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The Future Sustainable Chemical and Materials Industry will be Based Entirely on Biomass, CO₂ and Recycling

“Renewable Materials Conference 2026”, 22 to 24 September, Siegburg near Bonn/Cologne (Germany) and online

++ Call for Abstracts ++ Call for Innovation ++ 410 participants joined the conference in 2025 ++

The Renewable Materials Conference (RMC), organised by the nova-Institute, will present leading solutions and innovations for replacing fossil carbon with biomass, CO₂ utilisation and recycling. The growing success of RMC demonstrates that its unique concept of presenting all solutions for renewable materials at a single event is proving successful. In just a few years, the conference has established itself as the global meeting place for the renewable carbon economy. During the conference, the winner of the innovation award “Renewable Material of the Year 2026” will be elected by the audience.

The Renewable Materials Conference 2026 covers the entire value chain from alternative carbon feedstocks, the chemical industry, the materials sector, product manufacturers to brand owners, as well as investors and policy makers. The last conference in September attracted 410 participants from 29 countries, 90 % of them from the industrial sector. In 2026 more than 450 participants are expected to attend 75 presentations, 20 panel discussions and up to 15 workshops. Not yet convinced? Watch the RMC video.

Defossilisation of the chemical industry: This critical topic area covers alternative naphtha, biorefineries, waste valorisation, chemical recycling and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) – all of which represent solutions for both commodities and fine chemicals. Additionally, sustainable and renewable feedstocks as well as the circular economy will be addressed. The day will conclude with a highlight Panel Discussion on “Competitiveness and Strategic Autonomy“, a crucial aspect for realising defossilsation.

Fossil-free plastics: With more than 20 polymers already commercially available from biomass, CO₂ and chemical recycling, this topic area offers solutions for all sectors, including packaging, textiles, automotive and consumer goods. The second conference day culminates with the election of the prestigious Innovation Award “Renewable Material of the Year 2026”.

Policy and Framework, Regenerative Business Models: This day addresses policies, market demands, relevant frameworks and innovative business models that are needed for a successful transition to renewable carbon and sustainable carbon cycles. The third day is also dedicated to the special topic of Biodegradation: What are the latest scientific and policy developments and new trends for biodegradation – the organic cycle?