A Global Movement Begins: Circular Valley Convention 2025 Is Here

In just a few days, the Circular Valley Convention (CVC) will open its doors at the Areal Böhler in Düsseldorf. On March 12-13, 2025, this pioneering plat-form for the industrial circular economy will bring together leading figures from business, science, politics, and society under the theme “Uniting In-dustries for a Circular Tomorrow”. With over 100 exhibitors, 200 top speak-ers, inspiring presentations, groundbreaking innovations, and premium net-working opportunities, CVC provides a unique platform to actively shape the transition towards a circular economy.

Conference program bridging science and practice

A central pillar of the Circular Valley Convention is its comprehensive con-ference program. Key topics include the development of efficient value chains, core technologies for circular transformation, and sustainable mate-rial management. Across three stages, renowned thought leaders and in-dustry experts will offer valuable insights into innovations, strategies, and global trends that are shaping the circular world of tomorrow. The Main Stage is structured into seven sessions covering circular plastics, packag-ing, construction, consumer goods, digitalization, logistics, and circular economy business models.

In addition to keynotes, panel discussions, and presentations on the Main Stage, attendees should not miss the Innovation Stage, where start-ups, researchers, and established companies will showcase cutting-edge strat-egies and technologies driving circular transformation. Hands-on master-classes will provide in-depth knowledge of specific circular applications.

For detailed information on the Main Stage program, please refer to pages 3-7 of this document.

An innovative event format that encourages sharing and networking

The Circular Valley Convention seamlessly integrates conference, expo, and networking in a groundbreaking format. On March 12-13, 2025, Düs-seldorf will become the global hub for the circular economy, offering a plat-form for international decision-makers across business, science, politics, and society.

Designated networking areas will facilitate cross-sector collaboration and partnerships. The “Circular Night” event on March 12, 2025, will provide an exclusive setting for relaxed networking over music, drinks, and dinner.

A circular marketplace with a holistic approach

The Circular Valley Convention connects science and industry, theory and practice. It covers all dimensions of the circular economy and the entire value chain across industries and materials.

In the expo area, more than 100 exhibitors – including Canon, SAP, Epson, Ernst & Young, Pöppelmann, Fraunhofer CCPE, Siegfried Jacob Metallwerke, PGS Group, Brüninghoff, the Leonhard Kurz Foundation, and many more – will showcase concrete circular economy solutions. The CVC will serve as a global marketplace for circular innovations, featuring world-leading corporations, mid-sized enterprises, and start-ups presenting groundbreaking developments, market-ready products, forward-thinking materials, and digital solutions. These solutions span all phases of the cir-cular economy, from the use of renewable raw materials to product design, manufacturing, logistics, product utilization, and end-of-life processes such as collection, sorting, and recycling.

“The Circular Valley Convention provides start-ups, mid-sized businesses, and global market leaders with a unique opportunity to position themselves as pioneers in the circular economy and engage with potential customers for their circular solutions”, emphasizes Philip Scheffler, Project Lead of the Circular Valley Convention at Messe Düsseldorf GmbH. “At the same time, CVC serves as a content hub for the circular economy, delivering key im-pulses for a sustainable and resource-efficient economic model. This makes it a valuable event for all participants.”

All speakers, all sessions: An overview of the Main Stage program

At the Main Stage of the Circular Valley Convention, renowned thought leaders and decision-makers from business, science, and politics will pre-sent their insights and visions for the future of the circular economy.

Opening remarks at the CVC

The CVC will open on Wednesday, March 12, with speeches from Wolfram N. Diener, Chairman of the Management Board of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, the organizing body, along with key representatives from the event’s partner organizations: Dr. Carsten Gerhardt, Chairman of the Circular Valley Foundation, and Prof.  of Institute, Fraunhofer UMSICHT; also present will be Dr. Claas Oeh-lmann, CEO of the BDI-Initiative Cir Dr.-Ing. Manfred Renner, Headcular Economy. Moderator Chérine de Bruijn will guide the audience through the event.

