Here you will find the lecture program for the RECYCLING-TECHNIK InnovationCenter I in Hall 7! The InnovationCenter is the stage for a series of high-caliber lectures by renowned experts. Trade visitors will gain the latest insights into research, development, and future trends in the industry.
Wednesday, 18.03.2026
RECYCLING-TECHNIK InnovationCentre I, Hall 7
PPWR: What does the new Packaging Ordinance mean for industry, trade, and recycling?
Moderation and discussion leader:
Dr Dirk Textor, Raw Materials Manager, GRAF Holding GmbH
Partner:
GRAF Holding GmbH
description
The PPWR is about to be introduced. Despite intensive discussions, many stakeholders remain uncertain about how the requirements are to be implemented. The panel will provide an overview of the current status and outstanding challenges.
09.55 - 10.00 a.m.
Greeting
Speaker:
Dr Dirk Textor
Raw materials manager, GRAF Holding GmbH
10:00 - 10:20 a.m.
The IK’s perspective on the PPWR
Description
The presentation will address the most important aspects of the PPWR from the perspective of a food packaging manufacturer.
It will cover the implementation to date, risks and opportunities, as well as uncertainties and their impact, for example on investments.
Speaker:
Dr. Isabell Schmidt
Managing Director, IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen e.V.
10.20 – 10.40 am
PPWR – Challenges for a medium-sized plastic processor
Description
The lecture addresses the key aspects of the PPWR from the perspective of a food packaging manufacturer. It covers the current implementation, risks and opportunities, as well as uncertainties and their impact—for example, on investments.
We examine all currently relevant material fractions (PP, PET, and XPS), all of which we process as mono-materials, and highlight the different interpretations regarding their possible applications within the EU.
Finally, the presentation links the goals of the PPWR with our perspective on the circular economy.
Speaker:
Sebastian Kremer
CEO market, silver plastics® GmbH & Co. KG
10:40–11:00 a.m.
Closing the Loop for PP: Recyclable packaging, secondary markets, and CRC as a system solution
Description
Lothar Bödingmeier, Sales Manager at Maag GmbH, demonstrates how consistent “Design for Recycling” of flexible packaging can create the foundation for a functioning circular economy. The focus is on recyclable mono-material solutions and their use in the secondary market, as well as the associated ecological and economic savings potential. Additionally, he presents the clearing system “Certified Recycled Content” (CRC), which allows the use of recyclates even in strictly regulated markets through mass-balance accounting. Together, Maag and CRC offer a practical approach to meet regulatory requirements and sustainably increase the use of recyclates.
Speaker:
Lothar Bödingmeier
Sales Manager, Maag GmbH
11:20 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
High-quality recycling of PP-Flex: Challenges and opportunities
Description
While agriculture is one of the most recyclate-friendly sectors with a recyclate share of 37.5 %, other industries such as the automotive industry (4.6 %) and the electronics industry (3.2 %) are still at the beginning. Nevertheless, the question arises as to why only around 300,000 tonnes of the 8.5 million tonnes of plastic consumed annually in Europe are collected and mechanically recycled in the agricultural sector. The presentation will examine the existing take-back systems, operational challenges and the quality of the available recyclates as well as their potential applications. Finally, it will discuss whether this sector has the potential to be a pioneer for closed-loop systems.
Speaker:
Dr. Dirk Textor
Rohstoffmanager, GRAF Holding GmbH
lunch break
From regulations to reality: How digitization and standards are making secondary building materials a genuine alternative.
