CIRCLE Expeditionary Summit in Montréal, Québec
June 9 - 12, 2025
OPLN's dedicated learning platform - the U.S. Circular Policy Leadership Network (CIRCLE) - will bring multi-stakeholder leaders to Montréal, Québec to gain hands-on experience with circular policy implementation.
Participants will explore a single system through expert panels & presentations, on-site facility visits, town hall-style technical discussions, and dynamic networking sessions.
CIRCLE summits take immersive approach to foster alignment and learning, inspire innovation, and build capacity for system-level circular economy approaches. See the program here.
This trip will connect U.S. circular policy leaders directly with stakeholders across British Columbia's extended producer responsibility (EPR), deposit return system (DRS), and refill & reuse ecosystems.
British Columbia has deposit return system (DRS) dating to the 1970s and was the first jurisdiction in North America to establish a producer-funded and managed packaging recycling system in 2014, making it a critical case study for circular policies. Site visits and Q&A sessions with Producer Responsibility Organization, regulator, and value chain leadership will uncover how legislation, technologies, and stakeholder responsibilities have evolved.
Hands-on Learning
CIRCLE summits promote cross-stakeholder knowledge sharing to inform policy, investment, and partnerships at U.S. state and federal levels. Recommended attendees include:
- Legislators, staff, and policy advisors
- Sustainability, compliance, procurement, and government affairs leads for CPGs and retailers
- Sustainability, compliance, procurement and government affairs leads for materials producers (conventional plastic, glass, aluminum, paper, and other alternatives or non-plastic substitutes)
- Material recyclers and waste management representatives
- Policy and sustainability leads for NGOs
This is an in-person event. The experience will complement facility tours with a stay in the historic Fairmont - Queen Elizabeth in downtown Montréal.
- Monday, June 9, 2025: Participants arrive in the afternoon/evening and are invited to a welcome reception with light refreshments.
- Tuesday, June 10, 2025: Full day of site visits and on-site learning.
- Wednesday, June 11, 2025: Full day of panels and town hall-style discussions with Canadian circular policy leaders at the Fairmont.
- Thursday, June 12, 2025: Morning site visits followed by a pre-departure lunch.
Light snacks are provided during the Welcome Reception on June 9 (Monday). All meals are provided on June 10 (Tuesday) and June 11 (Wednesday). Breakfast and lunch are provided on June 12 (Thursday).
This is an invite-only event available to OPLN members, invited category experts and NGOs, and legislators and policy advisors. Contributions in addition to membership may be associated with industry member participation. Please complete formal registration through the link provided in your email invitation.
OPLN will consider opening additional spaces based on demand. If you would like to get involved in this event or discuss OPLN membership, please express interest and the right team member will be in contact - we look forward to connecting.
Learn More
Want to learn more about CIRCLE and our previous expeditions?
Visit our CIRCLE homepage to read our trip reports, understand our virtual convenings, and see the leadership engaged to date.