Further keynote addresses will be delivered by Steffi Lemke, Federal Min-ister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection BMUV; Hendrik Wüst, Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia; and on the second day, Oliver Krischer, Minis-ter for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia, and Dr. Stephan Keller, Lord Mayor of the City of Düsseldorf. These contributions underscore the importance of the Circular Valley Convention.

Keynotes: “Enabling Circular Economy”

The keynote speeches on the first day will highlight innovative approaches to advancing the circular economy. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka, Presi-dent of the Fraunhofer Society, will discuss “The value creation potential of circularity: opportunities for innovation, efficiency and resource conserva-tion”. Dr. Carla Seidel, Vice President at BASF SE, will provide insights into BASF’s strategies and initiatives. Rebecca Tauer, Program Manager for Circular Economy at WWF Germany, will showcase how conserva-tion and business can collaborate to promote sustainable solutions. Ulrike Sapiro, CSO at Henkel, will present innovations for the circular economy transformation. Karin Huber-Heim, City of Vienna Endowed Professor-ship for Circular Economy & transformative business models, will dis-cuss the importance of partnerships in developing transformative business models. Joe Murphy, Executive Lead of the Business Network at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, will share lessons from a decade of imple-menting circular economy principles. Dr. Martin Sonnenschein, Chairman of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, will outline sustainable practices with-in his company.

On Thursday, the second day of the event, Prof. Lars M. Blank from RWTH Aachen University will discuss “Transforming the Chemical Indus-try into a Multidimensional Circular Economy”. Susanne Szech-Koundouros, Head of the sub-department: Raw Materials Policy, Cir-cular Economy, Resource Protection and Environmental Law at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, will provide insights into “Perspective on Circular Economy in the Context of Federal Policy”.

Panel Discussions

On the first day, experts will debate the topic “From Green Deal to Indus-trial Deal: Economy as the basis for greater ecology and social stabil-ity”. Panelists include Ralf Düssel, Chairman of Plastics Europe e. V.; Prof. Dr. André Bardow, Department of Mechanical and Process Engi-neering at ETH Zurich; Prof. Dr. Henning Wilts, Head of Circular Economy Department at the Wuppertal Institute; and Ute Spring, EMEA R&D Director Packaging & Specialty Plastics at Dow Chemical.

Thursday’s panel will focus on “How to make plastic packaging circular? Opportunities and Challenges in Medium-Sized Businesses”. Partici-pants include Prof. Dr. Thomas Müller-Kirschbaum, Chief Scientist at the Circular Valley Foundation; Matthias Lesch, Managing Director of Pöppelmann Holding GmbH & Co. KG; Jens Stadter, CEO of Jokey SE; Andreas Vogt, Managing Director of Vogt Plastics; Georg Pescher, Managing Director DBNL, Alpla; and Gunda Rachut, Executive Board, Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR).

Thematic Sessions

Over both days, seven thematic sessions will explore circular business models, strategies, digital technologies, and the circular economy across various industries, including plastics, construction, electronics, packaging & printing, and logistics.

Session: “Value Chains for Plastics”

Auguste Laurent, CEO of Der Grüne Punkt Holding GmbH & Co. KG, will discuss key factors for the success of a fully circular value chain for plastics. Nicola Lelli, Senior Advisor at the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, will describe collaboration with stakeholders across the entire value chain to develop practical, globally scalable solutions. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Manfred Ren-ner, Head of Institute at Fraunhofer UMSICHT, will provide a compre-hensive overview of the circular economy with a focus on plastics. Addi-tionally, Dr. Daniel Schwaab, SVP Strategy at TOMRA, will address solu-tions for closing the plastics recycling loop, and Dr. Andreas Leitner, Sen-ior Vice President of Innovation & Technology at OMV AG, will present a case study on industrializing the circular economy.

