REINHARD BACKHAUSEN
IN THE MEDIA AND AT EVENTS
- 03/2024 | Circular economy meeting with HBM KOCHER
- 03/2024 | Article WOHNINSIDER
- 01/2024 | ÖGV-recognition of Stefan GRAF
- 12/2023 | Podcast BOKU
- 11/2023 | BUSINESS CIRCLE
- 11/2023 | TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY VIENNA
- 11/2023 | FURNITURE TRADE ASSOCIATION AUSTRIA
- 10/2023 | REPAIR-FESTIVAL
- 10/2023 | CSR-DAY by respACT
- 10/2023 | LGT Bank / Liechtenstein Academy
- 10/2023 | TASKFORCE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
- 09/2023 | DAY OF INDUSTRY
- 09/2023 | Ghezzo-CLOSE THE CIRCLE Award
- 09/2023 | Ghezzo-CLOSE THE CIRCLE Conference
- 09/2023 | DESIGN WITHOUT BORDERS
- 09/2023 | article respACT
- 06/2023 | ÖGV-CIRCULAR ECONOMY FORUM AUSTRIA
- 06/2023 | ONLINE GREEN LECTURE
- 05/2023 | LECTURE AT UNIVERSITY
- 04/2023 | CIRCULAR INSIDER AUSTRIA MAGAZINE
- 03/2023 | FRESENIUS-UNIVERSITY - Podium-discussion
- 02/2023 | BRANTNER-AWARD-ÖGV
- 01/2023 | LEADING COMPANIES AUSTRIA – article
- 12/2022 | CIRCULAR ECONOMY daily newspaper "KURIER"
- 10/2022 | GREEN TECH SUMMIT (BMK, Vienna)
- 10/2022 | WASTE ROBOT "SCARAB" BY BRANTNER
- 10/2022 | 2. BRANTNER INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2022
- 10/2022 | CSR-DAY by respACT (Vienna)
- 09/2022 | CLOSE THE CIRCLE II - INTERVIEW
- 09/2022 | CLOSE THE CIRCLE II (Ghezzo/ÖGV)
- 09/2022 | WOHNINSIDER – interview
- 05/2022 | FABRICS & FURNISHINGS (USA)
- 05/2022 | 25 years celebration respACT (Vienna)
- 04/2022 | CIRCULAR ECONOMY FORUM AUSTRIA: C2C
- 03/2022 | CIRCULAR ECONOMY SUMMIT AUSTRIA
- 03/2022 | CIRCULAR INSIDER AUSTRIA MAGAZINE
- 09/2021 | MILLENNIUM INNOVATION DAYS (Lustenau)
- 09/2021 | Opening „BRANTNER-Erdenreich“
- 09/2021 | GFC-Global Fibre Congress 2021 (Online)
- 09/2021 | Leadersnet.at/ÖAG
- 09/2021 | Panel Discussion ÖAG / Circular Economy
- 09/2021 | Interview SYN-GROUP
- 12/2020 | Podcast Advent Calendar
- 10/2020 | 1. BRANTNER INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2020
- 09/2020 | GFC-Global Fibre Congress 2020 (Online)
- 06/2020 | Broadcast by OKTO-TV
- 09/2018 | GFC-Global Fibre Congress / Dornbirn 2018
Circular economy meeting with HBM KOCHER
26.3.2024
The circular economy and cradle-to-cradle expert Reinhard Backhausen initiated a visit of a “circular economy delegation” to the Minister of Economic Affairs and Labour, Dr. Martin Kocher. Participants: Michaela Jarosch (OMV), Dr. Gabriela-Maria Straka (Brau-Union), Prok. Gregor Glatz (Siemens), MMag, Josef Scheidl (Brantner), DI Dieter Drexel (Federation of German Industries), Mag. Rainer Will (Trade Association). The focus was on the practical implementation of the “Circular Economy” in Austria’s economy. It will become THE economic system of the future. However, great efforts are still needed before this “green transformation” is finally implemented. It is clear to all participants that this is about OPPORTUNITIES, INNOVATIONS and COOPERATIONS that still need to be communicated and lived intensively. In any case, the willingness is there! A very positive, future-oriented meeting! 🙂
“Circular economy is a great opportunity”
Article by Reinhard Backhausen – wohninsider.at
ÖGV-recognition of Stefan GRAF / Leyrer & Graf
January 2024
Laudatory speech of Reinhard Backhausen,
vice-president of the Austrian association for trade and industry (ÖGV)
Podcast BOKU:
Interview about the Circular Economy
6 December 2023
Interview of the “university of natural resources and life sciences” (BOKU), Vienna with Reinhard Backhausen about the circular economy in the fashion-industry
BUSINESS CIRCLE
Circular Economy Exchange 2.0
28 November 2023
Lecture of Reinhard Backhausen about circular economy an panel-participation
TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY VIENNA
