bvse Annual Conference: The circular economy faces major challenges

From 29 to 30 September 2026, the recycling and waste management sector will convene for the bvse Annual Conference in Cologne.
 
This year’s annual industry gathering organised by the bvse Bundesverband Sekundärrohstoffe und Entsorgung e.V. (Federal Association for Secondary Raw Materials and Waste Management) will focus on the economic and political framework conditions for the circular economy, as well as discussions on the future of the sector. Against the backdrop of wars in Europe and the Middle East, turbulence on global markets and a continuing difficult economic situation, the association believes that companies in the recycling and waste management sector face major challenges.
 
The public session in the afternoon, which begins at 3.30 pm following the meetings of the association’s committees and specialist associations, will focus in particular on the question of what political and economic framework conditions are necessary to enable the circular economy to fulfil its central role in raw material supply, resource conservation and climate protection, the bvse states. According to the programme, it will be opened by bvse President Henry Forster. Wojtek Czyż, four-time Paralympic gold medallist, five-time world record holder in freediving and circumnavigator of the globe, will then speak on the topic ‘No setback is the end’ about courage and new perspectives in difficult times. Dr Silke Karcher, Head of the Circular Economy Sub-Department at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, will then outline the Federal Government’s priorities in the circular economy. Viktor Haase, State Secretary at the Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, will present the circular economy policy direction for North Rhine-Westphalia. In the evening, from 7.30 pm, the traditional bvse dinner meeting will take place, providing an opportunity for members, guests and industry representatives to exchange ideas and network.
 
On the second day, 30 September, the annual conference will continue from 9.30 am with further trade association sessions.
 
Further information: Details of the programme and the option to register online can be found on the official website for the bvse Annual Conference 2026 (in German)
 
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