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CIRCULAR WEEK 2 024 During the seventh edition of Circular Week, a wide range of events took place a cross Europe, including workshops, webinars, mee tings, expert panels, and matchmaking sessions, totaling nearly 40 different events across Europe. These events focused on various aspects of the circular economy, such as decarbonization of transport , industrial symbiosis, c ircular construction and s ustainable FMCG: extended producer responsibility . For five days, from October 21 to 27, representatives from the European Union, local authorities, entrepreneurs, as well as scientists and managers engaged in the circular economy discussed urgent issues facing our planet, circular models, and the goals we must set to protect Earth's resources. "Road Transport Decarbonisation Day" Circular Week 2023 began on Monday, October 21 The main theme of the first day of Circular Week 2024 was the decarbonization of transport during the "Road Transport Decarbonisation Day". The event was opened by Ambassador Anna Clunes from the British Embassy in Warsaw and Secretary of State Krzysztof Bolesta from the Ministry of Climate and Environment, emphasizing the need for immediate changes and the transformation of transport systems both in Poland and the United Kingdom. A key challenge for the industry is that current technologies are not yet advanced enough to meet the ambitious climate goals of the European Union. One of the main issues is the limited range and performance of electric vehicles (EVs) compared to diesel-powered vehicles. Additionally, as noted by the speakers, underdeveloped infrastructure poses a significant barrier to the development of low-emission transport. Experts at the event highlighted the role of education, the need to raise awareness around the transformation, and the necessity of cooperation among all market stakeholders. The discussions underscored that despite progress, significant obstacles still stand in the way of fully decarbonizing road transport. Changes are happening before our eyes, but as Tomasz Gasinski, PhD, from Deloitte, pointed out, true transformation requires time, effort, and commitment! More about event "Industrial Symbiosis for Circular Economy" Tuesday (October 22) Second Day of Circular Week was dedicated to circular business transformation strategies & industrial symbiosis. On the second day of Circular Week, the final of the student competition dedicated to industrial symbiosis and business transformation toward a circular economy took place at the SGH Warsaw School of Economics. Five student groups competed in the final, representing both Polish and foreign universities: Silesian University of Technology, Cracow University of Economics, Poznań University of Economics, as well as the University of Oxford and İzmir Kâtip Çelebi Üniversitesi Turizm Fakültesi. Each group conducted a comprehensive and up-to-date market analysis, identifying barriers, opportunities, and potential in selected economic sectors, and presented detailed and feasible plans for implementing industrial symbiosis. The students' projects were evaluated by a jury composed of esteemed experts in their fields, ensuring high-quality substantive assessment: ➡ Huub von Frijtag Drabbe, Netherlands, Head of the Economic Department, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Warsaw ➡ Bjørn Erik Brustad, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Norway in Warsaw ➡ Prof. Ewelina Szczech-Pietkiewicz, SGH, Department of European Union, Institute of International Economic Policy, Collegium of World Economy, Warsaw School of Economics ➡ Agnieszka Sznyk, PhD, CEO, Institute for Innovation and Responsible Development, European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform ➡ Dr. Marzena Cypryańska-Nezlek, Climate Action and Social Transformation Center (4CAST), SWPS University, Institute of Psychology ➡ Thomas M. Rau, Entrepreneur, Architect, Innovator, Inspirer, and Visionary ➡ Almudena Muñoz, International Projects, Technology Centre for Furniture and Wood of the Region of Murcia (CETEM - Centro de Tecnologia Mineral) ➡ Hubert Bukowski, Scientific Director, Institute for Innovation and Responsible Development ➡ Anna Kozera-Szałkowska, Managing Director, Plastics Europe Polska ➡ Stephan Roest, Head of Strategic Circular Economy Platforms at Borealis Grand Prize: "IZMIR Symbiotic Park" The first place in the competition was awarded to a group of students from the University of Oxford and İzmir Katip Çelebi University, who presented a project of industrial symbiosis in Izmir. The project aimed to integrate industries generating the most waste, such as the alcohol, automotive, feed, dairy, cosmetics, biogas, and agriculture sectors, facilitating their exchange and reuse as raw materials for other industries. The event was co-organized by the Warsaw School of Economics, Lazarski University in Warsaw, Silesian University of Technology, and Lodz University of Technology. More about event The European Sustainability Congress 2024 Wednesday (October 23) The European Sustainability Congress is one of the largest international events dedicated to the circular economy. Its goal is to promote circular economy concepts, support sustainable business models, and foster cooperation among interested stakeholders. The Congress served as the focal point of Circular Week 2024 and took place on the 23rd of October 2024. The event brought together small and large companies, start-ups, investors, representatives of public administration, local governments, enterprises, sustainability managers, CSR professionals, and the media. The Congress featured lectures and discussion panels led by international experts from various fields, including macroeconomics, bioeconomy, urban infrastructure, waste management, and plastics. There was also a networking area with expo booths, where circular projects and start-ups had the opportunity to promote themselves. It was an excellent platform for