Osaka 2025: Circular Economy Days Programme

The ECESP is organising the second Circular Economy Days at the World Expo 2025.  

From 22 to 24 September, the Platform will organise nine in-person events over three days in five national pavilions in Osaka, Japan. Please click on the dates below to reveal the programme for each day.

Will you or your team members be in Osaka for the World Expo? Let us know, and we can advocate for the circular economy transition worldwide together! - The full programme in Japanese.

  • 22 September

    10:30 - 12:00 (GMT+9) - Polish pavilion
    Thinking the future of textiles - exploring together the potential for circularity and innovation

    The textile industry is essential to economies and cultures but is also one of the most resource-intensive, contributing heavily to pollution, waste, and water stress. With growing climate volatility and water scarcity, there is an urgent need to rethink practices—from water-intensive cotton farming to polluting dyeing processes—through circular approaches and nature-based solutions that reduce water use and restore ecosystems. At the same time, the emerging bioeconomy offers promising alternatives to fossil-based fibres, such as protein-based and cellulose textiles, which are biodegradable, low-impact and fit for circular systems. This session will bring together manufacturers, policymakers, designers, innovators and sustainability advocates to explore how circularity, water resilience and bio-based innovation can reimagine the textile sector as regenerative, equitable and future-proof.

    Moderator: Claire Downey, CEO, Rediscovery Centre

    • Weaving a More Sustainable Future
      • Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, European Commission
      • Maria Nikolopoulou, EESC member, ECESP
      • Kenji Higashi, Executive Vice-President, Spiber Inc.
      • Dounia Wone, Chief Impact Officer, Vestiaire Collective
    • The Environment Cost of textiles
      • Maria Vera Duran, Senior Technical Manager, EuRIC
      • Mitsuya Inagaki, Adjunct Professor Sustainable Textiles, Shinshu University
         

    13:30 - 15:00 (GMT+9) - EU pavilion - available in EN & JPN
    Green cities and better ways of living through sustainability and aesthetics - the New European Bauhaus 

    Cities are at the forefront of the green transition — they are living laboratories where environmental policies take shape and deliver tangible results for citizens. This session will explore what makes a city truly green: from embracing circular economy principles to deploying nature-based solutions and adapting urban spaces to climate challenges.

    Framed around the New European Bauhaus (NEB), the discussion will bring forward inspiring examples of sustainable architecture, innovative use of materials and urban strategies that harmonize with nature. The session will also highlight key elements from Commissioner Roswall’s portfolio, including water management, circular economy and resilience to extreme weather, showcasing how these contribute to greener, more inclusive and more beautiful urban environments.

    With contributions from European Green Capital winners and Japanese city pioneers, the dialogue will explore how cities across continents are tackling pressing issues — such as reducing single-use plastics and transforming public spaces — and the role of both local initiatives and national regulators in driving change. The session will underline the real benefits of green urban policies: enhanced quality of life, efficient resource use, stronger community ties and a more supportive business environment.

    In the second part of the session, the spotlight will turn more directly to the New European Bauhaus — a European movement that fuses sustainability, aesthetics and social inclusion. As the NEB aims to open up to participants beyond the EU, architects from Europe and Japan will join Commissioner Roswall to discuss how sustainably built architecture shapes greener cities and improves the daily lives of citizens.

    In the spirit of the NEB and practical sustainability, this exchange will also ask how can small-scale projects contribute to broader urban transformation? And where can Europe and Japan converge in their visions for sustainable design and architecture?