Moderation and discussion leader:
Thomas FischerCircular Economy and Market Development Officer, bvse-Bundesverband Sekundärrohstoffeund Entsorgung e.V., Managing Director of Quba GmbH
Partner:
Thomas FischerCircular Economy and Market Development Officer, bvse-Bundesverband Sekundärrohstoffeund Entsorgung e.V., Managing Director of Quba GmbH
description
At Recycling Technik 2026, leading industry representatives will discuss how the Substitute Building Materials Ordinance and digital tools are proving themselves in practice. Stefan Schmidmeyer (bvse) will kick things off with a review of “Two and a half years of the Substitute Building Materials Ordinance – experiences and perspectives.” Thomas Staudt (SRE) will then shed light on the role of “plant approvals” in relation to the EBV. N1 will demonstrate in a practical way how secondary building materials can be used safely and economically – supported by digital tools. Carsten Preuss (MWM) will present “Digital quality control,” which creates transparency and trust through technology. Thomas Fischer (QUBA) will conclude with a presentation on “Quality counts: Requirements and standards for secondary building materials.”
The forum offers a compact overview of current developments and shows how digitalization and standards are paving the way for the widespread use of secondary building materials.
12.55 - 13.00 a.m.
Greeting
Speaker:
Thomas Fischer
Recycling Management and Market Development Officer, bvse-Bundesverband Sekundärrohstoffe
und Entsorgung e.V., Managing Director Quba GmbH
13.00 – 13.30 a.m.
Two and a half years of the Substitute Building Materials Ordinance – experiences and perspectives
Speaker:
Stefan Schmidmeyer
bvse e.V. / Managing Director Baustoffrecycling Bayern e.V.
13.30 – 14.00 a.m.
“Plant approvals” in relation to EBV
Description
SRE GmbH outlines the building law principles relevant to waste disposal companies and plant operators in relation to EBV kompakt. The focus is on classification according to BauNVO, the privilege for outdoor areas according to § 35 BauGB, and the relationship to immission control requirements according to BImSchG. In addition, the conversion of approved storage facilities from LAGA M 20 to EBV and key requirements for dust and noise emissions are examined.
Speaker:
Thomas Staudt
Managing Director, SRE GmbH
14.00 – 14.30 a.m.
Using secondary building materials safely and economically – digital tools in practice
Description
How can sustainable decisions be made despite rising material and disposal costs, resource scarcity, and growing environmental regulations? The presentation by N1 Circular shows how digital tools support and document decisions on the use of MEB and effectively match supply and demand. This creates transparency about available quantities, qualities, and options. The result: less effort, better decisions, and more efficient use of materials.
Speaker:
Jochen Rauls
Key-Account-Manager, N1 Circular GmbH
14.30 – 15.00 a.m.
Data instead of gut feeling – transparency as a competitive advantage for secondary building materials
Description
Incorrect classification of mineral waste can result in fines, dismantling obligations, and liability risks—with significant economic consequences. The presentation shows how digital processes and AI-supported analysis automatically evaluate test reports, minimize risks, and enable transparent, traceable decisions. Data is structured and transmitted digitally without double entry, including connection to QUBA Germany. This makes transparency and legal certainty a real competitive advantage.
Speaker:
Carsten Preuß
Sales Manager, Mineral Waste Manager GmbH
15.00 – 15.30 pm
“Quality counts: Requirements and standards for secondary building materials”
Description
QUBA – Quality counts: Thomas Fischer shows how quality assurance followed by certification can make secondary building materials legally compliant, transparent, and marketable. The focus is on the requirements of the Substitute Building Materials Ordinance, measurable environmental and construction technology criteria, production control, documentation, and verification. “Environmental and construction quality assurance and certification of secondary building materials according to recognized standards make the difference between this and pure quality monitoring.
Speaker:
Thomas Fischer
Managing Director, QUBA GmbH
Thursday, 19.03.2026
RECYCLING-TECHNIK InnovationCentre I, Hall 7
The transition to a circular economy: technologies, data, transformation
Moderation and discussion leader:
Dr Mohammad Chehadé, Managing Director CCE, Center for Circular Economy (CCE), RWTH Aachen University
Partner:
Zentrum für Kreislaufwirtschaft (CCE), RWTH Aachen University
description
How can companies, waste disposal firms, and the manufacturing industry make the leap into the circular economy—economically, data-driven, and with the right skills?
