Study Trips

Every year, the Chair organizes a study visit to a country to meet the people and organizations pioneering the circular economy. This gives an opportunity for the students to learn from their journeys, complement their learnings in school and apply them to their Chair projects and future careers.

Brussels, 2025

In April 2025, the ESSEC Global Circular Economy Chair once again traveled to Brussels to engage with key players driving the circular transition. This year’s trip allowed students to explore diverse initiatives, from grassroots repair movements to cutting-edge bio-based innovation.

At the European Parliament, students gained valuable insights into the legislative tools shaping circular economy policies across Europe. Visits to Repair Together and cityfab 1 showcased how community-driven repair and digital fabrication can foster creativity, extend product lifecycles, and empower citizens. At BC Materials, the group discovered how excavated urban soils are being transformed into sustainable construction materials, while CBE-JU highlighted the importance of public–private partnerships in scaling circular bio-based industries. Finally, at Permafungi and The Upcycling Lab, students witnessed how waste streams such as mushroom substrates and discarded textiles can be turned into sustainable products, redefining the way we produce and consume.

This journey once again demonstrated Brussels’ role as a hub for circular innovation and highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors to accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable future.

Brussels, 2024

In April 2024, the Chair of Circular Economy visited Brussels to engage with key players in the sustainable transition. During this trip, the students had the opportunity to meet numerous stakeholders working in the circular economy across various sectors.

At ecobuild students explored innovations in circular construction, highlighting the significance of recycled materials. At Circularium, a creative hub, they saw how art and entrepreneurship collaborate to rethink consumption.

At the European Parliament, discussions shed light on the legislative framework supporting the circular economy across Europe. BC Materials showcased how local, reused materials are transforming architecture, while R-Use Fabrik demonstrated the value of repurposing discarded objects. Finally, CBE-JU emphasized the critical role of research and innovation in the circular bioeconomy.

This trip provided a tangible view of Brussels' pioneering initiatives and the collaboration needed to build a sustainable future.

Netherlands, 2022

In February 2022, the Chair visited Amsterdam and Rotterdam - cities that are leading the circular economy in the world. From learning about circular metrics at the Circle Economy to trying out sustainably sourced, low-waste food at Circl to understanding the role of local governments from the City of Rotterdam, the students had an insightful visit! They also learnt how data and collaboration plays a crucial role in the circular economy from Excess Materials Exchange and BlueCity, while studying the business model of a circular grocery service provider - Pieter Pot. 

Find below a complete report of the Chair trip 2022