Following its successful launch in 2025, the Circular Valley Convention (CVC) will enter its second round in 2026, once again providing a platform for shaping the future of the industrial circular economy. Fraunhofer CCPE will be represented at the event on March 11 and 12, 2026, in Düsseldorf, Areal Böhler, with a variety of topics that could bring about lasting change in the plastics industry.

Artificial intelligence

A special highlight will be the launch of our position paper “AI in the plastics value chain by 2030,” which will be presented on March 12, 2026, as part of a master class. This document reflects the position of our experts at Fraunhofer CCPE and in the research project “AI HuBs Plastic Packaging,” in which Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Fraunhofer LBF, and Fraunhofer IVV were project partners. The results of the survey have been used to develop a roadmap and recommendations for action on how artificial intelligence can revolutionize the plastics industry. At the Fraunhofer booth, visitors can use “Prompting Visions” to “prompt” their personal ideas of what the world of plastics could look like in five years. With just a few clicks and keywords, individual AI images are created that visualize surprising future scenarios and stimulate discussion about the circular economy and innovation.

Monomaterials and Circular Design

Fraunhofer CCPE is presenting its monomaterial design set, which combines the monomaterial approach with the circular design approach. An outstanding example is the child seat demonstrator, a modular and repairable prototype made from bioplastics. The use of monomaterials ensures complete recyclability, which greatly simplifies disposal and recycling. The circular design approach also promotes product longevity by integrating modular components and repair-friendly designs. Another example is the circular reusable transport box, which offers a reimagined solution for food shipping. This box is also made of monomaterial and meets strict cold chain requirements. Its ease of use helps minimize the carbon footprint.

Recycling technologies

The CCPE recycling cascade is based on a combination of three Fraunhofer recycling technologies: solvent-based recycling, solvolysis, and the iCycle® process. These technologies enable various plastics to be recycled efficiently while maintaining their quality. We will also be presenting on the topic of chemical recycling on stage. This technology complements existing recycling approaches and can thus make a decisive contribution to closing material cycles. Our experts will present the latest developments and applications in this field.

Experience these and other Fraunhofer CCPE solutions for circular and efficient applications and developments at the exhibition stand and on the various stages of the Circular Valley Convention.

The Circular Valley Convention on March 11–12, 2026, is organized by the Circular Valley Foundation in cooperation with Messe Düsseldorf and receives scientific support from Fraunhofer UMSICHT. The convention brings together decision-makers from companies, start-ups, research, politics, and society to drive progress in the circular economy and promote synergies.