Lecture of Reinhard Backhausen
FURNITURE TRADE ASSOCIATION AUSTRIA
Lecture about circular economy by Reinhard Backhausen
Within: Initiative SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FURNITURE
November 2023
REPAIR-FESTIVAL on 24 October 2023
Keynote speech on “Circular economy in the textile industry” by
Reinhard Backhausen
CSR-DAY by respACT on 19 October 2023
Austria’s largest sustainability event
Breakout session “Mobility and circular economy”
Moderation:
Reinhard Backhausen
Owner of “Reinhard Backhausen textile & circular consulting”, Vice President of the Austrian Trade Association (ÖGV)
Participants:
Mag. Gilbert Haake
Press spokesman KIA
Mag. Mario Rohracher
Secretary General of GSV (Austrian Road and Transport Association / Platform for Mobility)
MMag. Josef Scheidl
Managing Director of the BRANTNER ENVIRONMENT GROUP
Mag. Birgit Aichinger
Managing Director of VÖSLAUER
Hr. Ivan Mayorov, MSc / Kapsch Business-com AG
New Ventures Architect & Open Circularity Platform Team Leader at K-Businesscom AG
Mag. Oliver Schmerold
Managing Director of ÖAMTC
LGT Bank / Liechtenstein Academy
Drive4Impact on 18 October 2023
TASKFORCE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
The Ministries for Environment, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Social Affairs and Finance have set up a “CIRCULAR ECONOMY TASK FORCE”, which has the task of developing concepts for the practical implementation of the Austrian Circular Economy Strategy in our country. For this purpose, a small group of experts from the economy, science, ministries and NGOs was commissioned. Reinhard Backhausen is one of these experts for circular economy with his practical experience in this field since 2007.
Handover of certificates by Minister of the Environment Leonore Gewessler and Minister of Economic Affairs Martin Kocher
members of the taskforce circular economy with the ministers Gewessler and Kocher
DAY OF INDUSTRY on 28 September 2023
Reinhard Backhausen with Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer
Ghezzo CLOSE THE CIRCLE Award
Award ceremony at the Austrian Trade Association
at the Palais Eschenbach in Vienna
26 September 2023
The Close the Circle Award is an award for circular economy and sustainability in Austria, which is presented by Ghezzo GmbH in cooperation with Schiefer Rechtsanwälte. The award is given to projects and products or services that set special impulses in terms of sustainability.
The award was presented during the CTC conference on 26 September 2023.
The members of the CTC Award Jury:
- Chairman: Martin Schiefer, Schiefer Lawyers
- Reinhard Backhausen, Cradle to cradle expert
- Robert Hermann, TÜV SÜD
- Elisabeth Moser-Marzi, Lawyer
- Sabine Nadherny-Borutin, öcc²
- Vanessa Wabitsch, Circonnact
Winner:
- MATR (mattress recycling)
- Repanet (platform for reuse products)
- Brantner (waste recycling, circular economy)
- Baumit-Wopfinger (building materials)
- Nornorm (rental furniture)
- Madaster (online platform for construction)
Picture gallery (click to enlarge):
Ghezzo CLOSE THE CIRCLE III Conference
at the Austrian Trade Association
at the Palais Eschenbach in Vienna
26 September 2023
Climate protection, climate resilience and responsible use of our resources are indisputably THE challenges of our time: energy efficiency and turnaround, circular economy, decarbonisation are possible answers. Science, technology, innovation and implementation strength must go hand in hand with the legal framework to actively shape the future.
Responsible and sustainable use of our resources – but how?
During the conference, numerous practical examples, innovations, key notes from thought leaders and concrete tips from experts were presented.
Panel: “Leaders for change: does the age of sustainability need a new management?”