Session: “Circular Construction Industry”

Prof. Dr. Philip Leistner, Institute Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP, will present solutions for addressing disruptions in the value chain. Thomas Nyhsen, Member of the Executive Board at STRABAG AG, will outline STRABAG’s path toward a sustainable future. Christian Hülsewig, CEO of Schüttflix Group, will introduce approaches to circular construction. Other speakers in this session include Felicitas Erfurt-Gordon, CEO, Erfurt & Sohn KG discussing “Circular Economy in the wallpaper industry”, and Frederick Verhelst, Head of Materials – Business Innovation Center, Lhoist Europe, presenting “Sustainability and circularity – core for the future in the lime industry”.

Session: “Circular Packaging & Printing”

Dr. Timo Fleßner, Senior Vice President Manufacturing API & Medical Devices Lead at Bayer AG, will explain how Bayer promotes sustainable production and supports the transition to circular options. Ralph Hopfen-sitz, Executive Senior Vice President Global Technology/CTO at LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG, will introduce sustainable finishing solutions and a recycling program for PET carrier materials. Prof. Dr. An-drea Büttner, Managing Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Pro-cess Engineering and Packaging IVV, will emphasize the necessity of a holistic approach to the circular economy. Other speakers in this session include Dr. Jan Sültemeyer, Global Sustainability Leader, Avient Corpo-ration on “How additives and colorants can enhance plastic recycling”, Herwig Kirchberger, Managing Director, DELSCI GmbH on “The myths and truths about fiber-based flexible barrier packaging solutions” and Simone Mosca, CEO of Mosca GmbH, discussing “First steps to enable circular loops for flexible transport packaging”.

Session: “Electronic Products in a Circular Economy”

Dr. Markus Seidel, Senior Expert and Head of Research Circular Economy at BMW Group, will explain how the BMW Group implements circular economy principles and addresses key innovation areas. Prof. Christian Eigen, Deputy CEO of Medion AG (Lenovo), will showcase how Lenovo integrates circular economy strategies into smart design, us-age, and recycling. Prof. Simon Lux, Managing Director, Battery Facto-ry Münster Fraunhofer Research Institution Battery Cell Production FFB, will explore the role of batteries in the circular economy.

Session: “Circular Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence”

Sean Jones, Head of Sustainability at Microsoft, will discuss Microsoft’s sustainability efforts and how AI is being leveraged to support the circular economy. Darren West, Global Head of Circular Economy Solutions at SAP, will examine the role of digital solutions and AI in transforming the cir-cular economy. Jochen Bechtold, CEO, and Dr. Dorothea Pohlmann, CTO of Sustainability at Capgemini Engineering, will present digital transformation strategies and AI applications in the circular economy. Dr. Benedikt Brenken, Director R-Cycle at R-Cycle/ProData GmbH, will introduce the R-Cycle Initiative. Prof. Dr. Boris Otto, Director at Fraun-hofer ISST, will explain how data ecosystems support the circular econo-my.

Session: “Circular Business Models Strategies”

Marcus Sagitz, Managing Director Marketing & Corporate Affairs PreZero International at PreZero, will outline strategies and measures for implementing a zero-waste framework. Liam Condon, CEO of Johnson Matthey plc, will explore how circular business models and digital innova-tions accelerate the energy transition. Henning Reuter, Managing Direc-tor at Siegfried Jacob Metallwerke, will analyze the challenges of metal recycling in the global market. Marc Hetzer, Director, Business Consult-ing, Circular Ecosystems, EY Consulting GmbH, will talk about identify-ing circular value pools. Claudia Wegener, CIO of Interzero Circular So-lutions Germany GmbH, will emphasize the key role of digitalization in transforming the circular economy. Dipl. Ing. Gürsel Zorlu, Chief Growth Officer at PGS Group, will present “Tailored Solutions for Pallet Pooling” an innovative system for efficient pallet management. Smail Alhilali, Chief of the Division of Circular Economy & Green Industry at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), will discuss UNIDO’s circular solutions for greening industrial supply chains and SMEs in developing countries.

