This year's edition of the CAPTURE days was especially memorable, not only because of the insightful discussion and new collaborations, but also because it was the 10th anniversary of CAPTURE idea and the 5th year of the CAPTURE partnership. We honored this milestone by fostering innovative ideas, and strengthening partnerships that will drive future progress in sustainable resource recovery. At the event held in the Saint-Peters abbey, a large list of experts shared their ideas on advancing the circular economy and smart resource use.
The focus was clear: science is most powerful when it drives collaboration and real-world solutions.
While the first day (29/8) was a traditional CAPTURE day, exclusively for members, the second day (30/8) was an open event about 'Bridges for a sustainable society', reflecting our commitment to collaboration.
Day 1: Collaboration for circularity
The focal point of this day was to strengthen connections between the CAPTURE researches and companies, while focusing on our common goal: disruptive science for the future.
We started the day with a broad perspective on the role of CAPTURE and trends regarding circularity in the EU, ending with a lively debate about transformative innovation. After lunch, three plenary session focused on our pipelines, CO₂, plastics and water, sharing the newest insights. To wrap up the day, some CAPTURE members took the floor to give short pitches with calls for collaboration.
Day 2: Bridges for a sustainable society
This day, themed 'Bridges for a sustainable society', we asked ourselves an important question:
"If we do wake up in a sustainable society in 2050, how did we get there, and what were the crucial milestones on the paths ahead?"
Together with SDR Flanders, ie-net, Bond Beter Leefmilieu, Itinera, City of Ghent and the Province of East Flanders we gathered an impressive list of speakers. Presenting their ideas on stage were: Johanna Huylenbroeck (C-nery), Silvia Lenaerts (Technische Universiteit Eindhoven), Estefanya Vazquez-Casaubon (winner of the contest), Fien De Clercq (Fluvius), Peter Vercaemst (VITO), Joris Soens (Fluvius), Koen Schoors (UGent, Gigarant), Koen Mols (ArcelorMIttal), Karel Volckaert (Itinera) & Stijn Ronsse (CAPTURE) with Jan Arends as moderator. Full program can be found here.
We ended the day with a stimulating Q&A and our take home lessons for a sustainable 2050.