international networking, promoting initiatives globally, and exchanging ideas during dedicated networking sessions. More about event Circular Construction Day Thursday (October 24) The 4th day of Circular Week was dedicated to the "Circular Construction Day". The event was organized at the German Embassy in Warsaw . The program featured panel discussions on strategies to accelerate the circular transformation of the construction sector, the selection and safe use of secondary materials, and best practices. Representatives from local administration, academia, entrepreneurs, and architects took part in the discussions. More about event Sustainable FMCG: Towards Extended Produce Responsibility Friday's event (October 25) Circular Week 2024 wrapped up with the "Sustainable FMCG: Towards Extended Producer Responsibility" conference, organized at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Poland. The event marked the conclusion of the week with a focus on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and its critical role in sustainable practices. The event began with a warm welcome from Jennes de Mol, the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Poland, and Huub von Frijtag Drabbe, Head of the Economic Department. The first presentation was delivered by Anna Sapota from TOMRA, who provided a comprehensive overview of EPR from a European perspective. Next, Femke Den Hartog highlighted EPR as a game-changer in the transition from a linear to a circular textile chain. Finally, Katarzyna Stasiuk from the Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, shared her research on consumer attitudes toward refurbished and upcycled products. The conference sparked lively discussions about EPR in the production, retail, and post-sale stages, covering key topics such as eco-design, digital product passports, and waste collection. During the panel, experts tackled some thought-provoking questions: ➡ Who holds responsibility within the system? ➡ Should consumer education focus on punishment or fun? How can we effectively engage consumers? ➡ What factors have the greatest impact on consumer decisions? Our speakers reached a clear conclusion: collaboration among market stakeholders, supported by regulation and infrastructure, is essential for building successful circular systems. The quote of the day? “Let’s dance into circularity!” - Wouter Winters coined the perfect motto for our sustainability journey. It was a fitting end to a packed Circular Week and a vibrant Friday night! More about event The conference was organized by INNOWO - Institute for Innovation and Responsible Development and the Polish Circular Hotspot in collaboration with the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform.

CIRCULAR WEEK 2021 During the Circular Week 2021, was held a series of events engaging various stakeholders in activities related to the circular economy. For the fourth time in Poland and the third time internationally, there were hosted a series of events promoting environmentally friendly solutions among businesses and communities, covering different sectors. The fourth edition of Circular Week took place under the theme "Together for a Sustainable Future." The event brought together experts from Europe and beyond, who participated in expert panel discussions, webinars, workshops, and networking sessions directed to business representatives, startups, think tanks, and public administration. The event featured nearly 50 international events organized in collaboration with stakeholders from European countries such as Bulgaria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Italy, France, Norway, Serbia and guests from outside Europe, including Canada and Israel - different time zones proved to be no barrier, highlighting the international appeal of the circular economy concept. DOWNLOAD PDF [PL] Topics were discussed during the the Circular Week 2021 included: solutions to the challenges facing the modern economy, such as extended producer responsibility, sustainable food management, the development of the bioeconomy, sustainable production in the fashion industry, and changes in the plastics market. Numerous events were also organized for consumers, demonstrating practical ways to incorporate sustainable development principles into everyday life. Examples include workshops for children organized by the Warsaw Municipal Cleaning Company on waste segregation, a webinar titled "Everything You Want to Know About the Circular Economy for Beginners and Seekers of Circular Solutions" hosted by the Circular Economy Club Warsaw, and an online meeting with a representative from North.pl on how to care for household appliances to maximize their lifespan. Mazovia Circular Congress 2021 Circular Week 2021 concluded with the Mazovia Circular Congress, an international conference dedicated to the circular economy topics. Experts from Poland and Europe shared their perspectives and knowledge on topics such as the circular transformation of cities, the bioeconomy, and extended producer responsibility. We sought answers to questions such as: - What will the raw materials of the future look like – highly durable yet environmentally friendly? - How can the forestry sector contribute to the development of the circular economy? - What financial incentives are governments implementing in various countries to help businesses transition to more circular and sustainable models? Special guests at the congress included Helena Braun, Member of the Cabinet of Frans Timmermans, Vice-President of the European Commission; Jaqueline Cramer, a Dutch biologist, professor, and politician who served as Minister for Housing, Spatial Planning, and the Environment from 2007 to 2010; and François Gaudet, Head of Thematic Impact Finance Operations at the European Investment Bank (EIB). In addition to debates and panels, the congress also featured virtual trade shows where sustainable companies could showcase their portfolios, presentations, and workshops.

