The expert highlighted that circularity is not only an environmental challenge but also a social and economic opportunity for countries.

August 19, 2025

In the latest edition of Carver GlobalTalks by GAN, we hosted a remarkable lecture by Dr. María Luisa Valenzuela, PhD in Chemistry, researcher, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Universidad Autónoma de Chile. During her presentation, she addressed the value of waste recovery for environmental protection.

With outstanding experience in research and teaching, Dr. Valenzuela has led major projects, particularly those focused on the sustainable recycling of lithium batteries and other materials, the development of functional foods derived from crops, and the creation of 3D printing products made with antimicrobial and decontaminating materials.

In her talk, titled “Waste Recovery as a Pillar of the Circular Economy”, the academic emphasized that the circular economy is not just a theoretical concept, but has become a true philosophy of life worldwide. In this sense, she explained that advancing in this paradigm requires taking responsibility for waste and understanding that much of it can be transformed into new raw materials. “What many see as garbage is actually money, because it can be revalued and turned into a new product,” she stated.

She also provided concrete examples of how waste can be converted into useful inputs. Cases such as recycling tires to produce synthetic grass or shoe soles, reusing plastics for furniture, or transforming used cooking oil into biodiesel, candles, and soaps, show that the circular economy not only reduces pollution but also fosters innovation and the creation of new ventures.

Missed the event? Watch the full talk here and check out the complete schedule of our upcoming conferences to stay up to date with insights from world-class experts.