From May 12 to 16, 2025, Mechelen became the vibrant hub of circular ambition as we welcomed 36 participants from 12 countries to the Circular Ambassador Program (CAP) Train-the-Trainer edition. With changemakers traveling from as far as South Africa, Hong Kong, America and Morocco, we were deeply honored to see such dedication to advancing the circular economy.
This edition marked a new chapter for CAP: after three successful Belgian editions, it was time to go international. Together with our organizing partners The Argonauts, Möbius, and VITO, we set out to share our learnings and methods across Europe, equipping professionals to become trainers of the future in circularity.
From May 12 to 16, 2025, Mechelen became the vibrant hub of circular ambition as we welcomed 36 participants from 12 countries to the Circular Ambassador Program (CAP) Train-the-Trainer edition. With changemakers traveling from as far as South Africa, Hong Kong, America and Morocco, we were deeply honored to see such dedication to advancing the circular economy.
This edition marked a new chapter for CAP: after three successful Belgian editions, it was time to go international. Together with our organizing partners The Argonauts, Möbius, and VITO, we set out to share our learnings and methods across Europe, equipping professionals to become trainers of the future in circularity.
The program: from online foundations to bootcamp immersion
The program kicked off with two online days, laying the groundwork with theoretical insights and case introductions. But the real energy came during the five-day in-person bootcamp in Mechelen. This immersive experience blended content, creativity, and connection – all within a carefully designed learning environment.
We explored seven key modules, mixing circular economy theory, creative problem solving, and training design skills. Each team worked on real-world cases, prototyped circular solutions, and practiced transforming their insights into interactive workshops.
The week culminated in a public demo day, where participants presented mini-trainings on circular themes. It was a proud moment to see everyone apply their new knowledge with such confidence and clarity.
More info on the Circular Ambassador Program - train-the-trainer edition >
Learning from experts & locations that inspire
We were lucky to welcome two incredible guest speakers: Karine Van Doorsselaer en Sasha De Backer. Throughout the bootcamp, we explored four inspiring locations.
Karine Van Doorsselaer immersed us in the world of ecodesign, showing how sustainable thinking begins at the drawing board.
Sacha De Backer delivered a dynamic session on how to train others effectively, sparking plenty of group discussion and self-reflection.
Our basecamp was Ondernemershuis in Mechelen, with its lush garden providing the perfect setting for reflection and informal exchange.
On Wednesday, Werfheide/28Rond welcomed us into a circular prototyping space, including a sneak peek at their oyster mushroom nursery!
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Thursday brought us to Cilab, where Jan Merckx shared the story of his circular sewing lab, a hands-on example of purpose-driven innovation.
We wrapped up the week at the Thomas More-campus in Mechelen, where participants took the stage to showcase their newly acquired skills through interactive workshops on circular themes.
More than just a training
Of course, there was coffee and snacks, and an abundance of post-its. But beyond the tools and content, what stood out was the community. Participants from all backgrounds – education, design, business, government – came together to learn, challenge each other, and co-create.
The feedback was unanimous: CAP doesn’t just teach what to do, it shows you how to do it and empowers you to make it your own.
CAP as part of the Cmartlife Project
This international train-the-trainer edition of the Circular Ambassador Program is part of the broader Cmartlife project, supported by the European Union’s LIFE programme. Cmartlife stands for Circular Management and Resilience Transition for Life and aims to support governments, businesses, and citizens in the transition to a circular and resilient society. The project promotes experimentation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building throughout Flanders – and this CAP edition is a tangible example of that mission in action.
Through this train-the-trainer trajectory, we are investing in the long-term anchoring of circular skills, by equipping professionals who can pass on their knowledge within their own networks, sectors, or organizations. In doing so, CAP directly contributes to Cmartlife’s overarching goal: to drive system change that is both widely supported and widely spread.
