News: Circularity in focus as glass industry experts gather for CircuClarity One

The Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre will once again be the epicenter of innovation this October, as it hosts Glasstec 2024 from the 22nd to the 25th. Among the myriad events scheduled, the CircuClarity One Conference stands out as a pivotal gathering, taking place over two days on the 22nd and 23rd of October. This event, born from a joint initiative by Dr. Lisa Rammig and Professor Dr.-Ing. Linda Hildebrand, promises to bring together the brightest minds in the glass industry to explore and advance circularity—a concept rapidly gaining traction across sectors.

CircuClarity One, a remarkable blend of research and practical application, serves as a special interface between science and industry. With a focus on circularity in the glass and façade sectors, the conference aims to drive forward proven processes, scalable methods, and innovative products. Dr. Rammig, a Director at Eckersley O’Callaghan, expressed the conference’s mission succinctly: “We aim to offer a platform for knowledge exchange that leads to genuine progress and innovation in the sector.”

The conference agenda is rich with lectures and panel discussions, each designed to delve into the practical aspects of circularity in the glass industry. Topics range from “Design for Disassembly & Product Development” to “Glass as a Scarce Resource” and “Material Recovery Systems & Energy.” These sessions are expected to provide attendees with actionable insights into how circularity can be effectively implemented, rather than just discussed in theoretical terms.

Professor Hildebrand, a leading academic voice on resource efficiency and sustainability, highlighted the importance of the event, noting, “Circularity is one of the key drivers for innovation in the sector.” As a Professor for ‘Reuse in Architecture’ at RWTH Aachen, she believes that the efficient use of resources and the reduction of environmental impacts are not just optional but essential in tackling the ongoing climate crisis.

The CircuClarity initiative, which began at Glasstec 2022, has evolved from a small idea into a significant movement within the industry. The overwhelming feedback from the industry has propelled it to this year’s CircuClarity One Conference, where the progress made over the last two years will be celebrated, and future directions will be charted.

A highlight of the conference will be the inaugural CircuClarity Awards, which will honour groundbreaking contributions to the circular economy within the glass and façade industry. Applications for these awards remain open until 20 September 2024.

Why it matters: This story underscores the growing importance of circularity in the glazing industry, highlighting how innovation and sustainability are becoming intertwined. The conference serves as a critical platform for advancing industry-wide solutions. The emphasis on practical, scalable methods positions the glazing industry at the forefront of the global shift toward sustainable practices.