Meet the Circular Economy

In view of the ecological stress limits of our planet, the consumption of natural resources is still too high, especially in the industrialized countries. Thus, one of the global sustainability goals is to create a shift toward sustainable production and consumption patterns. The circular economy offers a great opportunity to achieve this goal. Its innovative approaches are already being implemented in companies.

Content and objective of the module

As part of the lecture, we invite companies (global players, medium-sized companies, but also SMEs and start-ups from the region) to discuss innovative sustainability concepts in corporate and product development together with the students. They will hear first-hand about the opportunities and challenges in developing and establishing circular or bio-based processes. The main aim is to look from theory into practice. Students and university staff from all faculties as well as all those interested are welcome. The event is supported by the Center for Circular Economy (CCE) of the RWTH, the Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC) and the coordination office BioeconomyREVIER Rheinland. During the exercise, the respective topics and presentations of the lecture will be embedded in the theoretical context of innovation and technology management.

After a successful completion of the lecture, the students have an overview of current developments in the implementation of innovative sustainability concepts in the economy. They are able to analyze the specific opportunities and challenges in different contexts (e.g. start-ups, substitution of fossil resources in established products, energy- or resource-intensive industries) using methods of innovation and technology management. Furthermore, students are able to reflect on and controversially discuss current trends in the sustainability transformation of the economy.

Following the lectures, there is always the possibility of an informal exchange.

Organizational procedure and dates

Presentations

(Presenting companies will be announced as the semester progresses)

Topic: Circular economy in the chemical industry

• Covestro
• Mitsubishi Chemical Group

Dienstag, 29.04.2025 16.00 – 19.00 im TEMP1, Republikplatz 6

Circular economy as a new business modell

• WEPA Hygeneprodukte
• dm-drogerie markt

Dienstag, 06.05.2025 16.00 – 19.00 im TEMP1, Republikplatz 6

Start-ups in the circular economy

• Triple Solar
• Hermetiatec

Dienstag, 13.05.2025 16.00 – 19.00 im TEMP1, Republikplatz 6

Sustainability in mobility

• Mercedes
• Discover Airlines

Dienstag, 27.05.2025 16.00 – 19.00 im TEMP1, Republikplatz 6

Social innovations in the circular economy

Dienstag, 03.06.2025 16.00 – 19.00 im TEMP1, Republikplatz 6

Sustainability in construction

Dienstag, 17.06.2025 16.00 – 19.00 im TEMP1, Republikplatz 6

• Moringa

Pitch-Tag

Studierende stellen ihre Lösungen für die Challenges der Unternehmen vor.

Dienstag, 08.07.2025 16.00 – 19.00

Kick-off und Übungen:

Kick-off
Informationen zum allgemeinen Ablauf und zur Prüfungsleistung (Nur relevant für Studierende die eine Prüfungsleistung abhalten wollen):

• Do. 10.04.2025, 10:30 – 12:00 Uhr

Die Übungen finden an folgenden Terminen statt:

• Do. 08.05.2025, 10:30 – 12:00 Uhr
• Do. 15.05.2025, 10:30 – 12:00 Uhr
• Do. 22.05.2025, 10:30 – 12:00 Uhr
• Do. 05.06.2025, 10:30 – 12:00 Uhr
• Di. 24.06.2025, 16:00 – 17:30 Uhr
• Do. 26.06.2025, 10:30 – 12:00 Uhr

Participation and registration

Students and university staff from all faculties as well as all those interested are welcome.
Anmeldung zur Veranstaltung:
Für studierende über das Zuweisungstool für Teilnehmerbeschränkte Module
Für Interessierte per Mail an lubjuhn@socecon.rwth-aachen.de