21 MAY 2025 10:00 weTHINK. online Waste CIircularity Event Legal perspectives and trends on national and European level for RDF/SRF, Alternative Raw Materials and End of Waste. Technical challenges and innovation/ best practices for Carbon Capture Abatement

Martin Schneider, VDZ Germany
Resource Road Map for the Circular Construction Industry Sector – Case Study in Germany
The VDZ study “Resources of the Future for Cement and Concrete” outlines a scenario for 2050 that anticipates a 41% reduction in the use of primary raw materials in Germany. Recycling materials from construction demolition materials will play a crucial role in this effort. Sustainable material flow management and political measures are necessary to promote the use of recycled materials. Resource conservation also has a positive impact on the reduction of CO₂ emissions.

Eva Rosenberger, Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology
The Austrian Circular Economy Strategy
The Austrian Circular Economy Strategy was adopted in 2022 and is the basis for the development and implementation of concrete measures for a transformation of the economy and society into a climate-neutral, resource-efficient and sustainable circular economy by 2050. To support this process, a legal basis for funding was created in 2024.

The focus is on projects considering the entire life cycle of products and circulating material flows. Following the first calls for proposals in 2024, the 2025 funding program has already started.

Lazar Radovanovic, Siemens Energy
Siemens Energy’s Industrial Steam Turbine Portfolio
This presentation will provide an overview of Siemens Energy’s Industrial Steam Turbine portfolio and the comprehensive solutions we offer to customers across various industries. As a leading player in the energy sector, Siemens Energy not only manufactures high-performance steam turbines but also delivers tailored, value-driven solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients. The session aims to enhance awareness of our product capabilities and highlight our commitment to supporting customers with innovative and sustainable energy solutions.

Dr. Martin Eisenberger LL.M, Hon. Prof., Montanuniversität Leoben
Legal Challenges in the Free Movement of Secondary Raw Materials
The European Union is supposed to be a common marketplace consisting of the four freedoms. One of them is the free movement of goods. Therefore, within the Union, goods should be able to be transported freely across the borders of the member states.

However, in the case of waste—which is undoubtedly a commodity—this free movement is massively restricted by the provisions of the Waste Shipment Ordinance and the restrictive interpretation of this Regulation by the member states and the EU Commission, which could be contrary to the EU Primary Treaty.

In order to promote the EU-wide circular economy, which the EU Commission has chosen as one of the most important goals for the future, it is necessary to reassess the restrictions on the transport of secondary raw materials and their waste status.