Session: “Circular Logistics”

Markus Bangen, CEO of Port of Duisburg, will highlight how the world’s largest inland port contributes to the transformation through optimized infra-structure. Katja Busch, CCO DHL and Head of CSI (DHL Customer So-lutions & Innovation) of DHL, will emphasize the critical role of logistics in transitioning from linear to circular value chains. Dietmar Focke, CEO of Lufthansa Industry Solutions, will demonstrate how smart technologies improve efficiency and conserve resources in logistics processes. Prof. Dr. Uwe Clausen, Institute Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Ma-terial Flow and Logistics (IML), will examine the importance of efficient logistics structures and processes for a successful circular economy. Other speakers in this session include Pradeep Pinakatt, Managing and Labor Director at Flughafen Düsseldorf GmbH, presenting “Exemplary Sus-tainability – The Path to a Sustainable Future for the Airport”, and Dr. Al-brecht Haase, Spokesman of the Management Board of GEFA Bank GmbH, alongside Andre Rolfes, Head of Sustainability at GEFA Bank, who will discuss challenges in financing battery-electric vehicles for com-mercial transport.

https://cvc-duesseldorf.com/

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Compact Excellence: The PALFINGER P6 Remote Control

The new P6 radio remote control from PALFINGER will be available for TEC Loader Cranes from  2025. Together with the premium PALCOM P7 radio remote control, it completes the portfolio for the  TEC range. With its compact and lightweight design, the P6 helps crane operators to carry out their jobs efficiently and comfortably.

Industrial applications are becoming increasingly complex, and the demands on machines and their operation are constantly increasing. A compact control system for Loader Cranes is essential, especially for fast-paced applications in urban environments or for special jobs. Crane operators say it should be light and small. And yet as reliable and uncomplicated to operate as possible with maximum functionality. The P6 radio remote control, which was developed with partner SCANRECO and in close consultation with customers, is all this.

Precise control with a compact design

The P6 is one of the lightest and smallest radio remote controls with color display on the market and scores with its ease of use without sacrificing performance. Thanks to the redesigned linear lever and joysticks, the P6 offers even more precise control and allows crane operators to carry out even complex movements in a controlled and efficient manner. An integrated acceleration sensor also ensures the safety of crane operators: if the radio remote control registers a fall, for example, crane operation is stopped automatically. An ergonomic design, which is complemented by the carrying strap systems – either as a hip or shoulder strap – offers comfortable handling that makes everyday work much easier.

Powerful battery

Thanks to the clear design and the integrated 3.5-inch TFT color display, users always have full control over the crane and its functions. With a battery life of more than 20 hours and the option of working for a further 20 hours with an additional battery, the P6 is also suitable for long periods of use. PALFINGER relies on a stable radio connection to ensure that work can be carried out undisturbed and without interruption under all circumstances. A 2.4 GHz frequency band, comparable to the familiar wireless LAN, ensures a reliable and powerful connection with the P6.

Flexible for different applications

With up to ten console variants, the P6 can be adapted to the individual functional scope of the TEC Loader Cranes. This allows companies to select the right control system for their needs and benefit from the rapid availability of spare parts and service. This makes the P6 a flexible solution in the most demanding application scenarios. “Direct customer feedback and cooperation with our partner SCANRECO have resulted in a radio remote control that is geared towards the real requirements of everyday working life and will make work assignments even safer, more efficient and more comfortable in the future,” explains Michael Völker, Head of Product Management Crane at PALFINGER EMEA GmbH. The P6 radio remote control can be ordered for all TEC Loader Cranes from PALFINGER from January 2025.

https://www.palfinger.com/

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Hydreco Hydraulics Presents Advanced Hydraulic & Electronic Solutions at Bauma 2025

Hydreco Hydraulics, a leader in motion control solutions, will present its advanced product portfolio at Bauma 2025, held in Munich from April 7 to 13 (Hall A4, Stand 418).

