ÖGV – Austrian Trade Association
Founded in 1839
Austria’s oldest business association
Reinhard Backhausen is Vice President of the ÖGV, responsible for sustainability, circular economy and traditional businesses on the Executive Committee
Articles this year
History of the ÖGV
What is the ÖGV?
The oldest business association in Austria, founded in 1839.
An association and platform that serves the exchange of entrepreneurs and also offers opportunities for further training.
The 4 pillars of the ÖGV:
- Education
- Work
- Digitalisation
- Sustainability
What the ÖGV offers:
- Numerous events in a stylish ambience
- Conferences, workshops, lectures
- Balls, clubbings, company parties
- Annual entrepreneur awards for exceptional achievements
History
Founding
- Founded: 1839
- Founding President of the “Nieder”Österr. Trade Association (ÖGV):
Ferdinand Graf von Colloredo-Mannsfeld (1777–1848)
(Portrait painting in the ballroom)
The ÖGV developed into an influential organization committed to technological progress and economic development.
The Palais
The Palais Eschenbach was built in the classicist style by architect Otto Thienemann and was opened in 1872 by Emperor Franz-Josef I himself.
At that time, there was a spirit of optimism due to the approaching World Exhibition in Vienna in 1873, which the association played a major role in organizing.
The Palais served as a clubhouse and also housed numerous other business associations. Many innovative ideas were born and implemented there, such as:
- The Viennese Urania
- The TGM (Technologisches Gewerbemuseum, today: HTBLVA Wien 20)
- The Vienna World Exhibition
- The first public test flight of a model aircraft by Wilhelm Kress – in the ballroom
Wilhelm Exner
Honorary President of the ÖGV: Viennese technician, forestry scientist, and influential politician Wilhelm Exner (1840–1931). He was rector of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna for 35 years.
He founded the TGM and played a key role in the creation of:
- The Urania
- The Technical Museum
- The TÜV
Wilhelm Exner Medal
Since 1921, the ÖGV foundation has honored selected researchers with the Wilhelm Exner Medal.
This prestigious award is given to individuals whose discoveries have significantly advanced science and business.
There are now over 240 medal recipients, including 24 Nobel Laureates.
Example: In 2022, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Prof. Anton Zeilinger for his contributions to quantum information science.
Video tour by Reinhard Backhausen through the ÖGV
(produced by Leadersnet-TV)
Article about Reinhard Backhausen ÖGV IM LEADERSNET
Close the Circle Conference by GHEZZO on October 9, 2025
Panel Discussion: Making Circular Economy Truly Profitable – Best Practices, Lighthouse Projects, and Obstacles
Moderated by: Ing. Reinhard Backhausen, B.Sc., Vice President, ÖGV
- Dr. Susanne Reininger (Public Affairs, OMV)
- MMag. Josef Scheidl (Managing Director, Brantner Green Solutions)
- DI Heinrich Riegler (Senior Expert Circular Economy, STRABAG)
- Mag. Dietmar Wiesinger (COO, CANCOM)
- Alexander Boubal (Chief Sustainability Officer, SIMACEK)
Close the Circle
Conference 2025
The Close the Circle Conference enters its fifth edition in 2025 – once again bringing together a hand-picked selection of thought leaders, decision-makers, and practitioners who understand Circular Economy not as a buzzword, but as a business strategy.
The conference combines top-class impulses, real best-practice examples, and in-depth exchange – beyond greenwashing and innovation folklore. Exclusive, practical, and with a clear stance – the Close the Circle Conference is the stage for everyone actively shaping the resource transition in industry.
Kick-off event of the Charlotte Fresenius Private University for Sustainability Vienna (CFPU), in cooperation with the Austrian Trade Association (ÖGV), presenting the workshop series “ESG & Circular Economy in the Age of Digitalization and AI” on September 15, 2025 in the ÖGV Festsaal, Palais Eschenbach.
Charlotte Fresenius Private University for Sustainability: Founding Rector Univ.Prof. Dr. Martin Kreeb
Austrian Trade Association: Vice President Ing. Reinhard Backhausen, B.Sc.
ESG & Circular Economy in the Age
of Digitalization & AI
The circular economy will be the economic system of the future! It stands for sustainability, innovation, and therefore staying competitive.
