Taiwan to host first Asia-Australasia Circular Economy Hotspot in 2025, Hungary to lead European edition in 2026
October 14, 2024
We are excited to announce that Taiwan and Hungary have been selected as the hosts for the next two Circular Economy Hotspots, marking a significant step forward in promoting sustainable practices and fostering global collaboration. The selection was revealed during the Circular Economy Hotspot conference in Cardiff on October 8th. In 2025,
In 2025, Taiwan will proudly welcome participants to the inaugural Asia-Australasia Circular Economy Hotspot, showcasing its innovative recycling and sustainable development approaches. Following this, Hungary will host the European Circular Economy Hotspot in 2026, focusing on carbon-neutral initiatives and local sustainability strategies. These events will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and circular economy enthusiasts to share insights and drive impactful solutions for a sustainable future.
The Circular Economy Hotspot first took place in the Netherlands in 2016. The concept then travelled to Luxembourg, Scotland, Belgium, Catalonia, North Rhine Westphalia and Dublin. This year, the European Hotspot will be held in Wales, while global Hotspots will take place on three other continents: North America (Canada), South America (Brazil) and Africa (South Africa). 2025 Hotspot hosts have already been selected in Europe (Slovenia), Africa (Ethiopia) and North–Central America (Mexico), with an election for South America planned for later this year.
Taiwan leads Asia-Australasia Circular Economy Hotspot 2025
Taiwan has been selected to host the first Asia-Australasia Circular Economy Hotspot in 2025. Known for its leadership in circular economy practices, Taiwan’s proactive policies and innovations—ranging from cutting-edge textile recycling to electronic component repurposing—set the stage for an inspiring event.
As a leader in international collaborations, Taiwan will bring together industries, policymakers, and circular economy enthusiasts from across the region to drive forward impactful discussions and solutions.
Hungary Hosts European Circular Economy Hotspot 2026
In 2026, Hungary will host the European Circular Economy Hotspot, focusing on carbon-neutral practices, local sustainability strategies such as composting and accessible building design, and strong international partnerships. Hungary’s event promises to be transformative in Europe’s circular economy journey. Hungary’s dedication to linking circularity with climate adaptation and social impact makes this an event to look forward to.
Both events will catalyse global collaboration, inspiring worldwide action and innovation in the circular economy. With Taiwan leading in 2025 and Hungary following in 2026, these Hotspots promise to elevate sustainable practices and forge new pathways towards a circular future.
About Circular Economy Hotspot 2024 conference in Cardiff
Wales’ journey towards a circular economy was highlighted from 7 to 9 October 2024 at Cardiff’s Circular Economy Hotspot conference. In a compelling keynote address, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies emphasised the dramatic transformation Wales has undergone over the past twenty years. “When the Welsh Government was established in 1999, we recycled less than 5% of our municipal waste, with 95% sent to landfill. Today, that rate stands at just 1.6%, and we aim to phase it out entirely,” he stated. Wales has achieved an impressive recycling rate of over 65%, propelled by the Welsh Government’s “Beyond Recycling” strategy, which aims to establish Wales as a zero-waste, net-zero carbon nation.
Sebastian Munden, Chair of WRAP, emphasised the economic potential of a circular economy, estimating it could generate up to 30,000 new jobs in Wales and save £2 billion in material costs annually. The conference also showcased innovative initiatives, including expanding repair and reuse facilities, with 80% of local authorities now offering such services.
International perspectives enriched the discussions, with Uxue Itoiz from Navarra, Spain, highlighting the need for cross-regional collaboration in circular economy projects. While celebrating achievements, speakers acknowledged the challenges ahead. Carsten Gerhardt of the Circular Valley Foundation warned of the global scale of resource use, emphasising the necessity for continued innovation and global cooperation.
“Our aim is to become a zero-waste, net-zero-carbon nation, using only our fair share of the Earth’s resources.” Deputy First Minister Irranca-Davies
