📅 Date: Monday, 4 May – Thursday, 7 May 2026
📍 Location: Orange Stage, A5.317, Messe Munich
🌐 Language: English
Circular economy & resource efficiency, material flow management, logistics, and mobility in municipal technology and waste management will take center stage on the Orange Stage (A5) at IFAT Munich 2026.
As global resource consumption continues to rise, the transformation from a throwaway society to a holistic circular economy has become one of the defining challenges of our time. How can we manage the full life cycle of products more responsibly? Which technological, regulatory, and financial solutions truly make a difference?
Together with strong national and international partners, German RETech Partnership e.V. is proud to contribute to these discussions by organizing a series of high-level panels that address climate protection, infrastructure financing, digitalization, and innovative recycling approaches.
RETech Panel Highlights
- Managing Waste to Cool Down a Warming World?
Monday, 4 May 2026 | 09:30 – 10:20
Methane and carbon dioxide emissions from dumpsites and landfills are a significant driver of global warming. This panel explores how modern waste management systems—such as separate biowaste collection and pre-treatment of residual waste—can reduce emissions, support recycling, substitute fossil fuels, and protect valuable resources. Waste management is not only an environmental necessity but a powerful lever for climate action.
- Where Does the Money Go? Investing & Financing Infrastructure for Circular Economy and Waste Management Worldwide
Tuesday, 5 May 2026 | 13:30 – 14:20
The implementation of circular economy and waste management infrastructure requires substantial investment. This discussion focuses on financial and regulatory frameworks needed to unlock sustainable financing while ensuring that infrastructure projects remain economically viable and socially responsible—especially in emerging and developing markets.
- Digital Product Passports as a Tool for Higher-Quality Recycling?
Wednesday, 6 May 2026 | 16:30 – 17:20
Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are expected to play a key role in the future of circular economy regulation. But what data do they contain, and how useful is that information for waste management operators? This panel examines how DPPs can increase transparency, improve recycling quality, and create real added value along the recycling chain—from producers to consumers.
- EU in View: How to Make Use of the Impact of Waste Management on Climate Protection
Thursday, 7 May 2026 | 14:30 – 15:20
Around one fifth of global methane (CH₄) emissions originate from dumpsites and landfills, caused by the uncontrolled decomposition of organic waste. This panel focuses on the climate protection potential of waste management: every tonne of organic waste diverted from landfills prevents the formation of uncontrolled methane emissions, making separate collection a key lever and policy target.
Join our conversations and be part of the discussion shaping the future of resource efficiency, climate protection, and sustainable waste management worldwide.
We look forward to seeing you at the Orange Stage!