Circularity journey: Learning from Sustainability Leaders
Join pioneering business leaders on a transformative journey to Europe’s heart of sustainability, where cutting-edge practices inspire dynamic new business models and competitive advantages.
The circular economy is no longer just a theory. In Europe, countries, municipalities, and companies are actively driving the transformation forward. Take Germany: with 171 start-ups in the circular economy sector, the country is seen as a European leader. Several clusters have been established where the transformation to a sustainable economy is intensively driven forward, such as Munich, Northrine Westfalia, and Berlin. And the technology giant Siemens for example aims to eliminate 100 percent of its waste production and establish Eco Design for relevant product categories by 2030.
The circular economy has emerged as a beacon of innovation, offering transformative potential for companies eager to redesign their business models around sustainable practices. With European countries leading the charge, the continent has become a critical destination for U.S. and international corporate leaders seeking to harness these innovative ideas to bolster competitive advantage and foster new business models.
The tradition of seeking global inspiration is not new. Just as past generations of forward-thinking managers traveled to Silicon Valley to learn from digital trailblazers or ventured to Israel to understand its venture capital and startup ecosystems, today’s leaders are embarking on journeys to Europe. These expeditions are crucial for learning from the front-runners in the circular economy and integrating their insights into sustainable business strategies.
The European Circular Economy Leadership
Due to this focus on environmental sustainability that runs deep within its regulatory frameworks and public consciousness, INDEED Innovation together with the leading circular economy plattform Circulaze decided to organize a delegation trip to the hotspots of circular economy transformation south of Germany and in Switzerland.
This trip to Europe, scheduled from May 12th to 16th, 2025, epitomizes the potential of learning directly from these pioneers in Zurich and Basel, Switzerland, and the Munich Metropolitan Region, Germany.
We created this program because we saw a critical gap in how businesses approach sustainability. European companies have developed practical circular economy solutions that work in the real world, and we wanted to build a bridge for international leaders to learn directly from these pioneers. This program is about seeing successful implementation firsthand and bringing those insights back to transform your own business operations.”
Karel J. Golta, CEO of Indeed Innovation
European Role Models and Real-Life Case Studies
The journey is more than just an opportunity to learn; it is an immersive experience into the heart of cutting-edge circular solutions:
- Repair, Remanufacture, and Recycling: Engage with practices that extend product lifecycles through effective repair and recycling techniques at facilities like Siemens in Erlangen.
- Takeback & Reverse Logistics: Discover innovative systems for reclaiming and reusing resources, extensively illustrated by Siemens’ Digital Experience Center, which showcases technologies including simulation, AI, and automated disassembly.
- Recommerce and Reusable Packaging: Visitors can explore circular methodologies at ON Running, where Co-Founder & Executive Co-Chairman Caspar Coppetti shares insights into their unique approach to circular product innovation.
- Circular Business Models in Agriculture: The tour provides insights into agricultural transformations via circular strategies, illustrating inter-industry collaborations for sustainable advancement.
- Sustainability Across Supply Chains: Discuss holistic circular practices at ETH Zürich’s Sustainability Lab, where cutting-edge research paves the way for resilient supply chain management.
- Insight into Regulatory Frameworks: Gain critical knowledge about European regulations such as the PPWD, ESPR, DDP, and EPR. Understanding these can aid U.S. businesses in navigating compliance landscapes.
- Innovation in Circular Design/Eco Design: At BMW Group’s Recycling and Dismantling Centre (RDC), participants will witness three decades of pioneering practices in automotive sustainability.
Crafting Competitive Advantage and New Business Models
Understanding how leading European companies implement these innovative strategies allows U.S. and international businesses to adapt and integrate similar strategies effectively. The practices observed provide a blueprint for reducing costs, optimizing processes, and maximizing market potential through sustainable innovations.
By employing strategies like product-as-a-service models, companies can redefine customer engagement and loyalty, while takeback initiatives offer new revenue streams through refurbishment and resale. The insights gained from visiting Munich’s breweries, with their exemplary bottle reuse systems, demonstrate practical applications of circular principles that can enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty.
Shape Future Strategies
Traveling to Europe to learn from circular economy leaders is not just about observing; it’s about transforming these insights into actionable strategies that redefine business practices. Much like past excursions to Silicon Valley and Israel for digital and entrepreneurial insights, this journey is pivotal in shaping future-ready strategies. The exposure to European role models enables U.S. and international companies to sculpt innovative, competitive solutions that align economic success with sustainable practices. By embracing the circular economy, businesses can achieve greater resilience and efficiency and take charge of building a more sustainable global economy.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Company’s Participation →