Moderation: Reinhard Backhausen
Panel participants:
- Johannes Gutmann / Sonnentor spices
- Till Reiter / Reiter shoes
- Doris Felber / Felber Bakery
- DI Stefan Graf / Leyrer & Graf / construction group
- DI Wolfgang Wimmer / Vienna University of Technology
- Mag. Philipp Bodzenta / Coca Cola
Picture gallery (click to enlarge):
DESIGN WITHOUT BORDERS
Design exhibition at the Collegium Hungaricum Vienna
Opening on 25.9.2023
Opening speech by Reinhard Backhausen
Mobility and the circular economy
Development of new products and
supply chains under the sign of the
Circular Economy
by Ing. Reinhard Backhausen
Globally, a change in mobility and vehicle development has begun. Drivers are legal requirements for drive variants, sustainability, requirements for mobility supply, shortage of raw materials and changing supply chains. In order to survive in the changing market, strategic decisions must be made to secure resources, economic business models and sales markets over the next decades.
New business models of car manufacturers like TESLA or NIO are a challenge. Legislative requirements with regard to sustainable drive variants and changing mobility offers as well as strongly fluctuating raw material prices and difficult long-term availability of raw materials are forcing producers to rethink.
With regard to drive variants, all new developments, whether fully electric, fuel cell or hybrid variants, have one thing in common – the electric motor.
By using many identical parts, economies of scale can be exploited in the production of motor variants. In addition, the technology also allows the use of aluminium, thus eliminating the need for copper.
Circular economy imperative
A major challenge for all producers will be the issue of sustainability and CO₂-neutrality. To this end, the industry is working on closed-loop systems for automotive production. The goal is to move away from the previous linear production chains with raw material generation, production, use and disposal to a circular economy in which fewer raw materials and energy are needed and waste becomes a raw material.
Concepts for reducing the diversity of materials, simplifying recycling, design guidelines for the use of components or subsystems, e.g. a battery housing in several vehicle generations, and for the reuse of the material used are the focus of the research work.
If we assume that in the future the product will no longer be the hardware, but the benefit, the mobility, the hardware will remain the property of the manufacturer and thus become a raw material pool. Digitisation of material flows in production and use, as well as the development of international standards in the area of circular economy, help to use this raw material pool and thus achieve raw material sovereignty.
About the author
Reinhard Backhausen (RB) in cooperation with the Frauenhofer Institute IFAM. RB is one of the pioneers of the circular economy in Austria, former president of the Austrian textile, clothing, shoe and leather industry, vice-president of the Austrian Trade Association with a focus on sustainability, advisor of the Circular Economy Forum Austria and member of respACT.
About the company
Reinhard Backhausen textile & circular consulting has been involved in the implementation of the circular economy in international industrial and commercial companies for over 10 years. There is a close cooperation with EPEA Gmbh from Hamburg (subsidiary of Drees & Sommer), which implements the “cradle to cradle” philosophy. This involves innovation concepts with a focus on “eco-design”, the link with corresponding EU directives and optional C2C certifications.
The Austrian Trade Association and the
Circular Economy Forum Austria invite to the event
Circular Economy and Digitisation – Moving
into the future of Europe
Mon, 19 June 2023, 17:00 – 21:00
Palais Eschenbach, Ballroom/Beletage
Eschenbachgasse 11, 1010 Vienna
THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY FORUM AUSTRIA AND THE AUSTRIAN TRADE ASSOCIATION SET IMPULSES FOR THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND DIGITALISATION
On 19 June, the first joint event of the Circular Economy Forum Austria (CEFA) and the Austrian Trade Association (ÖGV) took place at Palais Eschenbach in Vienna. Under the motto “Circular Economy and Digitalisation – Moving into Europe’s Future”, representatives from politics, business and science came together to discuss the opportunities and challenges of a sustainable circular economy.
ÖGV Vice President Reinhard Backhausen and CEFA Executive Director Karin Huber-Heim gave a brief overview of the current situation of the circular economy and the associated digitalisation in Austria and worldwide. Karl Kienzl from the Ministry of the Environment (BMK) emphasised the importance of the circular economy for climate and environmental protection from a regulatory perspective. Othmar Karas, First Vice-President of the European Parliament, addressed Europe’s pioneering role in the circular economy and the connection with digitalisation in his analytical keynote and outlined the European legislator’s plans in this regard.
A diverse group of experts discussed on the podium with Karin Huber-Heim: Gregor Glatz, Head of SIEMENS Lower Austria, Stefan Tollinger, Managing Director of BRANTNER ÖSTERREICH, Wolfgang Wimmer from the Vienna University of Technology / ECO-DESIGN, Margit Mischkulnig, Head of Department III/I 6 Space Affairs at the BMK, and Sonja Zak, Head of Textile Sourcing and Cooperations at LENZING-AG. They contributed their perspectives from the fields of science, politics and business.
