Circular Economy Forum of the Americas
CEFA gathers industry leaders, entrepreneurs, universities, NGO’s and governments from across the Western Hemisphere. To facilitate high level discussions with key Circular Economy experts and practitioners to debate the state of the needs, challenges, and opportunities of this important and rapidly expanding field of work. With the purpose of generating a common and deeper understanding of Circular Economy and its relevance and applicability in the region.
December 01-04, 2025 | El Retiro, Antoquia - Colombia
Supported and facilitated by:
A special edition of CEFA
To celebrate CEFA's 5th edition, we are hosting a special CEFA2025 3-day Retreat!
CEFA2025 will take place in a unique venue, “El Silicon Valley” located about 1-hour distance from Medellin, surrounded by nature and beautiful and inspiring sceneries with all amenities to accommodate a wonderful experience. This intimate in-person event includes a program that allows for interactive panel discussions, one-on-one dialogues, podcasts recordings, high-level presentations, and plenty of time and space for networking and professional intellectual exchanges.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Circular Economy
1. Smarter recycling with AI
Imagine waste bins that think for themselves! Thanks to AI and smart sensors, materials can now be sorted and given a value with incredible precision. How can we ensure these systems optimize collection routes, save time, cut fuel use, and reduce emissions — all while recovering more valuable materials?
2. Digital Product Passports (DPPs)
What if every product came with its own “digital story”? DPPs make that possible — showing where a product comes from, what it’s made of, and how it can be repaired, reused, or recycled. Are we ready to comply with this new trend?
3. Blockchain for trust and traceability
Blockchain technology adds another layer of confidence. By securely tracking every step of a product’s life — from raw material to upcycling — blockchain ensures that sustainability claims are real, not just talk. Can we really build trust between producers, consumers, while protecting the environment?
Transitioning Toward Circular Business Models
1. Products as a Service (PaaS)
Why buy when you can use smarter? Instead of owning a product, customers can subscribe to use it — whether it’s electronics, tools, or even furniture. Is it true that this approach motivates companies to design products that last longer, can be repaired easily, and deliver great performance over time?
2. Refurbishment and Re-manufacturing
Old doesn’t mean obsolete. More companies are giving products a second life — repairing, upgrading, and reselling them like new. From phones to industrial equipment, this practice saves energy, reduces emissions, and creates jobs. But does this instill circular economy?
3. Reverse Logistics and Take-Back Programs
Imagine a world where products don’t end up in landfills but return to the company that made them — ready to be repaired, reused, or upcycled. How much can we achieve through reverse logistics?
1. Bio-based and Modular Materials
Nature is becoming our new factory. From algae and fungi to agricultural waste, scientists and designers are creating new materials that replace plastics and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Is there a future for a circular bio-economy?
2. Designed for Durability and Disassembly
Products of the future are built to last — and to be easily fixed. Modular design makes it simple to repair or upgrade items instead of throwing them away. It also ensures valuable components can be recovered at the end of their use cycle. Are we really intentionally designing for circularity?
3. Next-Generation Recycling
Recycling is evolving fast. Beyond mechanical methods, new chemical and enzymatic recycling technologies can break materials down to their basic molecules — allowing plastics, textiles, and other materials to be recycled again and again without losing quality. Will this brings us closer to a world of truly infinite material loops?
Circular Product Design & Material Innovation
This year's themes...
CEFA2025
For this CEFA edition we have these exclusive offerings:
Sustainable Circular Economy Introduction Course
(Individual)
1-Day Course: Introduction to the Sustainable Circular Economy (individual)
Date: Monday, 01 December, 2025
Time: 9:30AM - 6:30PM
Location: Km 27 Via Las Palmas VDA Los Salados URB Ziruma CA 121
Includes: Lunch & Dinner, all-day coffee+snacks.
Your investment:
Prior to November 28, 2025 COP700.000 (Colombian Pesos) IVA included, for 1 person.
CEFA2025 Retreat
(Individual Investment)
3-Day Retreat: Circular Economy for Professionals (individual)
Date: Tuesday, 02 December 2025 to Thursday, 04 December 2025
Location: Km 27 Via Las Palmas VDA Los Salados URB Ziruma CA 121
Includes: 3-night accommodation, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all-day coffee+snacks.
**Arrival date is 01 December 2025 after 3PM.
Your investment:
Prior to November 28, 2025: COP4.750.000 (Colombian Pesos) IVA included, for 1 person.
CEFA2025 Retreat
SPONSORSHIP by Companies or Organizations
3-Day Retreat: Circular Economy for Businesses (2 persons)
Date: Tuesday, 02 December 2025 to Thursday, 04 December 2025
Location: Km 27 Via Las Palmas VDA Los Salados URB Ziruma CA 121
Includes: 3-night accommodation, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all-day coffee+snacks.
**Arrival date is 01 December 2025 after 3PM.
Your sponsorship:
Prior to November 28, 2025
COP8.000.000 (Colombian Pesos) IVA included, for 2 persons on behalf of your company/organization.
CEFA2025 Venue
Location:
Km 27 Via Las Palmas VDA Los Salados URB Ziruma CA 121
El Retiro, Antioquia - Colombia