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CIRCULAR CITIES - Roundtable for local administration representatives with real case study presentation Cities play a significant role in the circular transformation, but it's a major challenge. During the "Round Table for Cities" event that took place on October 23, 2023, at the Wedding Palace on Zamkowy Square 6 in Warsaw, representatives of public administration, including officials from regional offices, mayors of voivodship cities, and departments of infrastructure, climate, and energy, discussed the concept of circularity, the implementation of urban plans, and the effects of transformations. We had the pleasure of hearing from experts from Krakow, Warsaw, Rzeszow, Lodz, and Wroclaw, and sharing best practices applied in each of the cities. The event was co-organized with the French Embassy, which also provided substantial expertise in the field of circular economy in cities, as shared by French experts. AGENDA Co-organization with the French Embassy 13.30 pm – 13.40 pm | Welcome speech: Dorota Zawadzka-Stępniak - Director of Air Protection and Climate Policy Department in the City of Warsaw Agnieszka Sznyk - President of the Board, INNOWO Noémie Piaskowski - Counsellor for Sustainable Development for Visegrad group and Baltic states, Ambasada Francji 13.40 pm – 14.30 pm | Introductory speeches/presentation: Malen Otero - ICLEI Hugo Delahaye - Roubaix City, Circular Economy Team Agata Dudek - Képos Bart Volkers - Circulairfriesland.frl Reinhold Rünker - Permanent Deputy of Department Economic Policy, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, climate action and Energy North-Rhine-Westphalia Maria Andrzejewska – EcoMiasto Project Dominika Mickiewicz - City Support Project Manager: NetZeroCities presentation 14.30 – 16.00 | Cities - best practices exchange - moderated discussion in the expert roundtable formula: Moderation: Agnieszka Sznyk - President of the Board, INNOWO, Ewelina Szczech-Pietkiewicz - SGH Warsaw School of Economics Guests: 1. Antony Buchan - ReLondon 2. Michael Kuhndt - Founder and Executive Director of the CSCP 3. Cathrine Barth - Natural State 4. Martin Hagen - Natural State 5. Michał Gelata - Municipal Services and Climate Department, Krakow 6. Tomasz Turczynowicz - SmartFactor 7. Katarzyna Kazimierczuk - International Development Norway AS 8. Andrzej Łazęcki – Director of the Department of Municipal Economy and Climate at the City of Krakow Office 9. Marta Bugaj – Head of the Economic Department of the Infrastructure Division, Capital City of Warsaw Office 10. Leszek Drogosz – Deputy Director of the Infrastructure Office, Capital City of Warsaw 11. Paulina Blaszczyk - Frost & Sullivan 12. Janusz Pastwiński - Department of Municipal Economy at the City of Łódź Office 13. Mariusz Rukat – representative of the Marshal’s Office of the Mazovian Voivodeship in Warsaw, authorized by the Marshal for investment and economic affairs 14. Robert Homicki – Attorney of the Mayor of Rzeszow 15. Małgorzata Michalska - Urban Lab Rzeszów 16. Aleksandra Hanzel – Deputy Director of the Marshal’s Office of the Mazovian Voivodeship 17. Martin Basila - the CEO and Co-Founder of Sensoneo 18. Urszula Pawlak - Dyrektor Urzędu Marszałkowskiego Woj. Mazowieckiego w Warszawie 19. Elżbieta Anuszewska - Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Mazowieckiego 20. Justyna Kuś - Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Mazowieckiego

Circular Week 2023 has come to a close and what an extraordinary week it was! For five days, from October 23 to 27, representatives from the European Union, local authorities, entrepreneurs, as well as scientists and managers engaged in the circular economy (CE) discussed urgent issues facing our planet, circular models, and the goals we must set to protect Earth's resources. Circular Week is a prestigious international series of events dedicated to sustainable development and the circular economy, which has been gaining popularity every year and is highly regarded among organizations focused on CE models. This is especially important in today's world for us and our planet. The transition to a circular economy is a natural and necessary path if we want our children and grandchildren to live normally. The idea of the circular economy, which has been promoted for the past six years through the Circular Week events, strongly addresses the issues of a world that is depleting the planet's resources without considering the consequences of such actions. It's a model in which resources and products are kept in the economic cycle for as long as possible, while maintaining their highest value. We all need to understand the benefits of closing the loop and how sustainable consumption and production positively impact the environment, biodiversity, and climate change. Circular Week also promotes effective, innovative, and green solutions and efficient systemic changes. Education, awareness, changes in consumer behavior and business models, and our collective responsible attitude are the keys to saving the planet and securing a better future for future generations. Circular Week 2023 began on Monday, October 23, with presentations and discussions about sustainable packaging. The event at the