From 9–12 June 2025, the International Conference on Solid Waste 2025 (ICSWDG2025) has taken place. Hosted by Dongguan University of Technology, Zhejiang University, and the International Waste Working Group (IWWG), the gathering centered around “Waste Management for Carbon Neutrality and Circular Economy”.

The adoption of circular and green economy practices is essential for reducing environmental pollution and mitigating climate change. Despite this, the global economy remains only 7.2% circular, according to the 2024 Circularity Gap Report, highlighting a vast opportunity for progress. ICSWDG2025 offerd a vital platform for scientists, researchers, regional policymakers, and industry professionals to share insights on sustainable waste management, technology, and environmental challenges.

The ReSoURCE project was also presented at ICSWDG2025, contributing to the broader discussion on waste management. The presentation highlighted the project’s overarching objectives, emphasizing its focus on addressing a particularly significant and valuable waste stream within the broader context of sustainable resource management. Key findings from the analysis of the European waste management systems were shared. It concluded with the introduction of a GIS-based map, designed to improve data visualization and decision-making in waste management regarding spent refractories.

Personal notes: It was truly a wonderful and educational experience to participate in an international conference in China. A heartfelt thank you to Prof. Jonathan Wong for warmly welcoming the Austrian participants and taking such excellent care of us. Sincere thanks also to the organizing team for putting together such a well-organized event.