make the circular economy the default," said Arnoud Passenier. There are many great innovators and startups, but they all face the question of scaling up. "We need to think bigger," he said during the panel. For this, collaboration across sectors, industries, and national borders is essential. Inge Neven reinforced this idea: Sharing expertise and insights in research is also crucial for progress. 

This perspective was complemented by international contributions, including from Austria, which provided further insights into industrial solutions along the plastics and recycling value chains. Thus, a broad picture of European approaches to the circular economy emerged. 

Anyone wanting to experience how the circular economy works in practice found quick answers at the Circular Valley Convention 2026. Alongside major companies, startups from around the world showcased the diversity and practical relevance of circular innovations today. 

More than 130 exhibitors from industry, research, and the startup ecosystem presented technologies, materials, and business models spanning the entire product life cycle. The range of digital solutions was particularly visible – from systems for material traceability and digital product passports to AI-driven applications for analyzing and optimizing material flows. 

Startups showcased a wide range of circular innovations 

A special focus was on the startups from the Circular Economy Accelerator, as well as numerous alumni of the program, who presented their developments at the exhibition and on the stages of the Circular Valley Convention. The topics ranged from new materials and innovative recycling processes to data-based platform solutions and circular business models in areas such as construction, chemicals, and consumer goods. 

Startups worked on solutions for material traceability, bio-based alternatives for industrial applications, and technologies for more efficient use of resources and waste streams. Approaches in water treatment, plastic cycles, and digital platforms for circular value creation were also represented – showcasing the diversity of innovations on display. 

The pitch on the main stage at Demo Day was a highlight for the Batch 10 startups. 

A highlight of the Convention was Demo Day, where startups from the current tenth funding round presented their solutions on the main stage to an international audience of industry, science, and investors. For many teams, this pitch marked the pinnacle of their accelerator experience – reflecting the high quality and diversity of the approaches presented. 
Additionally, the Innovation Stage provided other startups – including alumni and young companies from North Rhine-Westphalia – with the opportunity to present their ideas in compact pitch sessions and engage with potential partners. 
The strength of the circular ecosystem was also evident internationally. For example, innovators from Flanders demonstrated how circular approaches translate into concrete business models – from flexible solar films to bio-based adhesives. 

The Expo, featuring numerous innovations, was the practical counterpart to the conference 

These intersections were particularly visible at the exhibition: Large industrial companies showcased their approaches to integrating circular processes, while startups tackled specific challenges – such as transparency in complex supply chains or the efficient use of resources. 

The expo thus became the practical counterpart to the conference: It showed that the transformation toward a circular economy has long begun – and that it is no longer just about individual technologies, but about the interplay of data, materials, and business models. 

For two days, representatives from politics, industry, science, and startups discussed solutions for a circular economy. From keynotes, panels, and practical examples, six key insights for the transformation toward a circular economy can be derived. 

In February and March, the tenth round of the Circular Economy Accelerator took place in the extended Rhine-Ruhr region. Sixteen startups from around the world engaged with key industry players, further developed their business ideas, honed their pitches, and took valuable insights and contacts from the Circular Valley network with them on their journey. 

From the very beginning, it became clear how essential personal exchange is to the program. At the kickoff, the teams came together in person for the first time, made connections, and laid the foundation for the coming weeks. 

Networking and exchange are a vital part of the startups' experience at Circular Valley 

Beyond the content-focused program, personal exchange also played a major role. Joint activities such as visiting the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex or the social program at Visiodrom strengthened the cohesion within the group and created space for informal conversations. 

A highlight of the program is always Demo Day, which this time took place as part of the Circular Valley Convention and toward which the startups worked intensively. Here, they presented their solutions to a large audience. For many participants, this moment was the clear highlight of the entire program. At the Circular Valley Convention, they also made new contacts and received valuable feedback. 

The program concluded with a joint farewell dinner, which bid farewell to Batch 10 in a special atmosphere – while simultaneously marking the transition into a lasting network. With new impulses, sharpened business models, and a strong international network, the founders are now taking their next steps – and will remain connected to Circular Valley as alumni even beyond the program. 

The importance of involving young people in the transformation toward a circular economy was evident at the Circular Valley Convention. Numerous students took the opportunity to visit the fair as part of excursions – organized in cooperation with Kurs21. 

Among the participants were students from Carl-Fuhlrott-Gymnasium, Gesamtschule Sedanstraße, Gymnasium Vohwinkel, and Wilhelm-Dörpfeld-Gymnasium. Many of them already have entrepreneurial experience from student-run companies or participate in the German Founders' Award for Schools. A project group from Ganztagsgymnasium Johannes Rau and other groups were also on-site. 

Students actively participated in the Circular Valley Convention 

The participants were far from being just spectators: Their program was designed to be hands-on and interactive. On the Innovation Stage, they analyzed pitches and learned directly from professionals what makes a presentation convincing. Equipped with a self-developed questionnaire, they actively approached startups and companies – a kind of "icebreaker mission" that helped break down barriers and initiate conversations. At the same time, many used the opportunity for career orientation – some even secured internships on the spot. 

There was significant interest from the region: A group of students from Remscheid, currently working on their own projects, used the Convention specifically to gather input – for example, for their planned greening of the school roof to improve the microclimate. They were able to make valuable contacts in the process. 