British Embassy was attended by notable figures, including Anna Clunes, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Poland, Reinier Schlatmann, CEO of DS. Smith, Jerome Acosta, Project Manager from Albea Group, Jakub Tyczkowski, CEO of Rekopol, Maria Andrzejewska, Director-General of UNEP/GRID, Anna Sapota from Tomra, and Anna Kozera-Szałkowska, Managing Director of Plastics Europe Poland. On Tuesday (October 24), beautiful Warsaw's Targowa Creative Centre hosted presentations and discussions about the bioeconomy and food – huge areas to explore within the CE model. Simone Maccaferri, CBE JU, Tomasz Calikowski, Policy Specialist in the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, and Małgorzata Bojańczyk, Director of the Polish Association of Sustainable Agriculture "ASAP" – our event partner and an expert in the area of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union and the European Green Deal – discussed the agri-food market and sustainable agriculture. In the field of circular models in the kitchen, Filip Lundin from Sweden, an outstanding chef and entrepreneur, demonstrated his skills live. Wednesday (October 25) was marked by the international Mazovia Circular Congress, which gathered many esteemed guests in the iconic Iluzjon Cinema – Museum of Film Art. The interest in the topic of circular models exceeded our expectations. Exceptional presentations and discussions were thanks to numerous speakers, including Ladeja Godina Košir, founder and CEO of Circular Change, co-chair of the European Stakeholder Platform, Antony Buchan, Head of Local Authority Support Area at ReLondon, Pavel Zedníček, Director-General of the Institute for Circular Economy (INCIEN), Hugo Delahaye, European Projects Manager in the Department of Circular Economy for the City of Roubaix, Ioannis Bakas, Circular Economy Monitoring Expert at the European Environment Agency, Agata Czachórska, Head of Sustainable Development at IKEA Group, Ewelina Szczech Pietkiewicz, Assistant Professor at SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Maciej Bukowski, International Analyst in the 3W Department at the Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK), Leszek Drogosz from the City of Warsaw, and Janez Potocnik, Co-Chair of the International Resource Panel, Partner at SYSTEMIQ, and former European Commissioner for the Environment. Thursday (October 26) Discussions about the deposit-return system and circular solutions in cities took place on Thursday (October 26) at the Warsaw City Hall – Wedding Palace. The topics were introduced by experts, including Robert Chciuk, Director of the Waste Management Department, Ministry of Climate, Robert Jansen from DPG DEUTSCHE PFANDSYSTEM GMBH in Germany, Marian Ac, a representative of the DRS operator in Slovakia, Renata Juszkiewicz from the Polish Trade and Distribution Organization TBC, Anna Sapota from Tomra, Martin Basila, the CEO and Co-Founder of Sensoneo, and Andrzej Łazęcki, Director of the Municipal Economy Department of the City of Krakow. Friday's events (October 27) were all about experts gathering at the stunning Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and sharing knowledge on textiles – is there a chance to close the loop in this area as well? In the afternoon, a happening was held at the Złote Tarasy Shopping Centre, where everyone could see what can be created from used clothing, how to repair and transform them, and how this can be combined with helping others. Figures like Agnieszka Oleksyn-Wajda, a legal advisor, Director of the Institute of Sustainable Development and Environment, and co-creator and Head of the Business and Law Academy in the Fashion Sector and postgraduate studies in environmental and climate law at Lazarski University, Maria Clara Jimenez of Makers Unite, Cathrine Barth from Nordic Circular Hotspot, Michael Kuhndt, Founder and Executive Director of the CSCP, Zuzanna Krzątała, Sustainability Manager at Vogue Poland, Antony Buchan, Head of Programme: LA Support at ReLondon, Maciek Łukasik from ING Bank, Zofia Piwowarek - Santander, Bertus Servaas - Vive Textile Recycling and dr Małgorzata Koszewska PhD - Politechnika Łódzka. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants and speakers for your invaluable insights, a engaging and full of information presentations and fruitful discussions that we had the privilege to experience throughout the past week. Big thanks to our partners as well. Your presence, support, and engagement were crucial in making Circular Week happen. All of this were pivotal in making our events brim with inspiration and knowledge. Circular Week isn't just a forum for sharing thoughts and experiences - it's a significant stride towards a more sustainable future. We thank you for your passion, the time you dedicated, and the contributions you made. Your presence infused our events with energy and openness to new ideas. The insights we've gained during this week will, no doubt, serve as a wellspring of inspiration for change and further development of the circular economy in Poland and throughout Europe. We hope this marks just the beginning of the collective journey toward a more sustainable and responsible future. We look forward to seeing you at the next Circular Week!