Integrated Product Portfolio on Display

The Hydreco stand will feature a tracked machine equipped with a range of hydraulic, electric, and electronic solutions, highlighting the full integration of its product portfolio in real-world applications. Additionally, many Hydreco-equipped machines will be exhibited by customers throughout the event.

Global Integration and Sustainability

Hydreco benefits from the synergies within the Duplomatic Group and Daikin Industries, leveraging shared resources, expertise, and investments in R&D and manufacturing. This collaboration aligns with Daikin’s Vision 2050, emphasizing sustainability and global innovation.

Technological Innovation: eLynx Hydraulic Cylinder

Hydreco introduces eLynx, a cutting-edge optical technology for absolute measurement of the cylinder stroke. This solution delivers reliability, measurement, accuracy, and ease of use, outperforming existing market alternatives. eLynx features a plug-in design, eliminating the need for rod drilling, and is suitable for a wide range of heavy-duty applications in any environment.

New Product Highlights

• MHDC Joystick: Compact and versatile, the MHDC joystick is designed for the increasingly confined spaces of mobile machinery. It joins Hydreco’s extensive range of joysticks, manipulators, and foot pedals for diverse applications.
• ECU (Electronic CAN Bus Controller): Hydreco’s new ECU provides next-generation control for mobile applications. It can function as a master or slave unit, offering flexibility and modularity. Programmable with industrial automation’s five PLC languages and compliant with the IEC61131-3 standard, the ECU allows seamless adaptation of existing source codes. The LogicLab software environment supports programming, debugging, parameter setting, and real-time testing.
• MS Series Directional Control Valves: The MS series includes valves tailored for specific applications, offering manual, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electro-hydraulic control options. These valves are available in sectional or monoblock construction, with flow rates up to 130 L/min and various spool types.

Other featured products include hydraulic joysticks, foot pedals, power units, CAN bus machine control systems, bankable valves, and hydraulic cylinders, providing a comprehensive motion control package.

https://www.hydreco.com/

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Micro Molding Innovations Driving Optical Technology Forward

Micro-optics — tiny lenses, beam-splitters, prisms, light pipes, and similar optical components— play a critical role in the miniaturization of optical applications across various industries. Ranging in size from as small as 20 microns to 1 mm, or incorporating micron-scale features in larger optical components, these elements are integral to applications in sensors, medical diagnostics, DataCom, augmented reality (AR) devices, and wearable technology.

Traditional optical manufacturing methods such as precision glass molding, diamond turning, and lithographic processes have long served the industry, yet each presents challenges in scalability, cost, and complexity when it comes to mass production of micro-optics. Micro injection molding (often referred to simply as micro molding) has emerged as a transformative alternative, allowing for the high-volume production of complex, precision micro-optic components with remarkable consistency, speed, and cost efficiency.

PRECISION AND PROCESS MASTERY IN MICRO-OPTICS MOLDING

Manufacturing micro-optics demands exceptional precision, far beyond that of traditional plastic injection molding. Optical components often require sub-micron surface finishes, precise geometries, and uniformity that eliminate any optical aberrations. Achieving these stringent tolerances necessitates highly specialized molding techniques, cutting-edge in- house tooling capabilities, and deep expertise in polymer material behavior at a microscopic level.

At Accumold, the complexity of micro-optics molding has driven the development of proprietary micro molding machines, as commercial off-the-shelf equipment often lacks the precision required for such delicate work. The micro-optic parts the company molds demand extreme control over shot size, temperature regulation, and mold flow, ensuring that surface relief features — such as those found in diffractive optical elements (DOEs) — maintain dimensions in the range of nanometers to a few microns.

One of the primary advantages of micro molding over alternative techniques is its ability to reproduce intricate optical features in polymers with high repeatability. Unlike traditional machining methods that can be slow and expensive, micro molding allows for the mass production of optical components without the need for time-consuming finishing processes.