In 8 modules, from September 2025 to May 2026 (one day per month), you can gain cutting-edge insights from renowned experts into practices and trends in the fields of business, environmental science, law, and corporate management.
On September 15, the experts Martin Kreeb (Professor of Sustainability Management & Rector of the University of Sustainability), Reinhard Backhausen (Textile & Circular Consulting & Vice President of ÖGV), Thomas Glatz (Managing Director, Interzero), Gregor Gluttig (Board Member, Circular Economy Forum Austria), Wolfgang Wimmer (Head of the Institute for Design Sciences and Product Development – ECODESIGN Research Group / TU Vienna) and Julia Newland (Head of Sustainability / Microsoft Austria) will give you deeper insights into how this training helps you focus on the challenges & solutions in ESG & sustainability while moving your company forward. We will also show you that the path from the workshop series to an Executive MBA degree is not far.
Here you can find more information on each module and book directly.
The event is held with media support from the Austrian Retail Association.
Gallery
Founding Rector Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martin Kreeb unveils the new program
“ESG & Circular Economy in the Age of AI”
Premiere of the new Executive Workshop Series at Palais Eschenbach, Vienna
In the festive setting of Palais Eschenbach, guests were given a first look at the new program of the University of Sustainability – Charlotte Fresenius Private University (CFPU). Experts from academia and industry presented the core topics of the workshop series and discussed current challenges around the circular economy.
Premiere in Vienna
Vienna (LCG) – With a high-caliber event at Palais Eschenbach, the University of Sustainability – Charlotte Fresenius Private University (CFPU) launched its new Executive Workshop Series “ESG & Circular Economy in the Age of Digitalization & AI”.
In cooperation with the Austrian Trade Association (ÖGV) and the Austrian Retail Association, the program starting in January 2026 offers hands-on executive education and addresses key topics at the intersection of sustainability, the circular economy, and digitalization.
Speakers at the kickoff
- Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martin Kreeb (CFPU)
- Ing. Reinhard Backhausen, B.Sc. (ÖGV)
- Thomas Glatz (Interzero)
- Gregor Gluttig (Circular Economy Forum Austria)
- Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Wimmer (TU Wien)
- Julia Newland (Microsoft Austria)
Voices from the kickoff
“With a strong team, we want to show how efficient and intelligent solutions can set new standards for the economy. Our goal is to support companies with practical tools and encourage them to actively shape the transformation.” — Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martin Kreeb
“The Austrian Trade Association is the country’s oldest business association … Sustainability may only recently have moved into the public spotlight, yet it has long been a key topic among professionals. Why? Because the circular economy will be the economic system of the future. That’s why we aim to advance the topic and—together with the University of Sustainability – Charlotte Fresenius Private University—promote training and development.” — Ing. Reinhard Backhausen, B.Sc.
“To truly implement a circular economy, we need the right approach, conviction, bright minds with drive, and—above all—cooperation: away from isolated solutions and toward industry-wide concepts. A circular economy is possible—but we must start now.” — Thomas Glatz
“A single chip crosses more than 70 borders before it is built into a product, and a pair of blue jeans travels thousands of kilometers before it reaches a shelf in Austria. Yet only two percent of companies have visibility into their tier-2 suppliers. The circular economy is therefore not only ecologically necessary but, above all, a matter of profitability and strategic innovation.” — Gregor Gluttig
“Real value creation with circular-ready products and new business models only succeeds when we think ecological, social, and economic factors together— it is not an end product but a process that demands responsibility and a forward-looking mindset.” — Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Wimmer
“Given increasingly complex global supply chains, cooperation is more important than ever—it creates space for knowledge transfer and sets shared standards. Technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence open up enormous opportunities that we should seize decisively.” — Julia Newland
Guests from business, academia, and politics
- Axel Dick (Quality Austria Certification)
- Fritz Fessler (Voice Business)
- Ute Grabner (Marketer)
- Heidi Hrusa (Yield PR)
- Katharina Krischke (SPÖ)
- Mariya Lerch (UniCredit Bank Austria)
- Ivan Mayorov (Cancom Austria)
- Julia Regensburger (Wien Energie)
- Veronika Reinberg (Austrian Society for Environment and Technology)
- Silvia Renner (Renner Innenausbau)
- Jürgen Schmidt (STRG.at)
- Santino Schreiner (Interzero Circular Solutions Europe)
- Ferdinand V. Schütz (Kathrein Privatbank)
- Lydia Schwarhofer (inloop)
- Brigitta Schwarzer (INARA)
- Berenika Sterba (German-Austrian Chamber of Commerce)
Further information & media
More on the Executive Workshop Series “ESG & Circular Economy in the Age of Digitalization & AI” at uni-sustainability.at
+++ MEDIA MATERIAL +++ Images are available free of charge for editorial use. Additional images and information can be found in the press area at leisure.at (end)
❓ Honestly... Do we really need another event about ESG and Circular Economy?