On the road to sustainable packaging Circular Week 2023 Monday, 23rd of October 2023 How to unwrap the world, are there perfect packaging solutions, which material to choose for their production? Almost 180 kg - the weight of packaging waste generated on average by each European in one year. Without further action, in 7 years, the amount of packaging waste will increase by nearly 20 percent, and that of plastics by as much as 46 percent. The environment suffers, and so does humanity. Approximately 26 million tons - that's how much plastic waste is generated annually in European Union countries. Less than 30 percent of it is recycled, the rest is transported for processing to other countries, incinerated, or simply dumped into rivers, seas, forests... The European Commission continues to work on ways to reduce waste, including packaging waste, and products that are not suitable for recycling. This poses challenges for both producers and consumers of packaging. We all must act responsibly to prevent the Earth from diving in waste. In November 2022, the EC proposed new EU-wide regulations on packaging to curb this growing trend. It also specified the environmentally beneficial uses of plastics and how they should be designed, disposed of, and recycled. The goals are ambitious, including: A high and continuously growing share of recycled materials. A 15 percent reduction in packaging waste by 2040. A ban on certain types of packaging. A gradual reduction in the use of single-use bags. Regulated companies will be required to offer a certain percentage of products in reusable or refillable packaging. Is this the right direction? Among other things, these were discussed by experts during the first day of the Circular Week 2023, which was organized at the British Embassy. Video Source: Newseria AGENDA 12.00 – 12.10 | Welcome speech Anna Clunes, Ambassador of British Embassy, Agnieszka Sznyk, INNOWO, Robert Chciuk - Ministry of Climate. 12.10 – 13.20 | Keynote speeches - introduction to the topic: “Packaging Waste Regulation”, Wolfgang Trunk (PhD), Team Leader at European Commission, “Bio Plastics – How Are we Going to Achieve Commercial Scale”, Paul Davidson, Director of the Smart Sustainable, Plastics Packaging (SSPP) Programme, UKRI, “CBE JU as a catalyst for innovation in the biobased sector: the example of the textile project portfolio”, Simone Maccaferri, Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) European Commission, “Sectoral overview at national level”, Anna Kozera-Szałkowska, Managing Director, Plastics Europe Polska, “End of Plastic Pollution”, Maria Andrzejewska, Director General, UNEP GRID. 13.20 – 14.50 | Panel discussion including presentation of partners sustainable solutions "Redefining Packaging – what are sustainable solutions?” Moderation: Michael Dembinski, British Polish Chamber of Commerce Panelists: Reinier Schlatmann, CEO CEE at DS Smith, Jerome Acosta, NPD Project Manager at Albéa Group, Anna Kozera-Szałkowska, Managing Director at Plastics Europe Polska, Michał Mikołajczyk, Sales and Marketing Director at REKOPOL, Anna Sapota, Vice President Public Affairs Eastern Europe North at TOMRA, Michael Hoffmann, Sustainability and Communications at Huhtamaki Foodservice Poland, Leszek Kąsek, Senior Economist, ING Bank Śląski, Bureau of Macroeconomic Analysis. 14.50-15.00 Q&A

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CIRCULAR WEEK 2020 Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Circular Week 2020 was a highly successful event. It brought together 17 countries and featured a total of 54 different events, including meetings, debates, and accompanying activities. The Polish events attracted over 3,000 participants, and the culminating Mazovia Circular Congress, held at the end of Circular Week, saw the participation of 448 attendees. Circular Week 2020 received support from numerous embassies, highlighting the broad concept of the circular economy and the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing. Each participating embassy, including the Netherlands, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, and Sweden, organized an educational event centered around their respective areas of interest. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held entirely online, with panel discussions both in the studio and via internet connections. DOWNLOAD PDF [PL] Mazovia Circular Congress 2020 The international conference, Mazovia Circular Congress, took place on the final day of Circular Week, October 16, 2020. It is one of the largest and most prestigious conferences in Poland focused on the circular economy, targeting representatives from public administration, local government, businesses, sustainability and CSR managers, startups, and the media. The conference presented exemplary case studies from around the world, demonstrating how adopting circular economy principles can deliver both environmental and financial benefits. Throughout the event, fruitful discussions were held on the potential for similar projects in Poland. Various stakeholder panel discussions, involving entrepreneurs, NGOs, and representatives from governmental and local administration, explored how to leverage circular economy solutions. Circular Week 2020 successfully showcased the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the practical implementation of circular economy practices. The event provided a platform for participants to learn, engage, and contribute to the ongoing transition toward a more sustainable and circular future.

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ESC Congress is one of the biggest international events about circular economy. Its goal is to promote the idea of a circular economy, support sustainable business models and establish cooperation between interested stakeholders. The Congress is the focal point of Circular Week 2023 and will take place on 25th of October 2023, in Warsaw. The event will involve the participation of entrepreneurs, start-ups, investors, public administration, local governments, CSR experts and media. EUROPEAN SUSTAINABILITY CONGRESS DATE: 29 October 2026 2026 International European Sustainability Congress is a part of Circular Week 2026. One of the biggest and most prestigious conference in Poland regarding circular economy and sustainable development. European Sustainability Congress is one of the biggest international events about circular economy. Its goal is to promote the idea of a circular economy, support sustainable business models and establish cooperation between interested stakeholders. The Congress is the focal point of Circular Week 2026 and will take place on 29 October 2026. The event will involve the participation of small and large companies, start-ups, investors, representatives of public administration, local governments, enterprises, managers dealing with sustainable development and CSR and the media. The Congress will feature lectures and discussion panels among international experts representing areas such as macroeconomics, bio-economy, urban infrastructure, waste management and plastics. There will be also networking area with expo booths, where circular projects and start-ups will promote themselves. It will be an excellent opportunity for international networking, promoting your activities internationally and exchanging ideas during networking sessions.