In the closing keynote, Michael Braungart, founder of EPEA (Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency / “cradle to cradle”), emphasised the importance of the circular economy and underlined the need for “rethinking” for a successful transformation. He also emphasised the important role of artificial intelligence in implementing the circular economy.
The event made clear that the circular economy can only work in combination with smart digitalisation. Europe should expand its pioneering role in the development and implementation of circular economy concepts. In doing so, it is important to focus on sustainability, resilience and competitiveness while changing society through information and awareness raising. The transition to a circular economy challenges all parts of society and requires joint efforts from politics, business and society. Many have already realised that waste is the resource of tomorrow. The decoupling of resource consumption and economic success is the necessary goal.
The event served as an exchange and networking of the various actors in the circular economy. The discussions and presentations showed that the circular economy is a central topic for a sustainable future for Europe and that digitalisation plays a key role in this. It is to be hoped that the impulses from the event will lead to concrete measures and initiatives to advance the circular economy and further strengthen cooperation.
PROGRAM
(with timeline in minutes of the audio recording below):
Opening & overall moderation: Ing. Reinhard Backhausen, Vice President of the Austrian Trade Association (ÖGV) and member of the Circular Economy Forum (00.00 – 10.32) > 10.32 min.
Introduction and presentation of the 2nd issue of the magazine “CIRCULAR INSIDER AUSTRIA”, published by the Circular Economy Forum Austria: Mag. Karin Huber-Heim, Executive Director of the Circular Economy Forum Austria (10.40 – 14.45) > 4.05 min.
Welcome address: FBM Leonore Gewessler, BA, Federal Minister for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, Technology (BMK) represented by Dr. Karl Kienzl (15.00 – 24.50) > 9.50 min.
Keynote: MEP Mag. Dr. Othmar Karas M.B.L.-HSG, First Vice-President of the European Parliament (24.58 – 42.40) > 17.82 min.
Panel discussion:
- Moderated by Karin Huber-Heim (43.35 – 01.15.00) > 31 min.
- Authorised representative Gregor Glatz, management of SIEMENS Lower Austria
- Stefan Tollinger, Managing Director of BRANTNER ÖSTERREICH
- Margit Mischkulnig, Head of Department III/I 6 Space Affairs at the BMK
- Sonja Zak, Head of Textile Sourcing and Cooperations at LENZING-AG
- Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Wolfgang Wimmer, VIENNA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
- Keynote: Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart, Founder of EPEA / “cradle to cradle” (1.15.23 – 01.59.00) > 43,77 min.
Farewell: Ing. Reinhard Backhausen (Austrian Trade Association), Mag. Karin Huber-Heim (Circular Economy Forum) (01.59.20 – 02.01.08) > 1.48 min.
Online Green Lecture
“The practical implementation of the
Circular Economy in Industry and Trade”
Fachhochschule Wien der Wirtschaftskammer Wien – University of Applied Sciences for Management & Communication
On Monday, 19 June 2023, the Online Green Lecture “The Practical Implementation of the Circular Economy in Industry and Trade” of the Sustainable Finance Management Programme of the Vienna Management Academy took place.
The guest was Reinhard Backhausen, Vice-President of the Austrian Trade Association, member and advisor of the platform “Circular Economy Forum Austria” and owner of the company “Reinhard Backhausen Textile & Circular Consulting”.
Take a look at the video recording of the online green lecture:
University of economy Vienna (WU):
lecture of Reinhard Backhausen about “circular economy”
16 May 2023
CIRCULAR INSIDER AUSTRIA MAGAZINE
Article by Reinhard Backhausen
in the magazine Circular Insider Austria / 2nd edition, April 2023, page 42
FRESENIUS-UNIVERSITY
Podium-discussion about circular economy
on March 28th, 2023 at Impact-Hub, Vienna
Green ideas are in the black: Experts discuss alternatives to the recycling lie and greenwashing at the invitation of Charlotte Fresenius Private University. People’s changing values and new sense of happiness are the basis for sustainable consumption decisions.
