Circular Valley Convention 2026: EMKA presents sustainable solutions for control cabinet construction
The focus was on the GoGreen program, featuring a swinghandle made from recycled plastic, which was demonstrated in practical use in a control cabinet belonging to the customer Alpha Verteilertechnik. The event provided an international platform for exchange on the circular economy, sustainable materials, and industrial innovations. Circular Valley is an initiative aiming to establish the Rhine-Ruhr region in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, as a global hub for the circular economy.
Platform for Circular Economy Innovations
On March 11 and 12, 2026, international representatives from industry, science, politics, and startups gathered at the Circular Valley Convention at the Areal Böhler. Circular Valley is an initiative aimed at establishing the extended Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region as a global hub for the circular economy. The event combines a conference, exhibition, and networking opportunities and serves as a central platform for innovations in the circular economy.
For EMKA, the convention was a great opportunity to present current developments in sustainable materials and resource-efficient production approaches. The topic of sustainability is also gaining increasing importance in the field of locking systems for control cabinets.
Sustainable Materials in Industrial Applications
The focus of the trade show presentation was the GoGreen program, which brings together initiatives for integrating sustainable materials, energy-efficient processes, and alternative energies into industrial production.
One example is the GoGreen swinghandle, which consists of 90 percent recycled plastic. The product demonstrates that sustainable materials can already be used in industrial settings today—without compromising on quality or functionality.
The feel, durability, service life, and finish match those of the standard model made of PA6 with glass fiber reinforcement. This makes the handle particularly suitable for applications in control cabinet and enclosure construction, where reliability, robustness, and a long product lifespan are crucial. At the EMKA booth, the handle was presented as an insert part in real-world use, illustrating the integration of sustainable components into industrial systems.
Exchange with Policy Makers and Partners
During the event, Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider also learned about our sustainable product solutions.
The trade show appearance was supported by an expert team: sales specialists and design engineers from EMKA, the head of strategic purchasing, and the sales management of Alpha Verteilertechnik. The team was complemented by the law firm Dr. Linderhaus & Knobloch, which specializes in sustainability law and provided insights into regulatory developments surrounding sustainable products.
The Circular Valley Convention offered a valuable platform to present innovations, exchange experiences, and gain new perspectives on sustainable industrial applications.