Canada will host the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) in September of 2021 in Toronto. The gathering was originally scheduled for 2020, but due to the pandemic, this year event moved online and the Toronto forum got postponed to the next year. Being the first WCEF taking place in North America, the event will be an important opportunity for Canada to demonstrate its leadership and innovation with respect to circular economy.
WCEF was first launched in 2017 by Finalnd, on its 100th independence anniversary, as a platform for business leaders, policymakers and experts to network and present their best circular economy solutions. Finland introduced the event as a “gift to the world” in view of the country’s leading role in laying the ground for a circular economy.
Juts a year before the first WCEF, the Finish Government had released a roadmap setting the ambition for the country to be a pioneer in bioeconomy and circular economy by 2025. To achieve this goal, Finland fostered an environment of dialogue and cooperation between different sectors and parties in society, and with WCEF2017, they aimed for pushing that partnership and collaboration to a higher level.
The Finish Innovation Fund Sitra, with the support from different ministries, has been the key organization in coordinating national and international efforts on transitioning to the circular economy. As an independent public foundation, Sitra invests in companies and startups to create new profitable businesses in different themes, including Carbon-Neutral Circular Economy.
WCEF2017 identified key elements of a circular economy and showcased solutions from around the world. The second WCEF meeting, held in the city of Yokohama in Japan, presented a vision for a circular future and encouraged wold’s leading economies to take steps towards it. Hosted by Finland, WCEF2019 had a strong emphasis on scaling up the circular economy through impactful investments and progressive governance while ensuring a fair and just transition.
The pandemic delayed the Canada’s opportunity to host the fourth WCEF in 2020. However, as the governments around the world are developing measures and strategies to stimulate their economies and create jobs, sustainability-related sectors can be regarded as a driver for this shift if we do not want to lose our focus on transitioning to a sustainable future and meeting climate change targets. WCEFonline2020 can be a platform to discuss and advocate this approach.
Originating from Barcelona, Laia’s educational journey led her to pursue secondary studies in the south of France. Her Bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Management allowed her to develop an analytical mindset. During her Master’s in International Business and Management, she engaged in numerous research study cases and actively participated in the creation of different business plans. This helped her develop an ability to critically analyze and address the strategic challenges that companies encounter.
Andre has over 5 years of industry experience in project management, polymer and composite processing, materials characterization, and product development. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil, and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Technology from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, where he focused on Polymer and Composite materials. In 2012, he founded a design and manufacturing company specializing in biocomposites made with natural fibers, which he successfully sold in 2015.
As an expert in sustainability, life cycle assessment, circular economy, and green chemistry, Nicolas possesses valuable skills and knowledge that can assist companies in developing and implementing sustainable and environmentally-friendly business models. They can achieve this by utilizing eco-friendly materials, improving manufacturing processes, reducing waste and hazardous chemical use, and advocating for the use of safer and more sustainable alternatives.
Karan is an experienced professional who has worked in multiple geographies and roles along his career. He holds a total of 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, and has focused his efforts towards finding solutions for waste recovery and making recovery economical for industries. 
With several years of research experience in France and Canada, Fabien lends his expertise and passion for enzymology and microbiology to 5REDO’s sustainability innovation plans. 
With her significant hands-on experience in developing and characterizing biological and chemical systems, Vicky plays a key role in 5REDO’s efforts toward developing novel products and technologies that offer improved circularity and sustainability to the industry and society. 
As a recent graduate of chemical engineering from the University of Waterloo, Kyle brings his passion for impactful innovation and his experience with novel recycling processes to 5REDO to support our technology development initiatives. 
As our Senior Research Scientist, Hormoz draws on his eight years of industrial and nine years of academic research experience in the areas of polymer science and engineering to develop new solutions for advancing circularity and sustainability.
Shauna is a freelance journalist that covers a wide range of topics, including health, education, the environment, travel, lifestyle trends, and more. She holds a Master of Journalism from Carleton University, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Global Development from Queen’s University.
By leveraging her expertise in life cycle analysis and process engineering, Ophela helps 5REDO to take a holistic approach to the development of circular solutions and technologies. 
As the co-founder of 5REDO, Forough brings her expertise in supply chain management, business operations, inventory control, and revenue management to support the implementation of circular solutions within different industry sectors.
With a passion for driving change and creating impact, Mahdi co-founded 5REDO to promote circular economy principles in Canada. He’s an alumnus of the 2021 Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s ‘From Linear to Circular Programme.’ Mahdi played a pivotal role in developing and managing the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Circular Economy Seed Funding program, fostering partnerships between companies and academic researchers to co-create circular solutions.