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. Unterstützt wird die Veranstaltung durch das Center for Circular Economy (CCE) der RWTH, das Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC) und die Koordinierungsstelle BioökonomieREVIER. Im Rahmen der Übung werden die jeweiligen Themen und Vorträge der Vorlesung in den theoretischen Kontext des Innovations- und Technologiemanagements eingebettet.

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)

Thema: Grundlagen der Kreislaufwirtschaft I

• Covestro
• WEPA

Dienstag, 28.04.2026 16.15 – 19.15 im MetP11

Circular economy as a new business modell

• ThyssenKrupp
• Schüco

Dienstag, 05.05.2026 16.15 – 19.15 im MetP11

Start-ups in the circular economy

• re.solution

Dienstag, 12.05.2026 16.15 – 19.15 im MetP11

Sustainability in construction

• Triple Solar
• Moringa

Dienstag, 02.06.2026 16.15 – 19.15 im MetP11

Grundlagen der Kreislaufwirtschaft II

• Remondis
• GEA

Dienstag, 23.06.2026 16.15 – 19.15 im MetP11

Nachhaltigkeit in der Mobilität

• Mercedes
• Discover Airlines

Dienstag, 30.06.2026 16.15 – 19.15 im MetP11

Pitch-Tag

Studierende stellen ihre Lösungen für die Challenges der Unternehmen vor.

Dienstag, 21.07.2025 16.15 – 20.00

Kick-off und Übungen:

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

• Di. 14.04.2026, 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