Circular economy is one of the cornerstones of the European Union’s sustainability strategies. Whether this is just a hope or a realistic opportunity that will sustainably change people’s behavior was discussed by Reinhard Backhausen (Textile & Circular Consulting), Axel Dick (Quality Austria), Petra Engeler-Walch (Maco), Luise Fischer (Sustainable Cities), Karin Huber-Haim (Circular Economy Forum Austria) and founding rector Martin Kreeb (Charlotte Fresenius Private University Vienna) at the invitation of Charlotte Fresenius Private University Vienna with founding chancellor Bernhard Sams on Tuesday evening at Impact Hub Vienna. Documentaries such as “The Recycling Lie” by Norddeutscher Rundfunk get the discussion going and show how much greenwashing dominates the sustainability commitment of large companies. A background to this: recycling is often more cost-intensive than new production. One consequence: 92 billion tons of waste will increase to 162 billion tons in 2060, while a maximum of 50 billion tons would be manageable. Currently, the Austrian material footprint is 33 tons per year. To achieve the European Union’s sustainability goals, this must be reduced to five percent.
Party of the throwaway society
“In recent decades, we have celebrated the great party of the throwaway society with cheap products,” Sams sums up. “The differentiation between having and being precedes the end of the consumer mania. The socialization of the future demands new status symbols in social consensus.”
He warns against preaching renunciation, but recognizes a schizophrenia of the present by the advertising industry, which projects traditional images of happiness and prosperity. Kreeb also speaks out against the Buddhist renunciation economy and suggests a fundamental change in values. The paradigm shift must be triggered among consumers, who ultimately make the purchasing decision.
“We have to move from overexploitation to the bioeconomy and take a cue from nature’s processes,” Kreeb affirms, adding, “The pain is not yet great enough for compensation consumption to give way to the happiness economy.”
Recycling is expensive
“Circular economy is more than recycling. It is the last cycle that should be considered because it uses the most energy. The current linear system from production to waste must be broken. At the beginning, there is the question of whether the material product is needed at all,” Huber-Haim says.
The path to a circular society must be taken by consumers in order to shape the conditions for the circular economy. Laws from Brussels will not create enthusiasm among the people and will not pick them up emotionally.
She is in favor of completely new business models, such as the sharing economy, which offer as many people as possible access to added value and thus make better use of resources.
Psychological effect
“The introduction of the circular economy requires a radical transformation of the entire economic and value system,” Dick is convinced. “The luxury question is no longer whether we can afford environmental protection, but whether we will be able to live without it. We are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis. The system is about to tip over unless psychological effects change society’s mindset.”
Products need to be made single-origin to make them reusable. Mixtures and impurities such as those processed in the textile industry and especially fast fashion can hardly be reprocessed, Backhausen knows. The mountains of textiles in Africa are created by the return mentality of consumers.
“Trade and industry must cooperate for the turnaround to succeed,” Backhausen says. “Politicians have a duty, but the design must be driven from within the economy.”
Resources must be kept in Europe and circulate on the continent. However, Europe itself will not be able to solve the global problem, but it can lead the way through innovation and motivate large economies such as China or the United States.
Sustainability is economical: Domino effect boosts profit
At the family-run Austrian hardware manufacturer Maco, the transformation process led by Engeler-Walch has long since begun in the operational processes in order to develop long-term strategies from them. The resulting innovation has a positive effect on the quality of the product and also allows higher prices on the market.
“The drive for innovation in all areas of the company motivates the team, increases profitability and promotes the company’s positioning as an employer. We are experiencing a green domino effect in all areas,” Engeler-Walch reports from the field.
“Company of the Year” award for Brantner
Reinhard Backhausen, as a member of the Board of Directors of the ÖGV, held the laudatory speech for Brantner
Once a year, a jury consisting of ÖGV members selects the “Company of the Year”, thus honoring extraordinary achievements. Now the winner was chosen: the Krems-based family business Brantner was selected.
At Palais Eschenbach, Bernd Brantner, Managing Director of the Brantner Group, who is the third generation to head the company, and Josef Scheidl, Managing Director of Brantner Austria and Brantner Environment Group GmbH, accepted the certificates.
Sustainable recycling management
The company received the award primarily for its commitment to sustainable recycling management in recent years. In order to return as many materials as possible to the cycle and use them as new resources, in line with the company’s philosophy, Brantner makes use of future technologies, such as those from the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, sensor technology and telematics.
“We are extremely honored to receive this award, as it confirms that our commitment to the circular economy is valued. We are honored to be part of such a great community and we would like to thank everyone who has supported us. This award is a success for all employees and we look forward to continuing our work in the future in the spirit of the circular economy and making an even greater contribution to sustainability and the environment,” says Josef Scheidl.
