7th European Recycling Conference to address key challenges in the recycling industry

The 7th European Recycling Conference will be held on October 1, 2025, at the East Hotel Hamburg, Germany. The conference is poised to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss pressing issues in the recycling sector.

Event Overview

This year’s conference will tackle a range of important topics, focusing on the challenges of preserving EU competitiveness and enhancing global trade for recycled materials, especially amid geopolitical uncertainties and energy disruptions. The event will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, making it a crucial event for professionals in the recycling and circular economy sectors.

Keynote and Panels

The conference will kick off with opening remarks and a keynote address, setting the tone for the day’s discussions. Among the notable speakers will be Jan Ceyssens, Deputy Head of Cabinet for European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and Circular Economy, Prof. Dr. Frank Pothen from the University of Applied Sciences, and Emily Sanchez, Chief Economist of the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA).

Panel Discussions and Notable Guests:

1. Panel Discussion I: Building a Competitive Market for Recycled Materials
   1. Jan Ceyssens, Deputy Head of Cabinet for Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience & Circular Economy
   1. Prof. Dr. Frank Pothen, Professor of Economics, University of Applied Sciences, Jena, Germany
   1. Murat Bayram, President, Verband Deutscher Metallhändler und Recycler e.V. (VDM)
   1. Emily Sanchez, Chief Economist, Recycled Materials Association (ReMA)
   1. Olivier François, President of EuRIC
2. Panel Discussion II: Establishing an EU Single Market and Boosting Demand for Recycled Materials
   1. Matthias Harms, CEO of Veolia Germany
   1. Mariska Boer, Corporate Communications Executive, Boer Group
   1. Pär Larshans, Sustainability Director, Ragn-Sells
   1. Katharina Schlegel, Council Director for Circularity and End-of-Life, Plastics Europe
   1. Florian Flachenecker, Taskforce Leader Circular Economy Act, DG ENV, European Commission
3. Panel Discussion III: Enabling a Circular Automotive Future
   1. Poul Steen Rasmussen, CEO, Genan
   1. Marta Roche Diéz, Sustainability and Environmental Regulations Manager, CLEPA
   1. European Commission Representative (tbc)
   1. Tess Pozzi, Head of Public Affairs, Derichebourg Environnement
   1. Regina Kohlmeyer, Scientific Officer, German Environment Agency

These panel discussions will explore crucial aspects of recycling and circular economy practices, bringing valuable insights from leaders across the industry. The conference will also offer ample networking opportunities, including a gala dinner and coffee breaks, making it an essential event for all recycling sector professionals.

Notable Guests and Attendees

Among the distinguished guests attending the event will be Olivier François, President of EuRIC, Murat Bayram, President of Verband Deutscher Metallhändler und Recycler e.V. (VDM), and Susie Burrage, President of the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR). Industry leaders and policymakers from across Europe will be in attendance, contributing to lively discussions and sharing insights into the future of recycling.

The 7th European Recycling Conference is set to be a pivotal event for all stakeholders in the recycling industry, offering insights into the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the circular economy. With a strong lineup of speakers and discussions, it will serve as an important forum for collaboration and innovation in the sector.