Eco-Design and Recycled Content Workshop – Circular Design in Plastics

The Circular Design in Plastics initiative is organizing this interactive workshop to help industry professionals develop a better understanding of regulatory pressures, recycled plastics, and certifications. The event will combine expert presentations and hands-on exercises to provide participants with practical tools and methodologies applicable to their work.

Objectives of the Workshop:

• Understand the regulatory framework for plastic products and eco-design requirements.

• Explore different types of recycled plastics, including mechanical and chemical recycling.

• Discover certification schemes related to recycled content and recyclability.

• Learn eco-design methodologies and apply them through practical exercises.

Who Will Lead the Workshop?

• Olivier Talon – R&D Coordinator, Materia Nova

• Olivier Van Volden – Senior Policy Officer, essenscia

• Nadir Mekki – Certification Specialist, RecyClass

Workshop Format:

The event will combine theoretical presentations with hands-on practical sessions, ensuring participants leave with both knowledge and actionable skills.

Target Audience:

This workshop is open to:

• Plastic producers, processors, users, recyclers, and tooling companies.

• Business partners along the plastics value chain with an operational base in Wallonia.

The workshop is free for eligible participants, thanks to funding from the Walloon Recovery Plan. However, the organizers reserve the right to decline registrations that do not meet the eligibility criteria.

Workshop Agenda (Provisional):

08:30 - 09:00 → Participant Welcome

09:00 - 09:10 → Introduction

09:10 - 09:30 → Regulatory Pressures for Plastic Product Eco-Design

• Speaker: Olivier Van Volden, Senior Policy Officer, essenscia

09:30 - 09:50 → Recycled Plastic Materials (Mechanical & Chemical Recycling)

• Speaker: Olivier Talon, R&D Coordinator, Materia Nova

09:50 - 10:10 → Overview of Certifications for Recycled Content & Recyclability

• Speaker: Olivier Van Volden, essenscia

10:10 - 10:40 → Case Study: Certification Process with RecyClass

• Speaker: Nadir Mekki, Certification Specialist, RecyClass

10:40 - 11:00 → Coffee Break

11:00 - 12:15 → Eco-Design Exercise I – Anti-Eco-Design Workshop

• Facilitator: Olivier Talon, R&D Coordinator, Materia Nova

12:15 - 13:15 → Lunch Break

13:15 - 14:00 → Eco-Design & Life Cycle Approach: Definitions, Principles, and Tools

• Speaker: Olivier Talon, R&D Coordinator, Materia Nova

14:00 - 15:30 → Eco-Design Exercise II – Part 1

• Facilitator: Olivier Talon, R&D Coordinator, Materia Nova

15:30 - 15:50 → Coffee Break

15:50 - 16:40 → Eco-Design Exercise II – Part 2

• Facilitator: Olivier Talon, R&D Coordinator, Materia Nova

16:40 - 16:50 → Roundtable Discussion

• Facilitator: Olivier Talon, R&D Coordinator, Materia Nova

16:50 - 17:00 → Presentation of Circular Design in Plastics Support Programs & Closing Remarks

• Speaker: Rosina Giordano, Circular Economy Coordinator, Plastiwin

Why Participate?

• Gain in-depth knowledge of eco-design methodologies and applications.

• Learn how to integrate recycled materials into plastic product development.

• Engage with industry experts and network with professionals.

• Understand regulatory trends and how to comply with evolving requirements.

Practical Information:

• 📅 Date & Time: April 22, 2025 (Full-day event).

• 📍 Location: Business Village Ecolys, Namur.

• 🎟️ Registration: Free but mandatory, limited availability.

This workshop is a must-attend event for businesses looking to integrate circular economy principles into their operations through the adoption of eco-design and recycled materials.