LEADING COMPANIES AUSTRIA
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Article in the daily newspaper “KURIER” from 12.12.2022
GREEN TECH SUMMIT
On 28 October 2022, managing directors of environmental technology companies and companies from the field of renewable energy technologies met at the 5th BMK Green Tech Summit in Vienna. The aim of the meeting was to create a high-level networking platform for environmental technology companies among themselves and with representatives of the BMK and to jointly develop concrete measures to promote Austrian environmental technologies.
WASTE ROBOT “SCARAB” BY BRANTNER
Press conference on the occasion of the official presentation of the waste robot “Scarab” by Brantner on 24.10.2022 in the “Blue Lagoon” in Vösendorf near Vienna.
This waste robot automatically replaces full manure bins for empty ones. Sensors are installed in the manure buckets that measure the fill level and request the waste robot with a corresponding signal when the maximum filling level is reached.
Statement by Minister Leonore Gewessler on the
2. BRANTNER INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2022
video statement organized by Reinhard Backhausen
On October 22, 2022, the “b-in challenge” (Brantner Innovation Challenge) took place for the second time in Krems. Digital natives who are currently graduating from university and who care about the environment were able to submit their ideas and projects on the topics of “Smart City” and “Artificial Intelligence”.
Impressions October 22, 2022
CSR-DAY by respACT:
CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
October 13, 2022
A1 Telekom Austria Group, Lassallestrasse 9, 1020 Vienna
www.csrtag.at
Moderation Textil-Session: Reinhard Backhausen
Textiles
Textiles are the world’s No. 4 source of waste. New concepts are needed in the sense of the circular economy. There are numerous challenges that the textile industry has to overcome. A real “eco-design” is the beginning. We highlight the most important aspects and discuss possible solutions using practical examples.
Speakers:
Andreas Bartl
Senior Scientist/Privatdozent, Vienna University of Technology
Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Bioscience Engineering
Christiane Luible-Baer
Professor and Co-Director of the Fashion & Technology program at the University of Art and Design Linz
Sonja Zak
Head of Circularity Initiative of Lenzing Group
Günter Grabher
Grabher Group
Wolfgang Hermann
EREMA Group
Moderation:
Reinhard Backhausen
Senior Consultant Business Development
Reinhard Backhausen textile & circular consulting
Sponsors of this session: Reinhard Backhausen textile & circular consulting
CLOSE THE CIRCLE II:
CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND ENERGY TRANSITION
Reinhard Backhausen at the conference
“Close the Circle II: Circular Economy and Energy Transition” in conversation
with Alexander Ghezzo on the topic of “Implementing the Circular Economy”
CLOSE THE CIRCLE II:
CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND ENERGY TRANSITION
Expert Conference for Circular Economy
27. September 2022, Palais Eschenbach, 1010 Vienna
Ghezzo in cooperation with Austrian Trade Association (ÖGV)
https://ghezzo.at/4753-close-the-circle
Presentation Reinhard Backhausen about “Cradle to Cradle” – open documents here
Reinhard Backhausen moderated the panel discussion on
“Cross-company solutions in the circular economy”
(Click photos to enlarge)
For Ghezzo, the topic of sustainability is certainly one of the most present of all. Ghezzo has been working for almost 2 decades to embed it in the minds of business leaders, offering platforms for knowledge transfer and creating space for exchange and a network of like-minded people. It’s almost bitter-sweet that – no sooner has the legal framework changed – now interest in circular economy conferences is through the roof. On September 27, the CLOSE THE CIRCLE conference was held in cooperation with ÖGV. Around 100 decision-makers, thought leaders – simply people who care about professional success AND the future of the planet – met at Palais Eschenbach.
WOHNINSIDER – interview with Reinhard Backhausen
about circular economy
Article in issue 4/2022
August/September 2022
FABRICS & FURNISHINGS
Article in U.S. trade journal
May 24, 2022
Page 8 + Page 24 | Clicking on the image will take you directly to the article.
25 years celebration respACT
12 May 2022
On May 12, respACT celebrated its anniversary with numerous companions. You can watch the best impressions of this festivity in this video.
(Reinhard Backhausen, member of respACT, on 0:54 Min.)
Circular Economy Forum Austria: C2C
Online seminar on the topic “cradle to cradle”
April 5, 2022
Schools of thought of the circular economy – Cradle2Cradle from Austria
Event by Circular Economy Forum Austria
April 5, 2022, 12:30 to 13:30
Online seminar
Cradle-to-Cradle is one of the highest quality and most comprehensive certifications for industry and commerce along the entire value chain. Originally founded by chemist Prof. Michael Braungart and US architect William McDonough, C2C has become one of the leading certifications in the last 10 years. We will show some impressive examples of how companies have successfully implemented C2C to close their loops.