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Would you like to organize your own event, conference, workshop or webinar between 26-31 of October 2026? Submit your event and become part of Circular Week. Join us! HOST AN EVENT Would you like to organize your own event, workshop, or webinar between 26 - 31 of October 2026 and become part of Circular Week? Anyone can become a co-organizer of this event! Send us details about your event and we will publish this information on the Circular Week website, prepare promotional materials for you and help you in spreading the news . All free of charge. Join us! SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

Ambassador’s Debate as a Part of Circular Week Prior to the commencement of Circular Week, we had the distinct pleasure of hosting an engaging debate with Ambassadors as part of our Circular Week initiative. During the meeting, we delved into discussions surrounding the circular economy, the Circular Week initiative, and the impact of embassies in contributing to positive change within the Polish market. Our special guests shared their countries' successes on the path to circularity, offering valuable insights and best practices in sustainability. What factors can drive the acceleration of circularity? What are the key lessons learned from their circularity efforts thus far? These were the primary questions that we explored with the ambassadors during the debate. It was a unique opportunity to connect with ones of the most influential individuals in this domain. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their time and engagement. We hope that the close collaboration between our countries will lead us down a greener, circular path. Economic Department NL Embassy in Poland - Damphne Bergsma Ambasada Niemiec w Warszawie - Viktor Elbing Royal Norwegian Embassy in Warsaw - Øystein Bø Embassy of Austria in Warsaw - Andreas Stadler Embassy of Finland Warsaw - Päivi Laine Embassy of France in Warsaw - Étienne de Poncins Thank you, it was a pleasure!

Circular Bioeconomy Day 24th of October, Tuesday Wondering how to support closed-loop bioeconomy development with the help of an ecosystem? Does surplus foods really need to end up in the trash? Industrial symbiosis holds great potential for businesses, human well-being, and the planet's health. If we don't change the ways we use Earth's resources, humanity will require three Earths to meet its needs by 2050. This is impossible, so we must do everything to protect our riches and start respecting nature — all in the spirit of international cooperation. The "Farm to Fork" strategy presented by the European Commission in May 2020 aims to create a just and an environmentally friendly food system, while protecting the livelihoods of farmers. Crucially, the challenges outlined in this strategy, such as reducing pesticide, antibiotic, and fertilizer use, and increasing organic farming, clearly prioritize both human and planetary health. Our lives and the Earth's health are interconnected. Banana peels, potato skins, fruit scraps, and unused vegetables are valuable resources. Compost derived from these materials serves as an excellent alternative to artificial fertilizers and harmful peat. Likewise, reducing pesticides benefits not only humans, but also insects whose role in the ecosystems is invaluable. Utilizing organic waste brings benefits across various industries. Biogas derived from it can replace fossil fuels in electricity generation and offers a sustainable future for the textile industry. Plant-based materials like banana waste have been used in clothing production for years. Are we doing enough to transition towards a circular bioeconomy? How do we end food waste and what can we do to minimize losses? What challenges do representatives of institutions operating in this field currently face? We sought answers to all these questions with our experts during Bioeconomy Day. We also had the opportunity to explore a kitchen where food was not wasted but actively helped those in need, following a circular model. Filip Lundin's live demonstration at Stockholm's Sopköket was under the theme "Great Taste, Zero Waste!" Filip showcased how to prepare a delicious, nutritious meal from food leftovers while explaining how to minimize waste, eat healthily, and contribute to the world. "Food waste is a major climate issue," emphasized Filip Lundin. Sopköket operated consciously on many levels, from sourcing organic, local ingredients to efficient circular use, sustainable packaging, and transportation. It was an ideal example of a closed-loop economy. Can we change the future? Let's start now. AGENDA: 9:30 – 11.30 | Session 1. Opening session: Systemic ecosystem for circular bioeconomy development national bioeconomy strategies Discussion among UE Policymakers, Regional government representatives, local administration, business, NGO and academia about circular bioeconomy strategies and its role in circular economy transformation. Introductory presentations: Tomasz Calikowski, PhD, European Commission, Policy Officer, Research & Innovation, Healthy Planet, Circular Economy and Biobased Systems, Maria Nikolopoulou, Member of the Trade Union Confederation of Workers' Commissions and President of the Association for the Development of Time Banks, EESC member, Workers' Group (Group II) and NAT Vice-President (online), “The Future of Bioeconomy for the European