    • Building resilient and green cities through international collaboration - Moderator: Jean-Eric Paquet, EU Ambassador to Japan
      • Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, European Commission
      • Margot Roose, Deputy Mayor of Tallinn
      • Takeharu Yamanaka, Mayor of Yokohama City, Japan
      • Hideyuki Yokoyama, Mayor of Osaka City, Japan
    • Designing sustainable futures – The New European Bauhaus in practice - Moderator: Marcos Ros Sempere MEP
      • Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, European Commission
      • Shigeru Ban, Architect
      • Albert Edman, Head of Development, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden 
         

    16:30 - 18:30 (GMT+9) - EU pavilion - available in EN & JPN
    Global leadership for a circular, resilient and just economy

    A circular, resilient and just economy requires global cooperation beyond national policies, with circular diplomacy serving as a bridge between countries, communities and sectors through dialogue, knowledge exchange and joint action. This approach redefines value by prioritising ecological health, social wellbeing and resilience, as highlighted by Commissioner Roswall’s call to “put nature on the balance sheet.” Partnerships such as those between the EU and Japan demonstrate how policy alignment and cultural traditions of resource consciousness can support sustainable production and consumption. Circularity, however, goes beyond efficiency to embrace sufficiency, equity and systemic change — meeting human needs within planetary limits while reducing overproduction and ensuring inclusivity. True global leadership lies not in exporting solutions but in connecting ideas and values across borders, creating an economy that is circular, fair, resilient and future-proof.

    Moderator: Ladeja Godina Košir, Founder and Executive Director, Circular Change 

    • Leaders’ dialogue – building global bridges
      • Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, European Commission
      • Cillian Lohan, EESC member, ECESP
      • Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, UNEP Director - Industry and Economy Division, UNEP
    • Perspectives forward – Pathways to action for a circular global economy
      • Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair, International Resource Panel (IRP)
      • Harada Sadao, Associate Professor in Public economics (environmental policy and regional policy), Doshisa University
      • Lakshitha Paranagamage, Programme coordinator, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
      • Agata Meysner, President and Founder, Generation Climate Europe 

     

  • 23 September

    10:30 - 12:00 (GMT+9) - EU pavilion - available in EN & JPN
    Plastic planet: Innovating solutions for a cleaner tomorrow

    Globally, we produce over 400 million tons of plastic each year. Most of it comes from packaging, consumer goods and industrial applications. Unfortunately, much of this plastic is single-use, with less than 10% being recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, incinerated or pollutes the environment, especially oceans and waterways. The seminar will touch upon innovative solutions to reduce plastic use and waste (better alternatives to incineration which is the method used in Japan) and improve consumer involvement and awareness. To end plastic pollution, solutions addressing the full lifecycle of plastics, from design to disposal will be discussed. The seminar will focus on reducing new plastic production in the first place, in line with the targets set out in the Global Plastics Agreement, and introduce promising solutions to the global plastic pollution problem. 

    The event will feature two dynamic panel discussions. The first panel will dive deep into the complexities of single-use plastics, overpackaging, microplastics and the waste management of plastics. Experts from the EU and Japan will dissect these issues and discuss the strides being made to tackle the issue internationally and develop a circular economy for plastics. The second panel will showcase cutting-edge solutions to replace plastics that are already making waves in the market. This panel will highlight the innovative spirit driving change, with insights from business leaders, NGOs and academics from both Asia and Europe. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with thought leaders and innovators working towards a cleaner, plastic-waste free future.

    Moderator: Maria Vera Duran, Senior Technical Manager, EuRIC

    • The plastic waste challenge
      • Maria Nikolopoulou, EESC member, ECESP
      • Takahiro Katsuragawa, Mayor of Kameoka, Japan
      • Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, UNEP Director - Industry and Economy Division, UNEP
    • Innovations to curb plastic pollution
      • Dr Yasuhiko Hotta, Research Director/ Principal Policy Analyst Sustainable Consumption and Production Unit, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
      • Monty Simus, Global Director of Public Affairs, Policy and Blue Finance, The Ocean Cleanup
      • Momona Otsuka, Kamikatsu Chief Environmental Officer

    13:00 - 15:00 (GMT+9) - Nordic pavilion
    Material resilience: Innovations for a secure and sustainable future