In this online seminar on April 5, 2022, learn about possible applications of Cradle to Cradle as a school of thought, strategy and implementation method for companies on their way to the circular economy and experience first-hand how WOLFORD from Bregenz in Vorarlberg, a global company in the laundry sector, has consistently integrated Cradle to Cradle into all areas of the company.
Presenters:
Reinhard Backhausen, EPEA-Switzerland and Reinhard Backhausen textile & circular consulting, one of the pioneers for the circular economy in Austria, started to introduce C2C in his company already in 2008. He was also president of the Austrian textile-apparel-shoe-and-leather industry and also developed the understanding of the circular economy among member companies. Since 2013, he has been advising international companies on the implementation of the circular economy and related business development through his consulting firm. At the beginning of the event, he will speak in general about the development of Cradle to Cradle, present practical examples and also show future perspectives.
Andreas Röhrich, Global Director R&D and Sustainability WOLFORD AG, has been with WOLFORD for 24 years. He has worked intensively with EPEA-Switzerland on the implementation of C2C at Wolford and will therefore give a first-hand account of the practical implementation and the challenges involved.
Moderation:
Karin Huber-Heim, Circular Economy Forum Austria
Cradle to Cradle® Design Innovations
Rethinking the way we make things
Circular Economy Summit Austria
22 March 2022
On March 22, 2022, the “Circular Economy Summit Austria” took place in Vienna at the Aula der Wissenschaften. Organized and initiated by the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology under Minister Leonore Gewessler.
Opening speech Minister Gewessler
Panel “TEXTIL” with presentation and moderation Reinhard Backhausen
1. Speech by Mrs. Leonore Gewessler, Federal Minister: until 14:52:00
2. Presentation Reinhard Backhausen: from 14:55:00
3. Discussion Textile Panel (Moderation: Reinhard Backhausen): from 15:37:00
CIRCULAR INSIDER AUSTRIA MAGAZINE
Article by Reinhard Backhausen about “cradle to cradle”.
in the magazine Circular Insider Austria, No.1 / March 2022
Millennium Innovation Days #2021
27 September – 01 October 2021
From September 27 to October 01, 2021, the Millennium Innovation Days took place for the first time in Lustenau. The multi-day event was all about forward-looking technologies and innovations in the interplay of smart textiles, electronics and digitalization.
Reinhard Backhausen moderated the Green Deal Day.
Opening of “BRANTNER- Erdenreich”,
the largest composting plant in Austria
GFC-Global Fibre Congress 2021
PLATFORM FOR INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCE
15 – 17 September 2021
(ONLINE due to Covid-19)
The organizer of the annual Dornbirn-GFC (Global Fiber Congress) is the Austrian Fiber Institute based in Vienna. Visitors had the opportunity to choose between 96 lectures. Two virtual lecture halls formed the platform for the presentation of the lectures from industry and research.
Reinhard Backhausen in the section “Q&A and discussion” on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, minutes 10:30:38 – 10:59:33
Leadersnet.at/ÖAG
“We shouldn’t necessarily be thinking about
when and how we can live on Mars.”
(Quote Reinhard Backhausen)
At the Austrian-American Society’s “Super Tuesday,” representatives from Coca-Cola, Nespresso, Greiner, Reclay and Reinhard Backhausen, among others, discussed how the circular economy is changing our lives.
Marc Joainig, Christian Abl, Rainer Newald, Marianne Neumüller-Klapper, Christa Kummer, Reinhard Backhausen und Stefan Grafenhorst
© LEADERSNET/D.Mikkelsen
On September 14, the Austrian-American Society (ÖAG) once again hosted a “Super Tuesday”. The topic of the evening was “Circular Economy – How the circular economy is changing our lives”. On the panel, moderated by Christa Kummer, were Reclay Group Austria CEO Christian Abl, Textile Consultant Reinhard Backhausen, Greiner Global Head of Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Stefan Grafenhorst, Coca-Cola Hellenic Public Affairs & Communications Director Marc Joainig and Nespresso Austria Operations & Sustainability Director Marianne Neumüller-Klapper.
Panel discussion ÖAG / Circular Economy
How the circular economy is changing our lives
On Sept. 14, 2021, a panel discussion was held at the Austrian-American Society, which was also broadcast live on the Internet.
The concept of the circular economy is regarded as the economic model of the future. It supports companies and enterprises in preserving values, conserving resources and increasing profits at the same time. ÖAG invited experts from Coca-Cola, Greiner AG, Nespresso, Reclay and Reinhard Backhausen textile & circular consulting to the panel.
