Circular Economy in Action: Rethinking Resources for a Greener Future is a dynamic session showcasing how AI and robotics enhance circularity across key industries
Join us to learn how technological innovation can accelerate the transition to a greener, more resilient economy while promoting strategic autonomy in key sectors.
Hosted by the REACT Cluster (Resource Efficiency and Automation for Circular Transformation), this event highlights EU-funded projects that drive sustainability in metallurgy, food, waste management, water treatment, and wood valorisation.
Through expert presentations, the session will explore AI-driven solutions for reducing waste, optimizing resource efficiency, and strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness. It aims to connect researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to foster collaboration and accelerate circular innovation.
Open to policymakers, researchers, industry professionals, and stakeholders in AI, automation, and circular economy sectors, the event offers a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and online participation.
Leading experts from projects such as ALCHIMIA, RECLAIM, GRINNER, CLARUS, DARROW, and Wood2Wood will present real-world applications of AI and robotics in resource management, showcasing how these technologies contribute to Europe’s Clean Industrial Deal and green transition.
AGENDA
13:30-13:45 REACT Cluster Presentation by Anna Brékine, Project Manager, Mandat International, ALCHIMIA Project
13:45-14:45 Cluster Presentations
ALCHIMIA Project | “Intelligent Scrap Management for Enhanced Circularity to Produce Quality Steel” – Irene García Martínez, Innovation projects and Digital Transformation, CELSA Group and Bernd Kleimt, Department Manager, VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut GmbH
RECLAIM Project | “Next-Gen Decentralised Waste Sorting with a Portable Robotic MRF” – Michalis Maniadakis, Robotics Researcher, FORTH
GRINNER Project | “How Can AI Tackle the Challenge of Battery Related Fires in e-waste Recycling Facilities?” – Antonis Porichis, Research Officer, The University of Essex
14:45-15:00 Coffee Break
15:00-16:00 Cluster Presentations
CLARUS Project | “Promoting AI-Driven Sustainability and Traceability in the Food Industry” – Ludovica Miele, Researcher and Francisco Fraile, Senior Researcher at CIGIP-UPV
DARROW Project | “AI-Based Tools for Everyday Operation of Water Resource Recovery Facilities” – Beñat Elduayen-Echave, Researcher, Ceit-BRTA
Wood2Wood Project | “A Wood-to-Wood Cascade Upcycling Valorisation Approach” – Akrivi Korba, Researcher, ICCS-I-Sense
16:00-16:30 Panel Discussion
16:30-17:00 Closing and Networking Session
This event is part of the official programme of EUGreenWeek 2025, the European Commission’s annual opportunity to debate and discuss European environmental policy.