Our series of topics shows how circular processes can be implemented along key value chains in terms of technology, materials, and digitalization.
From bio-based polymer cycles and metallurgical recycling to digital twins, quality & data intelligence, and data-driven business models, you will gain insights that can be directly transferred to industrial applications.
At the same time, we show how data skills, governance structures, and DACE methods create the necessary framework for sustainably anchoring the circular economy in companies, waste disposal, demolition, and municipal structures.
10.00 – 10.05 a.m.
Welcome - The transition to a circular economy: technologies, data, transformation
Speaker:
Dr. – Ing. Mohammad Chehadé
Managing Director, Center for Circular Economy, RWTH Aachen University
Focus topic: Circular economy in practice
10:05–10:20 a.m.
RePLAy – Establishment of a bioplastic-based closed loop in the textile industry
Description
Bioplastics such as PLA are sustainable alternatives to conventional materials such as PET. However, since bioplastic-based textiles are still a niche product, they are often considered a disruptive factor in existing waste streams. This is where our closed-loop approach comes in: it enables PLA-based cleaning textiles to be managed entirely in a closed loop, from production and use to mechanical and chemical recycling.
Speaker:
Ian Krumm
Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter, Chemisches Recycling, RWTH Aachen University
10.20 – 10.35 am
Innovations in electronic waste recycling
Description
Innovations in electronic waste recycling are revolutionizing the recovery of valuable materials and making recycling processes smarter, faster, and significantly more sustainable. Modern technologies bring improvements across various areas: from more precise sorting to process controls on an entirely new level. Even today, electronic waste holds significant value – through innovative processing, it is used even more efficiently, strengthening a sustainable circular economy.
Speaker:
Dzeneta Vrucak
Metallurgical Process Engineering and Metal Recycling, Institute and Chair, RWTH Aachen University
10.35 – 10.50 am
Advancement of e-waste recycling from the perspective of the medium-sized recycling industry
Description
End-of-life electrical (and electronic) devices represent the fastest-growing waste stream, and their recycling secures valuable resources such as copper and aluminum, as well as critical raw materials.
To unlock their potential, coordinated approaches and a better understanding of recycling are essential, as recycling begins primarily at the design stage of electronic devices and continues through effective collection and treatment.
This requires reliable legal frameworks that involve waste producers, product responsibility holders, and the recycling industry equally. In addition, the necessary infrastructure for recycling must be ensured. Increasing numbers of fire incidents caused by improper disposal of batteries and battery-powered devices are putting significant pressure on the industry. Beyond effective organizational and technical fire protection, further political measures are essential to ensure a functioning circular economy.
Speaker:
Andreas Habel
Advisor, bvse – Bundesverband Sekundärrohstoffe und Entsorgung
10.50 – 11.05 a.m.
MRR Contracts as a Key Enabler of a Circular Economy for Electric Vehicles
Description
The transition to electric mobility is a central pillar of the EU Green Deal but brings new challenges regarding resource availability and end-of-life vehicle management. While electric vehicles have demonstrated clear ecological and increasingly economic benefits, high purchase costs and the lack of structured return systems hinder the development of a truly circular system. A significant portion of vehicles leaves the European market at the end of their life, limiting access to critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese.
MRR contracts (Material Return Rights) offer an innovative business model that secures early rights to the return of vehicles and batteries, provides predictable access to used batteries, and supports the development of efficient recycling value chains. Research examines the economic viability of these contracts using TCO- and break-even-based approaches.
Speaker:
Felix May
Chair of Controlling, RWTH Aachen University
11.05 – 11.20 am
Panel discussion – Circular economy in practice
Speaker:
Felix May, Andreas Habel, Dzeneta Vrucak, Ian Krumm, Dr. – Ing. Mohammad Chehadé
Digital enablers of the circular economy
11.35 – 11.50 am
The digital product passport as an enabler of competitive disassembly
Description
The digital product passport represents the EU’s central digital initiative to strengthen the circular economy. The data it contains can make disassembly and other downstream processes more competitive. For this to succeed, the data must be prepared in a targeted manner so that its full potential can be realized directly.
