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14.05.2024

Future of the Chemical & Plastics Industry: Circular Economy and Renewable Carbon

Renewable Materials Conference 2024, 11 - 13 June, Siegburg near Cologne/Bonn

Final Program ++ Workshops ++ 22 Exhibitors ++ almost 250 participants from 20 countries already registered ++ 500-600 participants expected

The defossilisation of the chemical and materials sector is a herculean task for the coming decades. There is no modern life with all the comforts we are accustomed to without a strong and innovative chemicals and materials sector; on the other hand, the chemicals and plastics industry is more dependent on fossil raw materials than almost any other sector. Globally, 88% and in Europe as much as 93% of the carbon feedstock for the chemicals and plastics sector comes from fossil resources, mainly crude oil, and natural gas and coal. Globally, only 8% comes from biomass and 4% from recycling. And the total carbon demand of the chemicals sector will double by 2050.

The only way to tackle Scope 3 emissions from chemicals and plastics is to replace fossil carbon from the ground with carbon from above: biomass, CO2 and recycling. This is a tough nut to crack, requiring innovation, new strategies, huge investments, market demand and the right policy framework to make it all happen. And it will require collaboration across the value chain.

The first day of the conference is a unique opportunity to see and discuss the visions and strategies from thought leaders, and the coming policy framework that change over the next few years. In addition to the presentations, in several workshops and panel discussions participants will discuss the future of the renewable carbon economy. One highlight is the launch of the OK Renewable Carbon Share Certification.

Policy: DG Clima and DG Grow, European Commission, and Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (Germany)
Industry: BASF, Evonik, Renewable Carbon Initiative, SAP, SYENSQO, Unilever, UPM and VAUDE
Research & Consultancy: DBFZ, carbonminds, Johannes Kepler University Linz, New Normal Consulting, nova-Institute and TÜV Austria

11 June 2024, first day: Presentations, Workshops and panel Discussions

Future of Chemical and Plastic Industry

Reinhold Lang

Johannes Kepler University Linz / Institute of Polymeric Materials and Testing (AT)

Perspectives for an ‘All-Circular’ Plastics & Carbon Economy – CO₂ as Renewable Feedstock & New Industrial Commodity

Abstract

Hans Rovers

New Normal Consulting (CH)

The Future of the European Petrochemical Industry

Abstract

Ivana Krkljus

BASF (DE)

The Net-Zero Chemical Industry of the Future meets Transformation: Discussion and Opening of New Perspectives

Abstract

Lars Börger

Industry Insider (DE)

On the Chemical Industry of the Future and Why it has Already Begun – an Expert View

Circular Economy and Renewable Carbon

Mathias Kaldenhoff

SAP (DE)

From Design to Reverse – a Digital 360° View On Supply Chain

Abstract

Dominik Müller

UPM Biorefining (DE/FI)

Working Towards a Net Zero Circular Economy for the Fashion and Sporting Goods Industry

Abstract

Titta Rosvall-Puplett

SYENSQO (BE)

Accelerating SYENSQO’s Sustainable Renewable Carbon Strategy

Abstract

Patrick Gloeckner

Evonik Operations (DE)

Collaboration now! Towards a Circular Economy

Abstract

Fabien Ramos

DG Clima, European Commission (EU)

European Perspective on Sustainable Carbon Management

Algreit Dume

DG Grow, European Commission (EU)

Transition Pathway: Towards a Competitive and Resilient EU Chemical Industry

Michael Carus
nova-Institute / Renewable Carbon Initiative (DE)

Evaluation of Future Scenarios for the Chemical Industry, Biomass Availability and Competition to Sustainable Aviation Fuels

Philippe Dewolfs

TÜV Austria (BE)

Launch of the OK Renewable Carbon Share Certification Scheme

Abstract

Workshops & Panel Discussions

12:30 (CET)
Room 1: Christopher vom Berg, nova-Institute/RCI (DE): Presentation and Discussion of Instruments and Measures to Help Achieve Relevant Levels of Renewable Carbon in Chemicals and Materials in the EU within a Relatively Short Period of Time.

15:00 (CET)
Room 1: Nils Freiberg, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (DE), Lara Dammer, nova-Institute (DE): Status of the German National Biomass Strategy – Towards Climate Action and Sustainable Value Creation

16:30 (CET)
Small Hall: Algreit Dume and Maarit Nyman, DG Grow, European Commission (EU): Workshop on the Transition Pathway for the Chemical Industry

18:00 – 19:15 (CET)
Small Hall: Panel Discussion with Ivana Krkljuš, BASF (DE) and five panelists: René Backes, DBFZ (DE), Raoul Meys, carbonminds (DE), Christian Krüger, BASF (DE), Alastair Sanderson, Unilever (UK) and René Bethmann, Vaude (DE): How to accelerate the market penetration of LowPCF products? More information here and here

View all workshop information here!

 

The Innovation Award “Renewable Material of the Year 2024” - The Six Nominated Innovations

 

Sponsoring Opportunities and more – exhibition and workshop rooms

 

Become a sponsor of the conference!

 

Join us as a sponsor and find a range of sponsoring options which provide you with maximum visibility and impact at the conference. We are open to new ideas and would be delighted to implement them with you. Please contact us if our sponsoring options appeal to you or if you would like to put forward a proposal of your own!

Key Account Management
Guido Müller
guido.mueller@nova-institut.de

 

Conference Registration

You are welcome to register now! Registration fee will be 1495 EUR (excl. 19% VAT) for all three days and 895 EUR (excl. 19% VAT) for the virtual option.

We look forward to meeting you at the conference!

 

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