New Conference to Explore State of the Circular Economy in the U.S.
California event program to focus on making the vision of zero waste to landfill a reality
On November 7 and 8, 2017 the first International Circular Economy Conference and Exhibition (ICE-CON) will be held in Santa Clara, California. The program focuses on what needs to be done to make the vision of zero waste to landfill a reality. On the agenda are best-practice reports, panel discussions on controversial issues and the latest news from the lab. ICE-CON is organized by Messe Düsseldorf North America (MDNA) and Freesen & Partner, two companies specialized in creating highly effective marketplaces.
On average, more than 50% of the 254 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in the U.S. on an annual basis are landfilled. To many this is a waste. "When we look at waste from the standpoint of resource recovery, it becomes more than a local liability", says Dr. Ines Freesen, Managing Director of ICE-CON co-organizer Freesen & Partner. "Security of supply with affordable raw materials and energy have an impact on the competitiveness of the national economy. In this respect, waste can become an urban mine which can be exploited while doing good for the environment." The concept of "urban mining", secondary raw materials and energy recovery from trash are key topic areas of the 2017 ICE-CON.
California has made it its mission to divert 75% of its MSW from landfill by 2020. A landfill ban on organics is already in place. "This makes California an ideal venue for ICE-CON", says Thomas H. Mitchell, President of Messe Düsseldorf North America. "Naturally, the issues are of relevance to every community around the country, and a good portion of our speakers, exhibitors and delegates will also come from Europe."
Organizations interested in having a presence at ICE-CON, making a contribution to the program and helping to spread the message of the circular economy should contact the organizers. Conference website: www.ice-con.com
