Site Visits

In 2025, the students of the ESSEC Global Circular Economy Chair had the opportunity to visit Villette Makerz, a unique space dedicated to creativity, fabrication, and sustainability at the Parc de la Villette in Paris.

This collaborative fablab and cultural hub illustrates how innovation and experimentation can drive new ways of designing, producing, and consuming.

During the visit, students discovered a variety of inspiring projects and engaged with professionals committed to rethinking production models. The experience provided valuable insights into how collaborative ecosystems foster circular practices and contribute to a more sustainable future. 

In April 2025, the students of the ESSEC Global Circular Economy Chair visited Vesto, a pioneering French company specialized in reconditioning professional kitchen equipment.

By extending the lifecycle of appliances through reuse, Vesto demonstrates how circular business models can combine environmental benefits with economic and social value.

During the visit, students followed the entire reconditioning process, from collection to refurbishment, gaining a deeper understanding of how circular principles are applied in practice. This hands-on experience highlighted the potential of reuse to transform industries and underscored the importance of innovation in advancing the circular economy.

On April 1st, the students of the ESSEC Global Circular Economy Chair visited Cyneo, a key actor in the reuse of construction materials.

Cyneo plays a central role in accelerating circular practices in the building industry by encouraging the recycling of materials, fostering collaboration through reuse networks, and supporting companies in their sustainability transition.

Throughout the visit, students gained concrete insights into the opportunities and challenges of reuse in construction. The discussions highlighted both the environmental benefits and the systemic changes required to make reuse the norm. This experience inspired the students to think critically about innovative pathways toward a more sustainable and resilient built environment.

In March 2025, the Chair students had the opportunity to visit L’Oréal’s Packaging Lab.

The lab showcases how innovation and sustainability come together in the beauty industry.

During the visit, students discovered how circularity is embedded in L’Oréal’s global strategy, from large-scale circular practices to climate and low-carbon commitments. They also explored eco-designed packaging solutions — recyclable, refillable, and responsible — that aim to reduce environmental impact. This exchange with dedicated professionals provided valuable insights into how a leading company integrates circular principles into its operations and product design.

In March 2025, the Chair students had the opportunity to visit Manutan's Reuse Center for office furniture. The center exemplifies the circular economy in action within the office furniture sector. 

During the visit, students learned about Manutan's commitment to sustainability by extending the lifecycle of office furniture through reuse and recycling, significantly reducing environmental impact and fostering a more circular economy. This hands-on experience allowed the students to see first-hand how circular principles can be implemented in real-world business practices.