We and the University of Sustainability say yes.
Because the connection between is no longer just a niche topic for sustainability experts. It’s about questions every leader must ask: How do I stay competitive? What role does innovation play? And where do new business opportunities arise?
That’s why we invite you to our info event – the kick-off of the Executive Workshop Series
“𝙀𝙎𝙂 & 𝘾𝙞𝙧𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 & 𝘼𝙄”.
🚀 Why should you attend – even if you’re (not yet) an ESG specialist?
- Because you’ll get exclusive insights into the workshop series
- Because you’ll connect directly with experts and partners such as Microsoft Austria, TU Vienna, or the Circular Economy Forum Austria
- Because you’ll learn how executive education can be designed strategically all the way to the
🎤 Speakers on Sept 15:
- Martin Kreeb (University of Sustainability)
- Reinhard Backhausen (Austrian Trade Association ÖGV)
- Thomas Glatz, Mag. (Interzero)
- Gregor Gluttig (Circular Economy Forum Austria)
- Wolfgang Wimmer (Vienna University of Technology, ECODESIGN®)
- Julia Newland (Microsoft Austria)
💡 Even if ESG is not your main topic, this event will provide impulses that will definitely enrich your .
Secure your spot now 👉
Register nowNote: Links to people/organizations are placeholders and can be replaced as needed.
Executive Education · Program
Charlotte Fresenius University
August 2025
Our team is convinced: the time for hesitation is over! #ESG and #CircularEconomy are the defining topics shaping our future. That’s exactly what our new Executive Program focuses on — a #ContinuingEducation track built for the future.
Secure your spot nowWorkshop Series · Collaboration
Workshop Series with the Charlotte Fresenius Private University for Sustainability
September 2025 – May 2026
A collaborative event series by the ÖGV and the Charlotte Fresenius Private University for Sustainability.
- Schedule: Workshop series from September 2025 to May 2026
- Executive Education Program: “ESG & Circular Economy in the Age of Digitalization and AI”
CSR-GUIDE-2025 in the ÖGV
February 2025
On February 20, 2025, the new CSR-GUIDE 2025 was presented at the Austrian Trade Association (“ÖGV”).
It is the 16th edition with a print run of 15,000 copies, which is available at important decision-makers in Austria.
The CSR-GUIDE is a comprehensive reference work that lists over 400 companies in Austria that are particularly committed to CSR.
The event was opened by the publisher of the CSR-GUIDE, Prof. Dr. Michael Fembek and the Vice President of the ÖGV, Reinhard Backhausen.
Sustainable circular economy – simple and clear
An event organized by the ÖGV and CEFA
(Austrian Trade Association and Circular Economy Forum Austria)
June 5, 2024
Initiative, organization and moderation by Reinhard Backhausen (Vice President of the ÖGV (Austrian Trade Association),
responsible for sustainability, environment and circular economy
Video message FBM Gewessler
BUSINESS-CIRCLE:
CIRCULAR ECONOMY EXCHANGE 3.0
03 December 2024
On 3 December, the Circular Economy Exchange 3.0 organised by Business Circle took place at the Social Hub in Vienna. Reinhard Backhausen participated in a panel discussion as Vice President of the ÖGV (Austrian Trade Association) and member of the Business Circle Advisory Board.
The Austrian Trade Association and the
Circular Economy Forum Austria invite you to the event
Circular economy and digitalization – a departure
into the future of Europe
Monday, June 19, 2023, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Palais Eschenbach, Festsaal/Beletage
Eschenbachgasse 11, 1010 Vienna
THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY FORUM AUSTRIA AND THE AUSTRIAN TRADE ASSOCIATION PROVIDE IMPETUS FOR THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND DIGITALIZATION
On June 19, 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 Digitalization – Setting out for the Future of Europe”, 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 digitalization in Austria and worldwide. Karl Kienzl from the Ministry of the Environment (BMK) emphasized the importance of the circular economy for climate and environmental protection from a regulatory perspective. In his analytical keynote speech, Othmar Karas, First Vice-President of the European Parliament, addressed Europe’s pioneering role in the circular economy and the connection with digitalization and outlined the European legislator’s plans in this regard.
