November 24, 2020 | Online
Leuven Mindgate Visionary Seminar
The Circular Economy is at the forefront of current global discussions, as seen on last year's World Economic Forum conference in Davos, Switzerland. The Circular Economy concept could be an important enabler of overall sustainability.
The Belgian federal government and the three autonomous regions are all aligned on this transition to a circular economy, and it must be said that Belgium is recognized as being a pioneer in this field.
According the principles of a circular economy, increased maintenance, reuse and reprocessing must be considered right from the product design stage, while avoiding waste and environmental pollution. Also, the use of critical raw materials that are subject to supply shortage is an essential aspect.
Material shortage is an outlook we cannot escape, we can, however, change how we deal with that. Undoubtedly, sustainable product design has never been more important. From the purposeful use of plastics design, and recycling precious metals to upcycling aircrafts, our speakers will leave no stone unturned!
15:30 - 16:00 Registrations/online login
16:00-16:05 Welcome by Leuven MindGate & online seminar instructions
16:05-16:30 Introduction & Opening Keynote,
by Prof. Karel Van Acker, KU Leuven
16:30-16:50 TBC
16:50-17:10 Keynote by Koen Staut, CEO Aerocircular
17:10-17:15 Break
17:15-17:35 "Metal recycling technology from LiIon batteries, IT devices and car catalysts",
by Dr. Ir. Egbert Lox, Senior Vice President, Umicore
17:35-17:55 "Design from recycling for plastics",
by Prof. Els Du Bois, UAntwerpen
17:55-18:25 Closing Debate with all the speakers,
moderated by Yolan Gielen (Facilitator Circular Economy, Circular Flanders @ OVAM)
18:25-18:30 Closing by Leuven MindGate
18:30-19:30 Networking session