    Raw materials are essential for Europe's economy, and ensuring sustainable access to these materials is crucial for achieving the net zero objectives. However, Europe relies heavily on imports, primarily from third-country suppliers. It needs to reduce the supply chain risks associated with this strategic dependency in order to strengthen its economic resilience.
    This session, organised in collaboration with The Nordic Circular Hotspot, will focus on strategic and critical raw materials within the circular economy, covering topics such as urban mining, recycling of critical raw materials, mobility and infrastructure, product passports and sustainable mining.
    It aims to foster discussion between European leaders in sustainable mineral production and their Japanese counterparts. It will include presentations and a panel discussion with representatives from the automotive and electronics industries, focusing on the importance of critical raw materials in mobility and infrastructure.

    Moderator: Cathrine Barth, Head of Circular Economy, Natural State

    • Critical raw materials: state of play and why it matters
      • Niina Aagaard, Head of Communications, Nordic Council of Ministers and the Nordic Council
      • Cillian Lohan, EESC member, ECESP
      • Yumiko Noda, Vice Chair of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation)/ Chairman & Director, Veolia Japan GK
    • Case studies
      • Freek van Eijk, CEO, Holland Circular Hotspot
      • Takahiro Iwaya, Project Manager for Circular Economy Promotion and Sustainability Management, Toyota
      • Agata Meysner, President and Founder, Generation Climate Europe
      • Dan Swezey, Global Procurement Division - Procurement Center For Raw Materials And Mechanical Components - Copper Cathode Section, Panasonic
    • Systemic Change: Round Up Conversation
      • Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair, International Resource Panel (IRP)

    15:00 - 16:30 (GMT+9) - Belgian pavilion - available in EN & JPN
    Scaling circularity: Empowering SMEs for a sustainable future

    Circular business models are vital for a healthy economy worldwide. They enhance resource efficiency, economic resilience and environmental sustainability. These models offer SMEs opportunities to innovate, reduce costs and improve competitiveness. 
    SMEs are crucial for this transition as they drive innovation, employment and growth. Their involvement is essential for a broader shift to a circular economy. By adopting circular practices, SMEs can create sustainable, resilient and competitive economies.
    This seminar aims to bring together European and Japanese SMEs to share insights, tools and best practices for adopting circular economy principles. By highlighting the importance of the circular economy, showcasing innovative business models and facilitating knowledge exchange, we can help SMEs transition towards sustainable practices. This event will promote collaboration and networking opportunities, fostering a community of businesses committed to sustainability.

    Moderator: Freek van Eijk, CEO, Holland Circular Hotspot

    • Policy Frameworks And Barriers For Circular Business Models
      • Anders Ladefoged, EESC member, ECESP
      • Shiko Hayashi, Programme Director Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, Kitakyushu Urban Centre & Chief Strategy Officer, Well Create
      • Takahiro Iwaya, Project Manager for Circular Economy Promotion and Sustainability Management., Toyota
      • Ngawang Gyelthsen, young entrepreneur
    • Business Case Examples And Lessons Learned
      • Rosa Strube, Head of Sustainable Lifestyles, CSCP
      • Matteo Ward, CEO, Inside Out Fashion
      • Dounia Wone, Chief Impact Officer, Vestiaire Collective
      • Hubert Bukowski, Research Director, INNOWO

    18:00 - 20:00 (GMT+9) - Dutch pavilion - available in EN & JPN
    It starts with us: How everyday choices build circular economies

    The EU and Japan have both developed ambitious circular economy policies. While the EU aligns its efforts with the European Green Deal and climate neutrality goals, Japan emphasises resource circulation and minimising environmental impact. Both approaches value citizen engagement, though Japan’s is deeply rooted in cultural respect for resources and long-term use. Achieving circularity requires more than sustainable production: it demands changes in consumer behaviour. In sectors like textiles and electronics, fast fashion and planned obsolescence drive waste. Encouraging repair, reuse and responsible disposal is essential to closing the loop. 