Agriculture”, Laurent Bleuze, Copa Cogeca, “Valorization of Industrial Waste: Opportunities and Challenges”, dr Vignesh Kumaravel International Centre for Research on Innovative Bio-based Materials, Lekshmi Gopakumari Satheesh Chandran Ph.D., Post-doctoral researcher, “How the BIOEASTsUP Project Shapes the Future of Polish Bioeconomy” - dr hab. Jerzy Kozyra Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation (IUNG), Pauline Buffing, Policy officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Government of the Netherlands (online). Moderation: Agnieszka Sznyk, INNOWO Panel discussion: Andrzej Grzyb - Member of Parliament, Laurent Bleuze - Copa Cogeca, Tomasz Calikowski, PhD - European Commission, Policy Officer, Research & Innovation, Healthy Planet, Circular Economy and Biobased Systems. Małgorzata Bojańczyk - Director of the Association for Sustainable Agriculture & Food in Poland Antony Buchan - Head of Local Authority Support, ReLondon 11.30 - 11.45 | Coffee break 11:45 – 13:00 | Session 2. Circular Food Hub to tackle food waste in the cities, plant based product development. Development of food hubs integrate circularity and food loss and waste prevention. It need collaboration between local communities, businesses and municipalities in the local neighborhood. Introductory presentation: "EIT Food: Innovating and Collaborating for a More Sustainable and Circular Food System." Ewa Rzeszowska, EIT FOOD Keynote speeches: “The role of education on Food Circularity” - Simona Grande, Università di Torino (online). “How to best collect biowaste from households” - Theresa Mörsen, Waste & Resources Policy Officer, Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) (online). "Bioeconomy in Action: How Living Labs Drive Circular Economy Solutions", Madalina Branisca, IRCEM (online). “Circular economy, a model for increased financial profits”, Filip Lundin, Sopköket. “Engaging stakeholders for the circular urban bioeconomy and replicating good practices in the HOOP and FoodLoops project” - Daniela Chaves, Carina Diedrich, CSCP (online). 13:00 – 14.00 | Lunch with life cooking Title: “How to minimize food waste at home in a fun way”, Filip Lundin, founder of Sopköket Michał Godyń, chef at the Embassy of Sweden 14.00 – 15.30 | Session 3. Industrial symbiosis – biowaste and biomass as a source of energy, textiles, construction material, packaging Potato, carrot and banana peels are true resources. The compost they make can replace chemical fertilizers and climate-damaging peat. Biogas generated from biowaste can substitute fossil fuels in the production of electricity and heating. it protects our climate, and stands for careful stewardship of our resources. During the session we will discuss new technology and potentials for its scaling up Moderation: Michał Siwek BNP Paribas Introductory presentation: ”Recovery of bioenergy from industrial meat wastes” in the framework of the AccelWater project”, Lidia Paredes. Post-doctoral researcher at BETA Technological Center (UVic-UCC) (online). "Enhancing Economic Competitiveness through Local Industrial Symbiosis: A Practical Methodology", Armin Winter, Alchemia - Nova (15 min) “CBE JU as a catalyst for innovation in the biobased sector: the example of the textile project portfolio”, Simone Maccaferri (CBE JU) (15min), Paul Davidson, Director of the Smart Sustainable, Plastics Packaging (SSPP) Programme, UKRI, Power speeches: EcoBean, Kacper Kossowski, Protix, Maurice Brenninkmeijer.

Mazovia Circular Congress The crucial moment of Circular Week 2023, a popular and highly regarded annual conference throughout Europe, once again garnered immense interest. On Wednesday, 25th of October at the Iluzjon Cinema in Warsaw, presentations and panel discussions on the circular economy were held throughout the day. Representatives from the European Commission, experts from countries such as the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Poland, scientists, and business leaders addressed issues crucial in the context of the planet we must truly care for. In-depth presentations and passionate discussions on the Green Deal, legislative plans, principles and changes, financing opportunities for transitioning towards a circular economy, as well as digitization, virtualization, and the role of education, stirred great emotions among all those present at the Mazovia Circular Congress. How to reconcile theory with practice? Both lawmakers and those tasked with implementation had to engage in dialogue and seek common ground to find solutions to contemporary environmental challenges. "The future will either be green or not at all" a statement made during Janez Potocnik's presentation, best exemplified the scale of the needs and served as inspiration for us to take action that painted the future in green. We thanks all the speakers and participants for an incredible day, which we hoped was a significant step towards changing our perspective on the planet and its resources, the economy, business, and the future of the next generations. Thank you and see you next year! AGENDA 9:00 – 10:30 | Opening session – pan-European dialogue for resource resilient Europe Welcome speech - Agnieszka Sznyk, INNOWO 9.15 - 10.15 | Panel Discussion Moderation: Agnieszka Sznyk INNOWO, Panelists: Ladeja Godina Košir, MSc - Founder and Executive Director of Circular Change, Co-Chair of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP) Antony Buchan - Head