Expert Forum: Green & Circular Metals SIGN Launch
Launching the Green & Circular Metals Strategic Impact Group Network (SIGN), a new expert platform that will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to advance Europe’s circular economy in raw materials.
What the SIGN Network Offers:
Strategic insights and tools – Equip your organisation to address complex sustainability challenges.
Innovation and funding access – Connect with cutting-edge technologies, skilled talent, and diverse funding sources.
Policy engagement – Contribute to shaping EU policy through direct dialogue with decision-makers.
Why Green & Circular Metals Matter:
The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act sets ambitious goals:
25% of raw materials from domestic recycling
40% from domestic processing
The upcoming Circular Economy Act will further promote sustainable product design, enhance recycling and reuse, and reduce waste — supporting a truly circular economy. The network’s initial objective is to provide concerted input to the European Commission on the upcoming Circular Economy Act, due by 31 January 2026.
Partner Value
Join a unique network spanning the entire value chain — from mining to recycling — and gain access to:
Investment and funding opportunities
Strategic networking and collaboration
Policy advocacy and thought leadership
Innovation and talent exchange
Who Can Join
EIT RawMaterials Core, Associate, and Project Partners: Free access to the SIGN expert network.
Non-partners: You are welcome to attend the first SIGN launch at no cost. Future participation may be subject to fees.
Help Shape the Forum:
Participants are invited to complete a short pre-event survey as part of the registration process. Your input will help tailor the discussions to the most relevant challenges and opportunities.
Agenda
24 November
19:00-21:00 | Networking Dinner, Fürst & Friedrich, Düsseldorf |
25 November
08:00-09.00 | Registration |
09:00-09:07 | Welcome and State of the Union of the Raw Materials Sector
Moderator - David Rose |
09.08-09.20 | An Introduction to EIT RawMaterials
Bernd Schäfer, CEO, Managing Director, EIT RawMaterials Emmo Meijer, Chairman, EIT RawMaterials Executive Board |
09.20-09.30 | EIT RawMaterials' Value Proposition
Didier Zimmermann, Director of Business Development & Fundraising, EIT RawMaterials |
09.30-09.40 | Introduction to the Circular and Green Metals SIGN
Roland Gauss, Innovation and Product Development Director, EIT RawMaterials |
09.40-09.50 | Keynote: Circular Economy Act and its Impact On The Sector
Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea, Director for Competitive Circular Economy & Clean Industrial Policy, DG Environment |
09.50-10.45 | Panel Discussion: Experts on the Impact for the metal industry for going into Circular Economy
Speakers:
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10.45-11.15 | Coffee Break |
11.15-12.00 | Panel Discussion: Status of circularity, design for recycling, technology readiness & gaps, trends & bottlenecks
Speakers:
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12.00-13.00 | Lunch |
13.00-1400 | World Cafe Workstation 1 – four working groups |
14:00-14:30 | Coffee Break |
14:30-15:30 | World Cafe Workstation 2 – four working groups |
15:30-16.00 | Coffee Break |
16.00-17:00 | World Cafe Workstation 3 – four working groups |
17:00-17.30 | Coffee Break |
17.30-17.50 | World Cafe Conclusions / SIGN Next Steps |
17.50-18.00 | Q&As / Wrap Up |