Day 1, 22 September 2025
|
09:00 | Michael Carus nova-Institute (DE)  Conference Opening |
Defossilisation of the Chemical Industry & Fine Chemicals |
|
09:20 | Lars Börger nova-Institute (DE) The Future of a Resilient Chemical Industry in a Vulnerable World |
|
09:40 | Ruirui Zong-Rühe Roland Berger (DE) Heardwind or Tailwind – Defossilization in the Chemicals Industry Abstract |
|
10:00 | Eric De Deckere CEFIC (BE)  How can the Chemical Sector Contribute to Sustainable Carbon Cycles |
| 10:20 | Samir Somaiya Godavari Biorefineries (IN)  India’s Transition to a Green Economy and the role of Godavari Biorefineries by Regenerative Biomass realising Commercial Scale Advanced Biochemicals (and Social Approach) |
| 10:40 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 11:00 | Coffee Break |
Parallel Sessions |
Grand Hall |
Small Hall |
Defossilisation of the Chemical Industry – Part I |
Fine Chemicals |
|
11:30 | Ortwin Ertl Annikki (AT)  High-Volume Chemicals from Biomass – By Means of a Unique Fractionation Technology and Enzymatic Reactions Abstract |
|
11:30 | Pramod Kumbhar Praj Industries (IN) Technology for Bio-based Cosmetic Ingredients- Bio-IDD and Bio-IHD Abstract |
|
11:50 | Andreas Kohl Verbio (DE) Vegetable Oil to Alpha Olefins: A New Direct Value Chain Emerges in the Chemical Industry Abstract |
|
11:50 | Christian Lenges IFF (US)  Sustainable Solutions that Transform Consumers’ Lives and Experiences: Biotechnology Enabled Material Innovation – Opportunities and Challenges Abstract |
|
12:10 | Reinier Grimbergen Blue Circle Olefins (NL)  Defossilizing the Chemical Industry by Circular Methanol Abstract |
|
12:10 | Christos Rampotas Kemira (FI)  Breaking New Ground with Polysaccharides in Sustainable Additives Abstract |
| 12:30 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 12:30 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 12:50 | Lunch Break, Networking and Poster Session |
| 12:50 | Lunch Break, Networking and Poster Session |
|
14:20 | Lee Walko Omni Tech International (US) From Farm to Industry: U. S. Soybean Innovations Driving Chemical Defossilisation Abstract |
|
14:20 | Adrian Brandt Henkel (DE) Latest Renewable Carbon Developments at Henkel Adhesive Technologies Abstract |
|
14:40 | Doris De Guzman Green D Market Analytics (US) Renewable Chemicals Market Update – Navigating Shifting Global Dynamics Abstract |
|
14:40 | Frank Polzer Celanese (US) Carbon Capture and Utilisation at Celanese: Turning CO2 Emissions Into Essential Chemicals and Plastics Abstract |
Defossilisation of the Chemical Industry – Part II |
Lignocellulosic Biorefineries and Lignin Utilisation |
|
15:00 | Virginie Roux Michelin Engineered Polymers (FR)  5-HMF: When a Sleeping Giant Wakes up Abstract |
|
15:00 | Balaji Sridharan VITO (BE) Scaling Up Reductive Lignin Depolymerization: A Sustainable Pathway towards Biomaterials and Green Chemicals Abstract |
|
15:20 | Pauline Rullière Pili (FR) Bio-based Aromatic Intermediates: Pioneering Sustainability to Decarbonise the Industry Abstract |
|
15:20 | Viktor Odenbrink Södra Skogsägarna ek. Förening (SE)  Södra Becomes the World’s Largest Kraft Lignin Producer – How? Abstract |
| 15:40 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 15:40 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 16:00 | Coffee Break |
| 16:00 | Coffee Break |
|
16:30 | Jean-Paul Lange University of Twente (NL) Recycling Cascade for Plastics Waste Abstract |
