CIRCULAR REPUBLIC

🎄 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 ➡️ 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐔𝐩 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞: 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 2024 As we prepare for the holidays, we're happy to end the year with an insightful read ➡️ 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐔𝐩 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞: 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 2024. Our new report explores the flow of venture capital (VC) in the circular fashion space and its impact on key circularity strategies—perfect for some holiday inspiration or planning for the new year. Building on the insights from our Circular Economy Start-up Landscape 2024 this study focuses on the funding of circular textile start-ups. It explores where VC investments are being directed and highlights opportunities to close funding gaps in crucial areas. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧: ✔️ The distribution of VC funding across circularity strategies—like recycling, reuse, repair, and product lifetime extension ✔️ Why certain strategies attract more funding, while others face challenges due to CAPEX demands ✔️ Actionable insights for investors, brands, and start-ups to align funding with impactful and scalable circular solutions. This report not only covers funding flows for over 100 pioneering start-ups, but also provides a roadmap for aligning investments with the future of circular textiles. If you’re passionate about reshaping the textile industry and making circularity the norm, this is for you. Visit our website to download the report and get in touch with our textile experts Carl Warkentin and Marie Wehinger if you want to learn more! ⬇️ You can find the link for the report in our comments below ⬇️ We wish all of you restful holidays and a fantastic start to 2024! #CircularTextiles #Startups #CircularEconomy #VCInsights #TextileInnovation #LandscapeInsights

𝐀 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐎𝐑𝐄-𝐓𝐄𝐗! Last week, as part of our recommerce project, Marie Wehinger and Carl Warkentin had the privilege of holding a workshop at the W.L. Gore & Associates B.V. offices with the teams from Bergzeit, reverse.supply. Marie and Carl were absolutely blown away—not just by the facilities, like the Rain Room, Storm Room, and GORE-TEX Brand Room, but by the culture of innovation that runs deep within Gore. They learned about their incredible history of innovation, driven by the core principles of durability, sustainability, and performance—values that every employee breathes and lives. During their 4th workshop, they dove into one of the biggest challenges in scaling recommerce: unlocking supply. It’s a crucial topic, and they explored how to encourage more people to bring their used products into the loop. But supply is just one side of the equation. They also tackled the demand side, brainstorming ways to increase the value of products and keep them in circulation for as long as possible—from first hand, to second hand, to… xth hand! :) Recommerce is about more than just reusing items; it’s about creating a sustainable, circular system that maximizes value and minimizes waste. Workshops like these are a reminder of the power of collaboration to solve complex challenges. A huge thank you to GORE-TEX for hosting us and for their unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability! #CircularEconomy #Recommerce #Collaboration #Innovation #Sustainability #GORETEX

With the holidays coming up, now is a great time to reflect and look ahead - so if you're a decision maker in a manufacturing company, maybe here's something for your Christmas reading list: In the course of his research at TUM from 2020 to early 2023, CIRCULAR REPUBLIC co-founder Dr. Niclas-Alexander Mauss initiated CirculaTUM as now one of Europe's largest research hubs for circularity, and, building on a decade of experience at circular economy frontrunner Lorenz GmbH & Co. KG, conducted research on the implementation of circularity in manufacturing companies. The resulting dissertation has now - finally - also been published officially. Niclas' research tackles a critical question: How can manufacturing companies effectively transition to a circular model? Through case studies and interviews, the work identifies key action areas, maturity levels, and phases of transformation. The outcome is an implementation model (or simply: roadmap), designed to guide manufacturing businesses through their circular transformation process. In all projects and activities, CIRCULAR REPUBLIC builds on close proximity to both latest research and industrial best practices. If you're interested in learning more, and especially in how you can leverage these insights for your business, feel free to get in touch! #circulareconomy #research #implementation

𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 Circular Valley 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 8 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦! We highly encourage start-ups focused on practical and scalable circular economy solutions to apply! This initiative offers start-ups the chance to connect with a diverse network of industry leaders and gain access to a range of resources aimed at scaling circular economy innovations. 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞: ▸ Access to Circular Valley’s network and matchmaking tools. ▸ Opportunities to showcase your solutions on Demo Day. ▸ Engagement with potential investors, corporations, and media. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 8: ▸ Innovations in construction materials and capital goods. ▸ Design for circularity in consumer goods. ▸ Sustainable solutions in agriculture and plastics. 📅 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: January 5, 2025. Get more info and apply now: https://lnkd.in/ewMYUfjY #circularvalley #circulareconomy #sustainability #homeofcirculareconomy #kreislaufwirtschaft #heimatderkreislaufwirtschaft #nachhaltigkeit #rheinruhr

