Circular Valley Convention: Spotlight on the Future of the Circular Economy

How can recycled glass be transformed into high-tech products? What can be created from plastic waste? And which new packaging materials are going to revolutionize recycling? For years, Messe Düsseldorf has been providing ideas on how to make industries more sustainable and demonstrating how companies create closed-loop material cycles at its leading international trade shows, bringing together stakeholders representing the entire value chain to discuss new approaches and drive innovation. Whether at K, glasstec or interpack, it’s becoming clear everywhere that industrial enterprises aren’t just talking about recycling, they’re systematically implementing it.

At K in October 2025, for example, exhibitors will be showcasing innovative materials and technologies that conserve resources and keep products in circulation for as long as possible, all in line with the event’s motto: “The Power of Plastics: Green – Smart – Responsible.” Another show, glasstec, illustrates why glass is more than simply a material. Because it can be endlessly reused without any reduction in quality, glass is a true paragon of the circular economy. At interpack, packaging experts prove that there really is a way to dispose of disposables: Clever reusable systems, biodegradable materials and recycling-friendly designs turn throwaway products into long-lasting solutions.

With the Circular Valley Convention, the circular economy is getting a stage all its own. On March 12 and 13, thought leaders from industry, science and politics will meet at Areal Böhler in Düsseldorf. The goal: concrete solutions instead of empty promises. The event will feature a packed conference program with content on topics such as the creation of efficient value chains, enabling technologies for the circular transformation and sustainable materials management. Speakers include Dr. Carla Seidel, Vice President of BASF; Dr. Timo Fleßner, Senior Vice President of Bayer AG; and Darren West, Global Head of Circular Economy Solutions at SAP. They’ll talk about plastic products made for a second, third and fourth use; buildings comprised of materials that have no expiration date but live on in new structures; and digital tools that control material flows, like a navigation system for raw materials: intelligent, resource-efficient and profitable.

The convention combines a conference, an expo and exclusive networking opportunities into a 360-degree experience of the circular economy. Strong partners like the non-profit Circular Valley Foundation, which promotes the transformation of the economy, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT, support the event. Speakers and presentations from the world of the circular economy deliver insights into the latest technologies and venture a look into the future.

Messe Düsseldorf isn’t just advocating for sustainability as a host of leading trade shows – it’s actively putting the concept into practice. “We aim for our events to achieve the greatest possible transformative effect with the smallest possible CO₂ footprint. We put a spotlight on sustainability at our trade shows, actively drive transformational change and steadily reduce our own consumption of resources,” says Andrea Eppert, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Messe Düsseldorf.

This commitment already shows up in the way trade shows and events are organized: Reusable booth systems, recyclable materials like cradle-to-cradle-certified carpeting and smart management of recyclables minimize waste. Digital tickets and catalogs save massive amounts of paper. And exhibiting companies benefit, too, thanks to resources such as guides, recommendations and checklists for sustainable trade show participation. Another building block: the energy-efficient supply of the Exhibition Center in accordance with ISO 50001, which has been reducing consumption for years.

Messe Düsseldorf will continue to work on integrating the principles of the circular economy even more closely into its events in order to minimize waste, use resources more efficiently and thus further reduce the ecological footprint of its trade shows in Düsseldorf. Because the future won’t happen on its own – it will be made.