Speaker:
Martin Perau
Senior Researcher
Division Circular Economy
Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy
11.50 – 12.05 pm
Data interoperability for the circular economy
Description
For the circular economy, data must be easily, securely, and unambiguously usable between companies. Data spaces enable simple and sovereign access to relevant information, while semantic standards ensure that all parties interpret the data consistently. The presentation demonstrates how these approaches create interoperability and support circular processes such as repair, reuse, and recycling.
Speaker:
Dr. André Pomp
Research Group Leader
Institute for Technologies and Management of Digital Transformation,
University of Wuppertal
12.05 – 12.20 pm
Quality intelligence for circular resource use – How digital twins and data-driven analyses open new decision-making pathways in the circular economy
Description
To keep resources efficiently in the loop, reliable data on the quality, condition, and environmental impact of products is required. However, such meaningful information is often lacking, making it difficult to assess the value and potential of returned components. Digital twins and data-driven analyses can help by making the condition of components and the environmental impact of their processing directly visible on the shop floor. Using quality intelligence, decisions regarding the various uses of components in the circular economy are made transparent and deliberately supported. The research project REVAMP demonstrates how these approaches can be applied concretely for the remanufacturing of battery modules.
Speaker:
Juliane Elsner
Research Associate, IQS – Intelligence in Quality Sensing, RWTH Aachen University
12.20 – 12.35 am
Data collection as part of data management: tracing and tracking in the plastics sector
Description
A central prerequisite for data management and the use of data in the circular economy is the ability to collect data about products. The presentation addresses data collection as a specific part of data management and data literacy. It is essential to establish a connection to the product via data carriers. How this can be achieved is illustrated using the example of tracing and tracking for plastics.
Speaker:
Holger Berg
Vice Director, Division Circular Economy; Co-Head, Research Unit Digital Transformation, Department of Circular Economy – Digital Transformation, Wuppertal Institut für Klima, Umwelt, Energie gGmbH
Transformation,Wuppertal Institut für Klima, Umwelt, Energie gGmbHWuppertal Institut
12:35 – 12:50 pm
Panel discussion – Digital enablers of the circular economy
Speraker:
Martin Perau, Juliane Elsner, Dr. André Pomp, Holger Berg
12.50 – 12.55 pm
Closing
Speaker:
Mohammad Chehadé
Managing Director, Center for Circular Economy
Keynotes
Moderation and discussion facilitation:
Dr. Mohammad Chehadé, Managing Director, Center for Circular Economy (CCE), RWTH Aachen University
Partner:
Center for Circular Economy (CCE), RWTH Aachen University
Description
How can companies, waste management firms, and the processing industry make the leap to a circular economy – economically, data-driven, and with the right competencies?
Our series of topics demonstrates how circular processes along key value chains can be implemented technologically, materially, and digitally.
From bio-based polymer cycles and metallurgical recycling to digital twins, quality & data intelligence, and data-driven business models, you will gain insights that can be directly applied to industrial practice.
At the same time, we show how data competencies, governance structures, and DACE methods create the necessary framework to sustainably embed the circular economy in companies, waste management, demolition, and municipal structures.
13.00 – 13.30 am
Keynote: Circular Economy Between Profitability, Regulation, and Resilience
Description
Amid pressure for profitability, increasing regulation, and the call for resilience, the circular economy is becoming increasingly strategic. The presentation questions common narratives, examines key trade-offs, and highlights where economic realities meet political expectations. It is presented with an open mindset, practical orientation, and deliberately avoids simple answers.
Speaker:
Kilian Schwaiger
Managing Director, Metallum Metal Trading GmbH