Exploring innovative leadership and collaborative models for circular transitions, with a mix of European and Brazilian case studies.

Participants can expect an interactive session with actionable insights and shared experiences on how the use of the Compass for Circularity tool has helped businesses make decisions and supported the circular transformation and the implementation of circular business models. 

Featuring Brazilian and international companies, along with insights from the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP), the session will connect global expertise with local challenges and discuss the role played by businesses in the circular transition. It will provide practical frameworks, tried and tested tools and collaboration opportunities for leaders keen to gain a competitive advantage with circular business models.

Co-organisers: ECESP, Circular Change, Nordic Circular Hotspot, Exchange4Change.

Programme:

• PART 1 – Setting the Scene: Business Leadership in Circular Transition
  • Beatriz Luz, Exchange 4 Change Brasil 
    The Brazilian Circular Economy Hub Journey
  • Ladeja Godina Košir, Circular Change, ECESP 
    EU perspective and call to action: co-create circular value systems and strengthen resilience and competitiveness
  • Cathrine Barth, Natural State
    The Nordic regional collaboration view
  • Maria Nikolopoulou, EESC
    Business models & social impact
     
• PART 2 – Enablers of succes: 'From CEO to CEO'
  • Guido Braam, Route Circulair
    Circular Maturity Scan & scale-up lessons
     
  • Case Studies: CEOs Driving Circularity
    • João Zeni, Sustainability | ESG Director – Leading Electrolux’s sustainability 
      strategy in Latin America, aligned with the global “For the Better” program
    • Katia Silva – Ambasador EcoWork/ Idea Work - pioneering process that closes 
      the uniform cycle by creating a new fabric from old uniforms
    • John Vernooij – CEO Omrin - a waste processor committed to circularity turning 
      waste into a resource
    • Octavio Tavares de Oliva Filho - CEO of HCT Brasil Soluçoes Ltda – New technology meeting the demands of the Circular Economy
       
• Closing insights and interaction / final remarks

This workshop is an accelerator session at the World Circular Economy Forum 2025. On social media, you can follow the event with #WCEF2025.

This event will take place at 15:30-17:00 (UTC-3) on 16 May in São Paulo, Brazil. It will be in English and is open to in-person participants only.

Registration link.