of Local Authority Support, ReLondon Cathrine Barth - Co-founder of Nordic Circular Hotspot, the Head of Circular Economy at Natural State Michael Kuhndt - Founder and Executive Director of the CSCP Pavel Zedníček - CEO of Institute of circular economy (INCIEN) 10.15 - 10.30 | Keynote speech - Patrick Child, DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL the European Commission’s Directorate General for Research and innovation (DG R&I) [online] 10:30 - 11:00 | Session 2. Circular cities and shortening of supply chains locally - experience from different EU regions. Moderator: Ewelina Szczech-Pietkiewcz PhD - Associate Professor at SGH Warsaw School of Economics Bart Volkers - Program Manager at Circular Friesland and Operational Manager at Circular Groningen Malen Otero - Circular Economy Expert at ICLEI Europe Reinhold Rünker - Permanent Deputy of Department Economic Policy, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, climate action and Energy North-Rhine-Westphalia Hugo Delahaye, Roubaix City, Circular Economy Team 11:00 – 11:15 | Coffee break 11:15 -12:00 | Session 3. Key note speeches Ioannis Bakas - Circular Economy Monitoring expert at the European Environment Agency Maciej Bukowski - International analysis expert in the 3W department, Polish Development Bank (BGK) Keynote speech: 3W economy: a pathway to sustainability. Tamara Bińczak, Bank ING Keynote speech: Financing circular economy projects from the perspective of a private institution. 12:00 – 13:15 | Session 4. Ambitions of business in circular economy transformation - how entrepreneurs can contribute in circular economy future Introductory presentation: Maria Clara Jimenez A. - Director at the Makers Unite Foundation Moderation: Piotr Hajdecki, Senior advisor at Business Finland, Board Member at the Finnish section of the Scandinavian-Polish Chamber of Commerce (SPCC). Reinier Schlatmann, Regional Managing Director for DS Smith in East Europe Agata Czachórska, Country Sustainability Manager at IKEA Group Anna Kozera-Szałkowska, Managing Director at PlasticsEurope Polska Paulina Zadura, Director of the Analysis and Strategy Department at the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development Szymon Sławiński, Sustainability Project Leader, Albea Group Dorian Maciborski, Manager, Sustainability & Economics, Deloitte Central Europe Beata Osiecka, Director of Finance and Administration at Kinnarps Polska 13.15 – 14:00 | LUNCH 14:00 – 15.15 | Session 5. Vital tools for integrated approach to combat climate change and circular economy transformation – Green Deal, Deposit Scheme system, Extended producer responsibility, Green procurement, Green funds Introductory speech: Emmanuelle Maire Directorate General for Environment (DG ENV). Green Deal legislations in the European Commission Moderation: Hubert Bukowski, Research Director at the Institute of Innovation and Responsible Development Panelists: Anna Sapota PhD. - Vice President of Public Affairs for Eastern Europe North at TOMRA Michał Mikołajczyk, Rekopol Martin Basila, the CEO and Co-Founder of Sensoneo Bartosz Silczak - ESG Risk Analysis Team Manager, Polish Development Bank (BGK) Emmanuelle Maire - Directorate General for Environment (DG ENV) 15.15 - 16.00 | Session 6. Role of nature in circular economy Bioremediation broadly refers to any process wherein a biological system (typically bacteria, microalgae, fungi, and plants), living or dead, is employed for removing environmental pollutants from air, water, soil, flue gasses, industrial effluents etc., in natural or artificial settings. Key note speech by Tomasz Calikowski, PhD - European Commission, Policy Officer at the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission Key note speech by Prof. Philippe Corvini, Professor of Environmental Biotechnology and Head of the Institute for Ecopreneurship, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, Key note speech: Join the future of food today - insect-based protein by Maurice Brenninkmeijer, Growth Manager at Protix 16.00 – 16.45 | Session 7. Power speech on systemic view ahead Introductory speech: Janez Potocnik - Co-Chair of the International Resource Panel, Partner at SYSTEMIQ, former European Commissioner for Environment Discussion Moderation: dr hab. Bolesław Rok, professor of the university - Director of the Positive Impact Entrepreneurship Research Centre, Department of Entrepreneurship and Ethics in Business, Kozminski University. Panelists: Janez Potocnik - Co-Chair of the International Resource Panel, Partner at SYSTEMIQ, former European Commissioner for Environment dr hab. Joanna Kulczycka, professor of the university - Polish Academy of Sciences, member of International Resource Panel 16.45 – 17.30 | Session 8. Digitalization for circular economy Introduction and moderation - Ewelina Szczech-Pietkiewcz PhD, DSc - Associate Professor at SGH Warsaw School of Economics Panelists: Siren Knudsen - Head of Digital Transformation, Technology and ESG in PURO Hotels Piotr Mieczkowski - Managing Director at the Digital Poland Foundation, Board Member at European AI Forum AIBSL Bartłomiej Nieścierowicz - Senior Vice President, Business Unit Leader Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia at CGI. Christophe Lintz - Director IT, CIO Senior Advisor at European Patent Office. Agata Witkowska - Digitalization specialist, GS1 Poland

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