This panel builds on the successful IAA Mobility dialogue “Turning Points: How Circularity Is Reshaping the Future of Mobility” held in 2025 and explores how vehicle technology, raw material cycles, and regulatory requirements interact. The discussion will feature Hildegard Müller, President of the VDA; Bernd Fleschenberg, COO of the TSR Group; Dr. Johannes F. Kirchhoff, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of KIRCHHOFF Ecotec SE; and Christian Wilz, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz Trucks Germany. Matthias Harms, Acting President of the BDE, will provide the opening remarks. The discussion will be moderated by Caspar Dohmen, Editor-in-Chief of ESG.Table.

Keynote by BMUKN for implementation of the NKWS. Followed by the panel discussion is held between BMUKN; BDE, bvse and VKU for the design of the platform and funding opportunities.

The EU is accelerating legislation on waste, resources, and the circular economy to cut emissions, reduce virgin material use, and limit environmental impact. Product and packaging design will face stricter rules, while material management infrastructure must be upgraded. This session highlights local challenges and opportunities.

Artificial intelligence is transforming waste management and urban cleanliness: it analyzes data to reduce sorting errors, optimizes route planning, and controls intelligent cleaning systems for efficient public space waste removal. The discussion highlights how AI technologies, combined with data privacy and workforce development, create innovative solutions to make cities cleaner, more sustainable, and more efficient.