Information Plenary Session

Key Note Speaker: Mirella Soyer

Mirella has been working as a lecturer in behavior for circular transitions at the Knowledge Center for Business Innovation at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences since January 1. Here, she researches, together with teachers, students, and field partners, how consumers and entrepreneurs can be supported in making circular behavioral choices. Mirella has a Master’s degree in social and organizational psychology (University of Leiden) and has earned a Ph.D. in strategic sustainability (Radboud University). She has worked in the Netherlands, Hong Kong, and Malaysia as an organizational consultant, entrepreneur, researcher, and teacher.

Join us for an enlightening keynote session that delves into the shifting landscape of consumer behavior towards sustainability. As the world becomes increasingly aware of environmental issues, consumers are progressively seeking out sustainable options in their purchases. This evolving trend poses both challenges and opportunities for companies worldwide. In our keynote, we will explore the ways in which consumer behavior is changing, with a special focus on the growing demand for sustainable products and services. We’ll discuss the factors driving this shift and examine the implications for businesses across various sectors. Furthermore, we’ll delve into strategies companies can employ to adapt to these changes. Additionally, we’ll investigate how companies are actively influencing consumers towards making more sustainable choices. Through innovative marketing strategies, product design, and leveraging digital platforms, businesses are playing a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future.

Erik Lauret – CSR & Sustainability Manager at Samsung Electronics Benelux

My name is Erik Lauret and I’m the CSR & Sustainability Manager at Samsung Electronics Benelux. I joined Samsung in June of 2023 after working in area of sustainability in the food retail sector for the past 5 years prior to this. In my current role I am responsible for the development of our CSR & Sustainability strategy as well as the implementation of our programs in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. A large focus of our CSR strategy is linked to student and youth development, where through the dedicated inspiration projects I am responsible for we look to support students’ professional and personal growth. Besides this, we have a broad sustainability strategy that covers a wide range of environmental and social topics. As part of this, in 2024 we have put a large focus on the tackling of e-waste. Hopefully our efforts provide a nice link to the conference ahead!

Samsung is one the world’s largest electronic device producers and was founded in South Korea in 1938. Samsung specializes in the production of a wide variety of electronics for consumers and industry purposes, such as mobile & computing devices, TV & AV, household goods, memory, and displays. This has resulted in Samsung being ranked the #5 Best Global Brand in 2023 by Interbrand.

Lars Keller – Director at Ecococon

Lars Keller is co-founder of EcoCocon Denmark. He lives with his wife and business partner, Jo Morandin, and their two kids in the ecovillage community of Friland. Their house is made from straw bales, clay plaster and lots of rejuvenated building materials.

Lars is a passionate earth lover and a huge advocate of carbon-storing technologies. In our interview, he took us on a journey from a small island with centuries-old seaweed buildings to commercial production of a leading innovation in the sector.

Drawing on his 20 years of experience working with natural materials, Lars reveals how the construction industry can turn from a climate crook into a climate hero.

https://ecococon.eu/us/blog/2022/interview-lars-keller

https://www.revalu.io/blog/in-conversation-with-lars-keller

Unilever

To be confirmed