Circular Valley also implemented various educational programs beyond the convention 

Working with students is a central component of Circular Valley's educational efforts – and it doesn’t just happen at the Convention. In a workshop at Gesamtschule Langerfeld, the importance of international perspectives became clear: 25 German and 25 Spanish students worked together on circular economy issues. Such formats make it tangible that sustainable transformation can only be thought of globally. 

As early as January, around 80 students from four schools came together for a "Journey into the Future" as part of the project "Good Life Instead of Growth Obsession: New Economy." Together with representatives from politics, business, and civil society, they developed ideas for a future-proof economy in their city. 

The focus was on very concrete questions from the students' everyday lives. Approaches for new extracurricular learning and meeting spaces received particular approval, as existing offers – such as those at the university – are often overburdened. Spaces that combine learning, exchange, and practical offerings like repair workshops were discussed. The possible use of the former Galeria Kaufhof building as such a space was also discussed and met with great interest. 

On the evening of February 26, attendees learned about WSW’s H2W project, which has gained national attention, and received exclusive insights into one of Europe’s largest hydrogen bus fleets.

A key highlight was the growing role of data: The buses are equipped with numerous sensors that continuously provide information on the vehicles’ condition. Maintenance decisions are no longer primarily made by drivers but are instead data-driven. 

When it comes to hydrogen, it’s about the interplay of energy generation, storage, and utilization 

In the subsequent presentation, host Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Meyer, Head of Vehicle Technology and Overall Project Manager of H2W, contextualized the practical insights. He outlined WSW’s hydrogen strategy as both an energy provider and public transport operator within the context of the energy transition. It became clear that hydrogen cannot be considered in isolation – rather, it requires an interplay of energy generation, storage, and utilization. A cross-sectoral approach is crucial. 

A central advantage lies in the ability to decouple energy from the electricity market. Hydrogen can be produced when electricity is available and affordable, then used flexibly later. Beyond efficiency, the focus shifts to energy availability. At the same time, it was emphasized that battery solutions will also play an important role – the future of mobility is being approached in a technology-open manner. 

Projects like those by WSW demonstrate that hydrogen technology is already working on a larger scale 

The discussion also addressed the uncertainties associated with scaling up the hydrogen economy. Regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and cost developments remain critical factors. However, projects like WSW’s demonstrate that the technology already works on a larger scale today. 

The connection to the Circular Valley network was also highlighted – from materials for hydrogen-capable infrastructure to startups in renewable energy, there are numerous touchpoints along the value chain. 

The Partner Talk once again underscored the importance of exchange between companies, science, and practice, and how concrete applications make the path to a climate-neutral future tangible. To move from talk to action, such real-world use cases are pivotal for the transition to a circular and CO₂-neutral economy. 

The diversity of these successes shows: The alumni of the Circular Economy Accelerator are bringing their innovations where they are needed – into the practice of a circular future. Whether through funding, product launches, collaborations, or awards, the startups from the Circular Valley network are growing, connecting, and actively shaping the circular economy. 

With 32 episodes and counting, the podcast “Welcome to Circular Valley” continues to evolve – expanding thematically, deepening content, and offering fresh insights into the practical world of the circular economy. The latest episodes highlight just how diverse circular approaches have become, spanning municipal services, industrial technologies, construction, sports, and digitalization. 

The role of municipal enterprises is increasingly taking center stage. Dr. Alexandra Lai from Wuppertaler Stadtwerke shares how energy, water, and waste streams can be integrated. Whether it’s hydrogen buses, resource recovery from incinerator ash, or repurposing excavated materials, the episode illustrates how circular economy principles work at the city level – and what levers municipalities can use to drive sustainable transformation. 

Several startups from the Circular Economy Accelerator have already appeared on the podcast 

Startup innovations are also in the spotlight. The team from naion.tech (Batch 9 of the Circular Economy Accelerator) explains how custom-designed membranes help recover valuable substances from complex liquid streams. Their approach underscores the potential of new separation technologies—whether for handling critical materials or processing industrial waste streams. 

The construction industry is emerging as a key resource reservoir. Maren-Katrin Schulze from Madaster (Batch 1) discusses how building resource passports make materials visible and reusable. The concept of urban mining becomes tangible, alongside the question of how data, platforms, and regulatory frameworks must align to make circular construction the new standard. 

Carsten Cramer provides the perspective of a Bundesliga football club on the topic 

The circular economy has firmly entered mainstream society, as seen in unexpected sectors. Carsten Cramer of Borussia Dortmund shares how a Bundesliga football club is rethinking energy, water, and waste management in stadium operations – and leveraging its reach to make sustainability visible. 

Digital innovations are playing an increasingly vital role. Christian Adler from LoopID (Batch 9) describes how the digital product passport can go beyond regulatory requirements to become a strategic tool – for repairs, resale, or new business models across the entire product lifecycle. 

The importance of communal and regional efforts is also clear. Using Krefeld as an example, Eckart Preen demonstrates how economic development, urban planning, and circular economy principles can intersect – whether through adaptive reuse of existing buildings or targeted support for circular startups. 

The podcast offers hands-on, practical insights 

What ties all these episodes together is their practical focus on real-world solutions – and the realization that the circular economy doesn’t emerge in isolated sectors but through the collaboration of diverse stakeholders. The podcast provides a platform that consolidates knowledge, connects perspectives, and continually creates new opportunities for cooperation.