WBCEH March Members Meeting: Low Plastic Zone, Circular Valley Convention and Members Mapping
The third WBCEH members meeting for 2026 will take place on 27 March from 10:00-11:30, bringing together Hub members for updates, knowledge exchange and a focused discussion on reducing single-use plastics in the HoReCa sector.
The meeting will also include impressions from the Circular Valley Convention in Düsseldorf, attended by WBCEH team members and several Hub members. Participants will hear key takeaways from the convention, as well as reflections from the visit to :metabolon in Lindlar, Germany — a former landfill transformed into an innovation, research and education hub focused on resource efficiency, waste prevention and circular value creation.
Agenda
1. WBCEH updates
The meeting will open with updates from the Hub, including recent activities, upcoming calls, events and opportunities for members. WBCEH representatives and members who attended the Circular Valley Convention will also share their impressions, key insights and inspiration from the event.
2. Member Spotlight: Brunilda Kosta — Beyond Single-Use Plastics: The Low Plastic Zone Initiative in Albania’s HoReCa Sector
This month’s spotlight will feature Dr. Brunilda Kosta, Professor at the Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana and a circular economy expert with over 13 years of experience across the Western Balkans.
Dr. Kosta will present the Low Plastic Zone Initiative, a regional initiative supporting hotels, restaurants and cafés in reducing unnecessary single-use plastics and switching to more sustainable alternatives. The presentation will explore why single-use plastics are a systemic challenge in Albania, why the HoReCa sector is a strategic entry point for change, and how businesses are supported to measure and reduce plastic consumption through the HAPI Index.
The session will also share practical evidence from Albania, including lessons learned from engaging cafés, restaurants and hotels, and will highlight how small but targeted actions in high-impact service sectors can contribute to circular change.
3. Mapping WBCEH members’ needs and resources with the Kumu tool
Members will continue contributing to the mapping of resources, by-products, needs and collaboration opportunities through the Kumu tool. The mapping process helps make the WBCEH network more visible, practical and useful for identifying possible cooperation among members.
4. Informal networking session
The final part of the meeting will be dedicated to open networking, giving members the opportunity to introduce themselves, share their work and exchange ideas.
All WBCEH members will receive the meeting recording and presentations after the session. New members are welcome to join the Hub by filling out this application form and take part in future members meetings and networking activities.