A diverse group of experts joined Karin Huber-Heim on the podium for a discussion: 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”), emphasized the importance of the circular economy and underlined the need for a “rethink” for a successful transformation. He also emphasized the important role of artificial intelligence in the implementation of the circular economy.
The event made it clear that the circular economy can only work in combination with intelligent digitalization. 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 recognized that waste is the resource of tomorrow. The decoupling of resource consumption and economic success is the necessary goal.
The event served to promote exchange and networking between the various players 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 digitalization plays a key role in this. It is to be hoped that the impetus 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: 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: Karin Huber-Heim, Executive Director of the Circular Economy Forum Austria (10.40 – 14.45) > 4.05 min.
Welcoming remarks: FBM Leonore Gewessler, BA, Federal Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) represented by Dr. Karl Kienzl (15.00 – 24.50) > 9.50 min.
Keynote: MEP Dr. Othmar Karas M.B.L.-HSG, First Vice-President of the European Parliament (24.58 – 42.40) > 17.82 min.
Panel discussion:
Moderation: Karin Huber-Heim (43.35 – 01.15.00) > 31 min.
Authorized signatory Gregor Glatz, Head 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, TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA
Keynote: Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart, founder of EPEA / “cradle to cradle” (1.15.23 – 01.59.00) > 43,77 min.
Farewell: Reinhard Backhausen (Austrian Trade Association), Karin Huber-Heim (Circular Economy Forum) (01.59.20 – 02.01.08) > 1.48 min.
CLOSE THE CIRCLE II:
CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND ENERGY TRANSITION
Conference for the circular economy
September 27, 2022, Palais Eschenbach, 1010 Vienna
Ghezzo in cooperation with the Austrian Trade Association (ÖGV)
https://ghezzo.at/4753-close-the-circle
Vortrag Reinhard Backhausen über “Cradle to Cradle” – Unterlagen hier öffnen
Reinhard Backhausen moderierte die Podiumsdiskussion zum Thema „Unternehmensübergreifende Lösungen in der Kreislaufwirtschaft“
(Fotos zum Vergrößern anklicken)
The topic of sustainability is certainly one of the most present for Ghezzo. Ghezzo has been working for almost two decades to anchor 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 is almost bitter-sweet that – hardly has the legal framework changed – interest in circular economy conferences is now going through the roof. On September 27, the CLOSE THE CIRCLE conference took place in cooperation with the ÖGV. Around 100 decision-makers, thought leaders – simply people for whom professional success AND the future of the planet are important – met at Palais Eschenbach.
PODCAST “CLUB OF AUSTRIAN TRADITIONAL COMPANIES”
August 2025
Interview by Dagmar Bachrich with Reinhard Backhausen, Vice President of the Austrian Trade Association (ÖGV), and Stephan Blahut (Secretary General of the Austrian Trade Association).
Podcast Interview with Reinhard Backhausen, Stephan Blahut, and Dagmar Bachric about traditional businesses
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Weitere InformationenKURIER-ARTICLE ON THE FESTIVE RECEPTION OF THE CLUB OF TRADITIONAL BUSINESSES AT PALAIS ESCHENBACH
May 21, 2025
Two personalities took center stage at the festive reception of the Club of Traditional Businesses at Palais Eschenbach: Johannes Huber-Pock was accepted as a new member and Andreas Rath – co-initiator of the club – received a certificate of honor for his many years of commitment.
The Club of Traditional Businesses is an initiative of the Austrian Trade Association (ÖGV) and was launched to mark its 185th anniversary. The aim is to network owner-managed, traditional companies and promote the intergenerational exchange of knowledge.
Members are regarded as contemporary witnesses of economic developments and role models of responsible entrepreneurship. Through formats such as “Sounding Boards”, the club deliberately opens up dialog with politicians, the media, academia and young entrepreneurs.
