Circular Rhein.Ruhr officially launches

• Will Europe be climate-neutral by 2050? Only if the industrial transformation succeeds quickly. One solution is the circular economy.
• This is why the circular economy network "Circular Rhein.Ruhr" is being launched, a new regional initiative by Wirtschaftsbetriebe Duisburg (WBD) and DBI.
• According to the company survey, the circular economy is highly relevant in the metals, construction, and logistics sectors.
• The successful establishment of the hydrogen network Hy.Region.Rhein.Ruhr e.V. serves as a model for the planned foundation of an association.

Resource efficiency, waste reduction and the circular economy - all topics of tomorrow's industry that were at the centre of the kick-off event for "Circular Rhein.Ruhr". The transition to a circular economy is one of the key tasks of the 21st century. It presents companies with the task of rethinking their business models and switching from a linear approach to a model in which resources are used effectively, waste is minimised, and the consumption of finite raw materials is reduced. It is the only way to achieve the ambitious EU target of climate neutrality by 2050. This is also a major challenge for companies, which require supporting networks.

Rasmus C. Beck, Managing Director of Duisburg Business & Innovation (DBI), emphasises the importance of "Circular Rhein.Ruhr": "With the newly founded network, we are actively promoting the circular economy in the Rhine-Ruhr region. To this end, we are bringing together the most important players from business, science and politics and promoting the exchange of knowledge in all areas in order to strengthen Duisburg and our Rhine-Ruhr business location."

The network is the new regional initiative for the circular economy, jointly initiated by DBI and Wirtschaftsbetriebe Duisburg AöR (WBD). Thomas Patermann, CEO of WBD, explains: "The metal, construction and logistics sectors are particularly strong in our region. We will focus on these areas in "Circular Rhein.Ruhr" and work together in working groups to develop potentials and challenges for these material flows and thus close loops."

The successful establishment of the hydrogen network Hy.Region.Rhein.Ruhr e.V. serves as a model for the planned foundation of an association. The association is a network, interest group and platform for stakeholders who want to make hydrogen a driver of the transformation of the regional economy. With around 50 members from business and science, the initiative, whose office is based at DBI, offers the opportunity to network for the development of and participation in the hydrogen economy. The model can set a precedent for the circular economy and "Circular Rhein Ruhr".

For many companies, a circular economy means rethinking their business model and developing innovative solutions. Lars Baumgürtel, CEO of the ZINQ Group, showed how it works at the kick-off event. The company, which has over 50 locations in Europe, including one in Duisburg, specialises in hot-dip galvanising and coating steel to provide long-lasting corrosion protection. "ZINQ's circular business model includes completely closed material cycles according to the cradle-to-cradle approach, decarbonisation of the supply chain and CO2 credits for durable zinc surfaces. Over 90 per cent of our turnover is already generated with circular products," explains Baumgürtel.

Image: Lars Baumgürtl, CEO of ZINQ Group, Linda Wagner, Vice Mayor for Environment and Culture of the City of Duisburg, Anna Goldhofer, Co-Founder of the Critical Friends, Kathrin Manthei, Sustainability Management Officer at GEBAG, with Moderator Jeanette Kuhn at the Kick-Off event of the Circular Rhine-Ruhr Network.

The topic not only offers industry opportunities to protect the environment and save resources, but also the chance to achieve economic success. Linda Wagner, Duisburg's Deputy Mayor for Environment and Culture, emphasised at the event: “The transformation to a circular economy holds many advantages and opportunities for companies and citizens. The circular economy saves raw materials and costs, avoids waste, and extends the service life of products. For companies that adapt their business models accordingly, it opens up opportunities for new innovations, collaborations and competitive advantages."

What's next for "Circular Rhein.Ruhr"? A company survey was conducted to determine which by-products, residual and waste materials overlap, and which could be considered as potential input for other companies. According to the results, these are primarily in the areas of metals, construction, and logistics. The recycling potential identified will be discussed in more detail in three working groups. At the same time, a continuous offer in the form of consulting opportunities and various event formats will be created for the entire network.

Press contact:

Marc Oliver Hänig

Duisburg Business & Innovation GmbH

Telephone: 0177 813 081 3

E-Mail: [email protected]