In the Green Lectures, our online lunch format, we dealt with the topic “Practical implementation of the circular economy in industry & commerce” in June. We were particularly pleased that we were able to win over a proven expert and pioneer in the field of circular economy this time as well: Mr. Reinhard Backhausen. He is a member of the board of the platform for circular economy (“Circular economy forum Austria”), and in his function as a shareholder of “Backhausen interior textiles” has already converted the company to “cradle-to-cradle” in the period 2008-2012, and was thus one of the pioneers for the circular economy in Austria.
The comprehensive presentation covered a wide range from “linear economy” to “circular economy”. The topic was examined from the legal requirements to the objectives to the numerous eco-labels, including suggestions for pragmatic further development so as not to expose oneself to the accusation of greenwashing.
Important findings included the fact that
- the respective eco-labels are awarded for products and not for companies,
- Austria is in the midfield in the implementation of the circular economy in Europe,
- the textile industry is the #4 waste producer, and that a significant rethinking is required on the part of manufacturers, especially when materials are purchased in Asia (=> keyword: supply chain law),
- the more “sort-pure” production is, the easier it is to recycle,
- and much more …
If you would like to receive the presentation digitally, please send us an email to sustainable-finance@fh-wien.ac.at.
With the Green Lectures, we would like to give you “sneak peaks” to the content we cover in our modular continuing education courses on ESG & Sustainable Finance.
We offer a customized, part-time program – depending on function, position and career ambition, from an orientation seminar in 6 days, to 1- and 2-semester courses, to a 3-semester MBA in Sustainable Finance Management.
It is important to note that the term “sustainable finance” is a technical term that encompasses all the necessities of implementing sustainability or, more specifically, ESG – i.e., environment/social and governance – and not just the narrower sense of financing.
If you have suggestions for topics you would like us to cover in the Green Lectures, please write to us at: sustainable-finance@fh-wien.ac.at.
Take a look at the video recording of the online green lecture here.