SPRING RECEPTION OF THE “CLUB OF TRADITIONAL AUSTRIAN COMPANIES”
May 21, 2025
The “Club der Traditionsbetriebe Österreichs” celebrated its first spring reception at Palais Eschenbach – an inspiring evening of living tradition, genuine encounters and future-oriented entrepreneurship. In the anniversary year of the ÖGV, a strong signal was set for the visibility and importance of traditional companies.
Special highlights:
🎖️ Johannes Huber-Pock (Huber & Lerner) was accepted as a new member.
🎖️ Andreas Rath (J. & L. Lobmeyr) received a certificate of honor for his commitment.
The club invites all entrepreneurs who live values such as consistency, quality and passing on – and who see tradition as a potential for the future – to become part of this lively community.
Tradition meets the future – join us!
CLUB OF AUSTRIAN TRADITIONAL BUSINESSES
September 10, 2024
The official founding event of the Austrian Traditional Business Club of the ÖGV (Austrian Trade Association) took place on September 10, 2024.
The event was opened by the Vice President of the ÖGV, Reinhard Backhausen.
The ÖGV is the oldest business association in Austria, founded in 1839.
ÖGV award for DI Stefan GRAF / Leyrer & Graf
January 2024
Laudatory speech by Reinhard Backhausen,
Vice President of the Austrian Trade Association (ÖGV)
Reinhard Backhausen, a member of the ÖGV Board of Directors, gave the laudatory speech for Brantner.
Once a year, a jury made up of ÖGV members selects the “Company of the Year” in recognition of outstanding achievements. The winner has now been chosen: the Krems-based family business Brantner.
Bernd Brantner, Managing Director of the Brantner Group, who is the third generation to run the company, and Josef Scheidl, Managing Director of Brantner Austria and Brantner Environment Group GmbH, accepted the certificates at Palais Eschenbach.
Sustainable circular economy
The company was honored above all for its commitment to sustainable recycling management in recent years. In line with the company’s philosophy, Brantner uses future technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, sensor technology and telematics to return as many materials as possible to the cycle and use them as new resources.
“We are extremely honored to receive this award, as it confirms that our commitment to the circular economy is appreciated. We are honored to be part of such a great community and would like to thank everyone who has supported us. This award is a success for all our employees and we look forward to continuing our work in the circular economy in the future and making an even greater contribution to sustainability and the environment,” says Josef Scheidl.
Brantner was named
“Company of the Year” award
Reinhard Backhausen hielt als Verwaltungsrat-Mitglied des ÖGV die Laudatio auf Brantner
Einmal im Jahr kürt eine aus ÖGV-Mitgliedern bestehende Jury das “Unternehmen des Jahres”, um somit außerordentliche Leistungen zu würdigen. Nun wurde der Sieger gekürt: Die Wahl fiel auf den Kremser Familienbetrieb Brantner.
Im Palais Eschenbach nahmen Bernd Brantner, Geschäftsführer der Brantner Gruppe, der in dritter Generation das Unternehmen leitet und Josef Scheidl, Geschäftsführer von Brantner Österreich und der Brantner Environment Group GmbH, die Urkunden entgegen.
Nachhaltige Kreislaufwirtschaft
Das Unternehmen wurde vor allem für seinen Einsatz im Bereich der nachhaltigen Kreislaufwirtschaft in den vergangenen Jahren ausgezeichnet. Um gemäß der Unternehmensphilosophie möglichst viele Stoffe in den Kreislauf zurückzuführen und als neue Ressourcen zu nutzen, greift Brantner auf Zukunftstechnologien, etwa aus den Bereichen Künstliche Intelligenz, Robotik, Sensorik und Telematik, zurück.
“Wir fühlen uns außerordentlich geehrt, diese Auszeichnung entgegenzunehmen, da sie uns bestätigt, dass unser Engagement für die Kreislaufwirtschaft wertgeschätzt wird. Es ist uns eine Ehre, Teil einer so großartigen Community zu sein und wir möchten uns bei allen bedanken, die uns unterstützt haben. Diese Auszeichnung ist ein Erfolg für alle Mitarbeiter:innen und wir freuen uns darauf, unsere Arbeit in Zukunft im Sinne der Kreislaufwirtschaft fortzusetzen und einen noch größeren Beitrag zu Nachhaltigkeit und Umwelt zu leisten”, sagt Josef Scheidl.