Calling all Circular Economy Start-ups! 📣 Are you an innovator ready to disrupt the status quo of linear business models? Join us at the CIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025 on 22 and 23 May and showcase your groundbreaking circular solutions. Here's your chance to: - Pitch your innovative business case on our dedicated start-up stage. - Network with industry leaders, investors, and other potential partners. - Win the CIRCULAR REPUBLIC start-up award in one of six different categories Don't miss this opportunity to: - Push your circular business case to the next level. - Gain recognition in the EU-market. - Boost your brand visibility through festival branding and media coverage. Demonstrate your commitment to a circular economy and differentiate yourself as a frontrunner when it comes to finding circular solutions. Ready to take the stage? Contact us today to learn more and secure your spot: startups-circularrepublic@unternehmertum.de #CRF25 #Festival #CircularEconomy #Startup #Innovation #CircularBusiness

🌍🔋 𝐂𝐈𝐑𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭: 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫! 🔋🌍 We are thrilled to share the latest teaser for our CIRCULAR REPUBLIC Battery Project, showcasing progress, achievements and the challenges ahead in building a circular value chain for EV batteries. 🎥✨ 🔎 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: This project unites OEMs, suppliers, recyclers and start-ups to develop scalable solutions for EV battery reuse and recycling. By fostering collaboration and advancing technologies, we aim to secure Europe’s critical raw materials supply and further establish the industrial capabilities needed for a circular EV battery economy. 🚀 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: ✅ We demonstrated end-to-end processes for EOL EV batteries – from logistics to material recovery. ✅ We piloted innovative dismantling and lithium recovery technologies. ✅ We processed 12+ tons of EOL EV batteries, surpassing the 2031 lithium recovery target. ✅ We explored second-life applications, such as lubricants and energy storage. ✅ We enabled transparent material tracking across the battery lifecycle. ⚙️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝: Despite progress, large-scale implementation faces hurdles: ⚡ 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐔: Numerous industrial projects across the EV battery value chain in the EU have been delayed or put on hold due to challenging regulatory and economic conditions, slowing progress and innovation. ⚡ 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Lengthy approval processes and inconsistent frameworks across EU countries continue to hinder progress. ⚡ 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Asia and the U.S. are accelerating progress through significant investments and supportive policies, challenging Europe to strengthen its position in EV battery circularity. 🔮 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝: Achieving circularity demands decisive action: 📌 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 to enable industries to invest in large-scale facilities, driving progress in EV battery circularity. 📌 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐮𝐩𝐬: Start-ups play a critical role in driving technological breakthroughs and new business models. Venture capital and targeted funding help unlock their potential and strengthen the value chain. 📌 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬: Preparing for growing EOL EV battery volumes requires sustained investment and shared responsibility for interim costs. 📌 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Stakeholders must align on shared goals, foster innovation and work towards streamlined processes and ensure scalability. 💡 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 for their dedication, collaboration and innovative spirit! Let’s come together to tackle these challenges and drive innovation for a truly circular EV battery economy within Europe. #CircularEconomy #Innovation #Circularity #EVBatteries

🌟 A Glimpse Into the Future at UnternehmerTUM The #UltimateDemoDay once again proved to be a showcase of groundbreaking ideas and visionary talents and UnternehmerTUM showed to be the number one start-up hub in Europe. With 60 start-ups presenting innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time, the event underscored the power of collaboration and creativity within our ecosystem. In an impressive closing, Maximilian Uebel from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) pointed out the big potential of Deep Tech for our European economy, Verena Pausder emphasized the importance of venture capital - since we have everything else we need for a thriving future of tech. Among the many impressive pitches Neoways stood ot with their next-gen mobility solution. We at CIRCULAR REPUBLIC are more than happy to be part of this thriving ecosystem - the future is being shaped today and the talent and ideas we witnessed here are set to make a lasting difference. Kudos to UnternehmerTUM MakerSpace GmbH TechFounders TUM Venture Labs UVC Partners UnternehmerTUM Funding for Innovators XPLORE XPRENEURS incubator for high-tech start-ups EIT Urban Mobility Boston Consulting Group (BCG) #UltimateDemoDay #startups #innovations #future Photos: (c) UnternehmerTUM / Holger Rauner