    This panel and interactive session will explore how consumers can drive circular practices in everyday sectors such as electronics, textiles, plastics, packaging, furniture and food. Understanding behavioural barriers and enablers (from motivation and habits to infrastructure and incentives) is key to designing effective policies and business models. The session will highlight how governments, companies, cities and civil society can empower individuals to participate in a more circular future.

    Moderator: Rosa Strube, Head of Sustainable Lifestyles, CSCP

    • Claire Downey, CEO, Rediscovery Centre
    • Yasuhiro Higashi, Osaki town Mayor
    • Momona Otsuka, Chief Environmental Officer, Kamikatsu
    • Alice Yamabe, Policy Researcher, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
    • Maria Nikolopoulou, EESC member, ECESP
    • Einar K.Holthe, Founder and CEO, Natural State AS


    Following this session, we will organise a guided tour of the Dutch Pavilion and on-site participants are warmly invited to join us.

  • 24 September

    10:30 - 12:00 (GMT+9) - Polish pavilion
    Shifting gears: Adapting circular policies for a changing world

    Not so long ago, enthusiasm for sustainable regulations, mainly in the form of obligations and disincentives, was on a seemingly unstoppable upward trajectory. However, recently, the acceptance of regulatory measures on the circular transition has waned considerably on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond. The resurgence of inflation, energy security problems, profitability concerns and other issues have made ambitious policies such as the US Inflation Reduction Act and the European Green Deal unwelcome. This particularly concerns demonstrations against the environmental requirements for EU farmers, rising energy costs due to carbon trading schemes and a slowdown in mobility electrification. Politicians around the world are under pressure from lobbyists and their constituents, and they are seeking to ease environmental constraints.

    Moderator: Hubert Bukowski, Research Director, INNOWO | Agnieszka Sznyk, Board president, INNOWO

    • Part 1: Persuasion instead of obligations - avoiding social backlash through sensible legislation
      • Claire Downey, CEO, Rediscovery Centre
      • Shunsuke Managi, distinguished professor, director of Urban Institute, director of Yunus & Shiiki Social Business Research Center, and chief sustainability officer at the Kyushu University, Japan.
      • Einar K. Holthe, Founder and CEO, Natural State AS
      • Matteo Ward, CEO, Inside Out Fashion
    • Part 2: Regulators and unsustainable behaviour - the role of taxation and subsidies
      • Anders Ladefoged, EESC member, ECESP
      • Koyu Furusawa, Chief Executive of the Japan Centre for Sustainable Environment and Society (JACSES)
      • Prof. Bolesław Rok, Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics Professor at the Leon Kozminski University

    13:00 - 14:30 (GMT+9) - Polish pavilion - available in EN & JPN
    Nature in the loop: Building a greener economy together 

    Experts from various fields will explore how these two frameworks can work together to drive sustainable innovation, reduce waste and promote resource efficiency. Through real-world examples and engaging dialogue, we'll discuss strategies for integrating biological resources into circular systems, the role of policy in supporting these transitions, and the potential for creating a regenerative economy. The synergy between bioeconomy and circular economy is a powerful driver for sustainable development. Both frameworks emphasise resource efficiency and the sustainable use of natural assets, but they do so from slightly different angles.

    Moderator: Agnieszka Sznyk, Board president, INNOWO

    • What is bioeconomy and what is the link with circularity?
      • Koyu Furusawa, Chief Executive of the Japan Centre for Sustainable Environment and Society (JACSES)
      • Cillian Lohan, EESC member, ECESP
      • Agata Meysner, President and Founder, Generation Climate Europe
      • Hisaaki Suzuki, Gamagori City Mayor
    • Applied circular bioeconomy
      • Ladeja Godina Košir, CEO, Circular Change
      • Nasukawa Jin, Representative Director and President Hemicellulos Ltd.
      • Cathrine Barth, Head of Circular Economy, Natural State
      • Akihide Nishikawa, CEO Biotechworks-H2