The panel discussion was made up by:
- Christian Abl, CEO Reclay Group Austria
- Reinhard Backhausen, Reinhard Backhausen textile & circular consulting
- Stefan Grafenhorst, Global Head of Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Greiner AG
- Marc Joainig, Public Affairs & Communications Director Coca-Cola Hellenic
- Marianne Neumüller-Klapper, MSc., MBA, Operations & Sustainability Director Nespresso Austria
- Moderation: Christa Kummer
Statements Reinhard Backhausen at the following minutes:
07:05 – 07:40 (Introduction by Christa Kummer)
10:40 – 13:34
40:40 – 44:35
53:10 – 55:00
Sustainability and circular economy
in the value chain of the fiber and textile industry
REINHARD BACKHAUSEN IN INTERVIEW
CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN THE FIBRE AND TEXTILE INDUSTRY
Reinhard Backhausen is a thought leader in the circular economy and advises renowned companies worldwide, and specialises in the textile industry. Syngroup Managing Director Walter Woitsch opens the conversation with him, with a simple case: A men’s cotton shirt weighs about 20 dag and we assume it costs 80 euros today. Currently, the price for 1 kg of cotton on the world market is about 80 cents. On the other hand, the price per kilo for the shirts in our example is 400 euros.
With such impressive value add, where do the greatest levers for the more careful use of resources lie? In logistics? Work in progress, as cotton and other primary materials for various processing steps have travelled around the world at least once. What role does technology play and does the processing industry have any real influence? What is the role of politics, trade and consumers? What are currently the big issues that can accelerate or slow down the path towards a circular economy?
Podcast Advent Calendar
of the Austrian Trade Association (ÖGV)
“24 days, 24 people, 24 stories”
December 2020
In conversation:
Reinhard Backhausen
Consultant & Management Consultant for Circular Economy and Textile Industry
“Reinhard Backhausen is a passionated entrepreneur with great enthusiasm, optimism and high innovative strength. He comes from a family of industrialists and managed the traditional BACKHAUSEN company for 30 years, a weaving mill for high-quality upholstery and curtain fabrics founded in 1849. This company employed over 200 people and exported to 40 countries around the world. Reinhard Backhausen was also president of the Austrian Textile, Clothing, Shoe and Leather Industry Association for many years and was also on the board of the European Textile and Clothing Industry Association EURATEX in Brussels. Since 2008, he has been intensively involved in the topic of CIRCULAR ECONOMY and was also a pioneer in this field with the company Backhausen with the philosophy “cradle-to-cradle”! Since 2013, he has been advising top management with his consulting company for the international textile industry and other industries, specializing in business development, marketing, strategy and the implementation of the circular economy. Reinhard Backhausen is a passionate family man, has been happily married to a Finnish woman for 35 years and has 2 grown-up children. He loves outdoor sports and has also enjoyed playing the piano since childhood.”
Statement by Minister Leonore Gewessler on the
1. BRANTNER INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2020
video statement organized by Reinhard Backhausen
The first b-in challenge took place on October 24, 2020. The top 5 candidates presented their innovative ideas on sustainability to the eight experienced jury members in the brantner hall.
Impressions October 24, 2020
Statement by Minister Leonore Gewessler
GLOBAL FIBRE CONGRESS 2020
(ONLINE due to Covid-19)
video statement organized by Reinhard Backhausen
The Dornbirn GFC is an innovation platform for the global fiber, textile, nonwovens, finishing and mechanical engineering industries and is intended to act as a generator of ideas and networks. This is evident not only from the increasing numbers of participants, but rather also from their international origins.
Broadcast by OKTO-TV
recorded at the Austrian Trade Association
June 2020
A conversation about climate change, the SDGs and the EU Green Deal – and what this means for companies. Moderation: Ursula Oberhollenzer, Managing Director blue cube & Vice President at ÖGV, Head of Sustainability Department, Guests: Helga Kromp-Kolb, meteorologist and climate researcher Reinhard Backhausen, expert for circular economy.
Statement by Sebastian Kurz
GLOBAL FIBRE CONGRESS 2018
video statement organized by Reinhard Backhausen
The Dornbirn GFC is an innovation platform for the global fiber, textile, nonwovens, finishing and mechanical engineering industries and is intended to act as a generator of ideas and networks. This is evident not only from the increasing numbers of participants, but rather also from their international origins.