CASE STUDIES IN MICRO MOLDING FOR MICRO-OPTICS

Medical Optics — Enabling Miniaturized Diagnostic Devices One of the most transformative applications of micro-optics is in the medical field, particularly in diagnostic imaging and sensor technologies. For instance, micro-molded optical components are used in endoscopic imaging devices, where compact, high-precision optical systems enable minimally invasive procedures.

A recent project involved the production of micro lenses for a diagnostic medical sensor requiring absolute precision in lens curvature and clarity to ensure high-fidelity imaging. The challenge lay in molding an optical-grade polymer while achieving a surface finish within 50 angstroms. By leveraging advanced in-house metrology and optimized molding parameters, the final component met the exacting quality standards necessary for real-time, high- resolution imaging.

DataCom and Fiber Optic Interconnects

Another prime example of micro molding’s impact is in the telecommunications sector, particularly in the fabrication of fiber optic lenses and couplers. Data transmission via fiber optics demands extreme precision in light signal manipulation, making the tolerances in these components incredibly tight.

Accumold has successfully manufactured 250-micron fiber optic lenses and parallel array products that seamlessly integrate into high-speed communication networks. By working closely with customers from the design phase, Accumold optimizes the micro-molded lens profiles to meet stringent optical performance criteria, ensuring high transmission efficiency while maintaining cost-effective manufacturability.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Emerging Optics Applications

As augmented reality devices evolve, the need for ultra-precise, lightweight optical elements has skyrocketed. AR glasses and even AR contact lenses rely on micro-molded optical elements to create accurate, high-resolution image projection systems.

A notable case involved the development of a refractive micro lens array less than 100 microns in size, with surface relief features necessary for precise light diffraction. The micro molding process allowed for the rapid and scalable production of these components, a significant improvement over traditional manufacturing methods that would have required costly, time-intensive machining and assembly.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DFMM AND VERTICALLY INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING

The transition from design concept to scalable manufacturing requires not just expertise in micro molding but also a deep understanding of Design for Micro Molding (DfMM). Many companies approach micro molders with designs that are not inherently manufacturable at the micro scale. Accumold works closely with engineers and designers to refine and optimize components for moldability, minimizing defects and ensuring efficient production.

Vertical integration is another critical factor in the success of micro-optic manufacturing. The ability to consolidate tooling, micro molding, metrology, automated assembly, and validation in a single ecosystem significantly reduces risk and lead times. This holistic approach ensures every stage of the process — from initial prototype to full-scale production — is optimized for quality and performance.

OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES OF POST-MOLDING HANDLING AND ASSEMBLY

Once micro-optic parts are molded, handling and assembly become another area where precision and expertise are paramount. Due to their small size, micro-optics cannot be handled using conventional bulk packaging methods. Instead, custom packaging solutions such as thermoform trays and tape-and-reel systems are required.

In some cases, over-molding techniques can be used to integrate multiple optical elements into a single component, eliminating complex assembly steps. When assembly is necessary, however, automation is key — fully hands-free processing maintaining part orientation, preventing contamination, and ensuring consistent product quality at high volumes.

THE FUTURE OF MICRO MOLDING IN MICRO-OPTICS

The continued push for miniaturization in medical, telecommunications, and consumer electronics industries will only increase the demand for high-precision, scalable micro-optic solutions. As a leader in micro molding, Accumold remains at the forefront of innovation, continuously refining processes to meet the growing complexity of optical applications.

For companies developing the next generation of optical technology, early collaboration with an experienced micro molder is essential. From design optimization to final production, working with a specialized partner ensures that the unique challenges of micro-optic manufacturing are met with proven solutions, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in the field.

By taking advantage of the precision, scalability, and cost efficiency of micro molding, manufacturers can push the boundaries of optical innovation. The key lies in expertise, not just in molding, but in every aspect of the manufacturing lifecycle. As micro-optics continue to evolve, micro molding will undoubtedly remain the preferred method for bringing these intricate components to life.

www.accu-mold.com

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