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Christian Schiller
Founder & CEO at Cirplus | Passion for Circular Plastics | Initiator of DIN SPEC 91446 | Ex-BlaBlaCar
Professional Background
Christian Schiller is a distinguished entrepreneur and industry leader in the field of plastic circularity. As the Founder and CEO of Cirplus, he has established himself at the forefront of the digital procurement revolution for recycled plastics. His platform connects buyers and sellers in an efficient and transparent manner, facilitating the development of reliable supply chains in the recycling sector. Under his stewardship, Cirplus has become a beacon for those seeking sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in the plastic industry.
In addition to his work at Cirplus, Christian is instrumental in pioneering industry standards that enhance the quality and reliability of plastic recycling. As the initiator of DIN SPEC 91446/91481 and EN18065, he has contributed to the establishment of the world’s first industrial standards dedicated to high-quality plastic recycling and its digitization. His commitment to fostering sustainable practices reflects a deep understanding of both digital platforms and the challenges within the plastic recycling sector itself.
Prior to founding Cirplus, Christian was the first employee of BlaBlaCar Germany, where he played a vital role in developing the platform that has since grown into the world's largest digital ride-sharing service, boasting over 100 million users. His extensive experience in building and scaling digital marketplaces uniquely positions him as a thought leader in the intersection of technology and sustainability, making significant strides toward a more circular economy.
Education and Achievements
Christian's academic background is as diverse as his professional endeavors. He studied law, international relations, and international law at several prestigious institutions, including the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, the Technische Universität Dresden, the Université Sophia Antipolis in France, and the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University, where he earned his Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law. This rich educational journey has provided him with a strong foundation in law and international frameworks, essential in navigating the complexities of environmental policy and the circular economy.
Moreover, Christian is an alumnus of several prestigious programs, including the German National Academic Foundation, the DAAD Carlo Schmid Programme, and the Fulbright Foundation, which further underscores his commitment to academic excellence and global perspectives in his professional life.
Professional Engagements
In recognition of his expertise, Christian has served in various significant roles within the governmental and non-governmental spheres. He is currently an advisor to the German government as a member of the German National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS) Round Table on Plastics for 2023-2024. His influence extends further as he has held pivotal positions such as a member of the Advisory Committee on Plastics at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection, as well as a Responsible Leader in the Regenerative Economy at the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt.
His involvement also includes serving as a Delegated Expert for CEN TC249/WG11 on Plastic Recycling at CEN and CENELEC, enhancing his role as a key player in shaping and standardizing practices in the plastic sector. He has influenced the discussion surrounding sustainable plastics through his work in various committees, including the DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung e. V., emphasizing his dedication to fostering a robust conversation about circular economy initiatives.
Notable Collaborations
Christian’s professional journey has been accentuated by notable collaborations, including his early career at BlaBlaCar. As the Head of Business Development & Public Affairs in Germany, he contributed to the strategic positioning of BlaBlaCar, ensuring it delivered value to users while promoting sustainable transportation options. Christian also worked as a PR & Partnership Manager at BlaBlaCar, where he gained invaluable insight into user engagement and the importance of building partnerships that align with corporate social responsibility initiatives.
His tenure at Baker Hughes as Assistant to the General Counsel & Senior Vice President allowed him to refine his legal acumen while navigating complex international regulations. He also amassed significant consulting experience as a Fellow at Meister Consultants Group and as a Research Assistant at the Fletcher School, where his focus on International Criminal Law demonstrated his versatility and commitment to impactful legal practices.
In the realm of international law, Christian served in the Legal Advisory Section at the International Criminal Court, where he gained a unique perspective on global legal frameworks. His varied experiences allow him to approach challenges with a nuanced understanding, balancing technological innovation with legal and regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
Overall, Christian Schiller represents a modern visionary whose work exemplifies the urgent need for innovative solutions in sustainability and circular economies. His entrepreneurial spirit, combined with extensive knowledge in law, digital platforms, and environmental standards, allows him to navigate the complex landscape of plastic recycling adeptly. His commitment to building robust supply chains and influencing industry standards positions Christian as a leading figure in the movement towards a more sustainable world. As we look to the future, his contributions will undoubtedly serve as a foundation upon which future developments in plastic circularity are built.