Last week, Niclas-Alexander Mauss and Leonhard Teichert represented CIRCULAR REPUBLIC at the Baltic Sustainability Awards & Forum. During their panels, they highlighted how the circular economy bridges sustainability and business, emphasizing the need to address them together rather than separately. Key insights shared: ✅ The role of the circular economy in de-risking supply chains and building resilience. ✅ The importance of shifting from a supply chain perspective to a value chain perspective—rethinking how we create and sustain value. ✅ The potential of AI solutions, such as computer vision, to drive circular economy innovation. We also valued the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and connect with inspiring panelists, including Mathias Wikström, Gerda Žigienė, CESGA, Zanda Sadre, Kristine Lazdovska, Jekaterina Grinberga, and Dr. Natalija Cudecka-Purina. A heartfelt thank you to Austris C., Kristaps Cirulis, and the entire team for organizing such an excellent event and for inviting us to contribute! #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #Innovation #AI #ValueChain

♻️ Now it´s here - the #NKWS! 💯 On the 4th of December the German Cabinet approved the National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS). 🥅 The goals of the #NKWS are to reduce the consumption of new (primary) raw materials, to close material loops and to prevent waste. There are being implemented through concrete measures and instruments. Examples include standards for durable products, the introduction of digital product passports, recyclate use quotas for plastics at EU level, further development of the right to repair for consumers and the targeted use of public procurement for the circular economy. Measures are required at both national and EU level. The National Circular Economy Strategy provides a roadmap for Germany's transition towards a circular economy and society: 👉 Reduce Primary Resource Consumption By 2045, the annual consumption of primary resources should be significantly reduced. The goal is to align with the International Resource Panel's recommendation of reducing per capita consumption to 6-8 tonnes in the long term. Currently, this figure stands at around 16 tonnes. 👉 Close Material Loops Currently, only 13% of materials used are secondary raw materials. At the EU level, the goal is to double this share by 2030. Germany is adopting this target. 👉 Strengthen Independence from Raw Material Imports The strategy also aligns with EU objectives, such as those outlined in the Critical Raw Materials Act. The EU aims to cover 25% of its demand for strategic raw materials through recycling by 2030. 👉 Prevent Waste By 2030, the goal is to reduce per capita waste generation by 10%, and by 2045, by 20%, compared to 2020 levels. 👁️The #NKWS focusses on eleven priority fields of action that offer particularly high potential for circular economy: Digitalization; circular production; vehicles and batteries, mobility; ICT and electrical/electronic devices; renewable energy systems; clothing and textiles; construction and buildings; metals; plastics and public procurement. ⬇️ Link to the full strategy in the comments. Now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work! Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, nukleare Sicherheit und Verbraucherschutz (BMUV) We're ready to help 👉 Matthias Ballweg Niclas-Alexander Mauss Susanne Kadner Carl Warkentin Carina Hofmann-Wellenhof Wolfgang Suess Felicitas Deiler Marie Wehinger Sarah Laxhuber Sabine Feller Jakob Hirschfeld Louisa Rohde Leonhard Teichert #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #resilience #MaterialLoops

🌍 Build Your Competitive Advantage at the CIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025! 🌍 On May 22-23, 2025, Munich will once again become the circular economy capital as we gather over 1,000 visionaries, innovators, and industry leaders for the second edition of our CIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL. This is your chance to join Europe’s premier event dedicated to advancing sustainable, actionable business practices that address our time’s most pressing challenges—resource scarcity, climate change, supply chain disruptions, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. At our CIRCULAR REPUBLIC FESTIVAL 2025, it’s not just about ideas; it's about concrete action and implementation! With renowned speakers, including representatives from companies like BMW Group, Aurubis, L'Oréal, BSH Home Appliances Group, PreZero International, Tengelmann Twenty-One KG, SAP, and 40+ circular start-ups showcasing innovations, we’ll dive into practical strategies and insights tailored for business leaders. Across keynote sessions, workshops, start-up pitches, and high-level panels, you’ll gain tangible recommendations on leveraging circularity for your organization’s competitive edge. Whether you're a CEO, CSO, sustainability manager, or strategic lead, this is your opportunity to build a roadmap for implementing circular solutions that will drive sustainable growth and resilience. 💡 Why Attend? → Discover actionable solutions to integrate circular economy principles into your business strategy. → Connect with thought leaders, policy experts, scientists, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of the economy. → Gain hands-on insights that turn ambitious ideas into real-world impact. 🎟️ Tickets are going fast! Super Early Bird tickets are available from December 5 for just €299, sold on a first-come, first-served basis. ➡️ Visit our website, secure your spot, and join us for two days of innovation, inspiration, and action at CRF25. #CIRCULARREPUBLICFESTIVAL #CircularEconomy #Innovation #SustainableBusiness #CompetitiveAdvantage #CRF25 UnternehmerTUM