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!

  • 22 September

    10:30 - 12:15 (GMT+9) - Polish pavilion
    Fashion footprint: Unraveling the environmental impact of textiles and acting against it

    The textile sector is a vital part of our lives. The sector is not only vital to economies and cultures, it is also a significant contributor to environmental challenges such as waste, pollution and resource depletion. This event will be an opportunity for various actors (manufacturers, policymakers, designers, sustainability advocates, etc.) to share insights about forward thinking solutions that will help reimagine the future of textiles and build a more circular sector.

    Moderator: Matteo Ward, CEO, Inside Out Fashion

    • The environmental cost of textiles - high-level discussion
      • Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, European Commission
      • Kenji Higashi, Executive Vice-President, Spiber Inc.
      • Maria Nikolopoulou, EESC member, ECESP
    • Weaving a more sustainable future: innovation in textiles
      • Claire Downey, CEO, Rediscovery Centre
      • Maria Vera Duran, Senior Technical Manager, EuRIC
      • Mitsuya Inagaki, Adjunct Professor Sustainable Textiles, Shinsu Univertity
         

    13:30 - 15:00 (GMT+9) - EU pavilion
    New European Bauhaus & Green Cities 

    • Green Cities - 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
      • Mayor of Yokohama City
    • Sustainable architecture in harmony with nature - Moderator: Marcos Ros Sempere MEP
      • Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, European Commission
      • Albert Edman, Head of Development, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden 
         

    15:30 - 17:00 (GMT+9) - EU pavilion
    International cooperation for a resilient world economic system and a just transition

    Circular diplomacy is the strategic use of circular economy principles to build partnerships across countries, cultures and communities. Rooted in people-to-people contacts, it promotes knowledge co-creation, inclusive dialogue and mutual empowerment. It recognises people as part of nature and places ecological balance, social cohesion and long-term wellbeing at the heart of value creation. Far from being a technical fix, the circular economy is a path to collective prosperity — one that begins with a shift from efficiency to sufficiency. As planetary limits tighten, the focus must move from producing more to fulfilling human needs with fewer resources and rethinking what is truly essential. This session brings together speakers from around the world to explore how circular thinking can support international cooperation. It will highlight local perspectives, regional challenges and the vital role of cities and local authorities in driving this global transition.

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

    • High-level discussion
      • 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
      • Ferdana Cardona, Minister for Industry, Energy and Mining, Uruguay
    • Panel discussion
      • 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
    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. While recycling is important for managing plastic waste, other solutions show promising results. The seminar will focus on preventing plastic creation 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 such as bioremediation. 

    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 overwhelming production of plastics. Experts from the EU and Japan will dissect these issues and discuss the strides being made to tackle the issue internationally. 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-free future.

    Moderator: Maria Vera Duran, Senior Technical Manager, EuRIC

    • The plastic problem
      • Maria Nikolopoulou, EESC member, ECESP
      • Katsuragawa Takahiro, Mayor of Kameoka
      • Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, UNEP Director - Industry and Economy Division, UNEP
    • Innovations to curb plastic pollution
      • Ngoc-Bao Pham, Research Director, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
      • Boyan Slat, Founder and CEO, The Ocean Cleanup
      • Momona Otsuka, Kamikatsu Chief Environmental Officer

    13:00 - 14:30 (GMT+9) - Nordics 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
      • Peter Handley
      • Nina Aagard, Head of Communications, Nordic Council of Ministers and the Nordic Council
      • Cillian Lohan, EESC member, ECESP
    • Case studies
      • Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair, International Resource Panel (IRP)
      • Freek van Eijk, CEO, Holland Circular Hotspot
      • Agata Meysner, President and Founder, Generation Climate Europe

    15:00 - 16:30 (GMT+9) - Belgian pavilion
    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

    • Anders Ladefoged, EESC member, ECESP
    • Rosa Strube, Head of Sustainable Lifestyles, CSCP
    • Matteo Ward, CEO, Inside Out Fashion
    • Hubert Bukowski, Research Director, INNOWO

    18:00 - 19:30 (GMT+9) - Dutch pavilion
    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 Environmental Strategies
    • Maria Nikolopoulou, EESC member, ECESP
    • Einar K.Holthe, Founder and CEO, Natural State AS

     

  • 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

    • Anders Ladefoged, EESC member, ECESP
    • Rosa Strube, Head of Sustainable Lifestyles, CSCP
    • Matteo Ward, CEO, Inside Out Fashion
    • Koyu Furusama, Chief Executive of the Japan Centre for Sustainable Environment and Society (JACSES)

    13:00 - 14:30 (GMT+9) - Polish pavilion
    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 Furusama, 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
    • Applied circular bioeconomy
      • Ladeja Godina Košir, CEO, Circular Change
      • Cathrine Barth, Head of Circular Economy, Natural State
      • Hisaaki Suzuki, Gamagori City Mayor