|
16:30 | Fredrik Malmfors Lignin Industries (SE) Scalable, Processable, Renewable, Recyclable and Cost Effective – Lignin-based Plastic Ticks all of the Boxes Abstract |
|
16:50 | Outi Teräs Neste (FI) The Future of Plastics is REnewable and REcycled Abstract |
|
16:50 | Peep Pitk Fibenol (EE)  Pioneering the Future of Biomaterials: Fibenol’s Journey from Innovation to Industrial Scale Abstract |
|
17:10 | Marleen Ramakers & Uros Kresovic Indaver Plastics2Chemicals (BE) Indaver P2C: Closing the Loop with Cutting-Edge Advanced Recycling Abstract |
|
17:10 | Marcus Elmer Lixea Sweden (SE) High Quality Lignin from Waste Biomass – A Crucial Carbon Source for the Future Abstract |
| 17:30 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 17:30 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
Grand Hall – Future of the Chemical Industry in Europe: Defossilised and Competetive, how can this work? |
|
Chairperson(s) Christopher vom Berg & Michael Carus nova-Institute (DE) |
| 18:00 | Panel Discussion – The Future of the European Chemical Industry: Defossilised and Competitive, how can it work? Lars Börger, CEO nova-Institute (DE), Eric De Deckere, Sustainability Director CEFIC (BE), Algreit Dume, Policy Officer European Commission, DG GROW (BE), Reinier Grimbergen, CEO Blue Circle Olefins (NL), Jean-Paul Lange, University of Twente (NL), Simone Mosca, CEO Mosca (DE), Samir Somaiya, Chairman & Managing Director Godavari Biorefineries (IN), Joel Tickner, Funder and Senior Advisor Industrial Transformation (US) |
| 18:00 | Networking with Local Beer (sponsored by TNO) |
| 21:00 | Musical Interlude with the Brass Band “Dicke Luft” |
Day 2, 23 September 2025
Fossil-free Plastics |
| 09:00 | tba nova-Institute (DE) Day Opening |
Parallel-Sessions |
Grand Hall |
Small Hall |
Markets and Applications, Bio-based Polymers – Part I |
Sustainable Polymers |
|
09:10 | Pia Skoczinski & Pauline Ruiz nova-Institute (DE) Renewable Polymers from Biomass, CO₂ and Recycling – Status and Outlook Abstract |
|
09:10 | Alexander Hofmann Fraunhofer Institut UMSICHT (DE) InnoKuR – A Path to Climate-friendly Plastics by Replacing Fossil Raw Materials Abstract |
|
09:30 | Julia Resch IKT University Stuttgart (DE) Bio-based Plastics in Technical and Long-Term Applications Abstract |
|
09:30 | Jan Harm Urbanus TNO (NL) This is How Polymer Informatics Can Help in Designing Novel Safe-and-Sustainable Polymers Abstract |
|
09:50 | Ed de Jong Avantium (NL) PEF, a Next Generation Packaging Material Abstract |
|
09:50 | Claudia Coelho Technip Energies (FR) The Path to Sustainable and Affordable Plastics Abstract |
|
10:10 | Susan Zhu Zhongke Guosheng (Hangzhou) Technology (CN)  Sustainable Furan Bio-based Materials Abstract |
|
10:10 | Andrew Richardson Johnson Matthey PLC (UK)  Sustainable Aromatics for Drop-in Bio-based Packaging, Fibres and Films Abstract |
| 10:30 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 10:30 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 10:50 | Coffee Break |
| 10:50 | Coffee Break |
Markets and Applications, Bio-based Polymers – Part II |
CO2-based Polymers |
|
11:20 | Stefano Facco Novamont (IT)  Renewable Monomers and Polymers, New Coating Technologies |
|
11:20 | Alex Hogan Vioneo (CH)  Pioneering Fossil Free Plastics Abstract |
|
11:40 | Joris Vermunt Corbion (NL) Lactic Acid Solutions for a More Sustainable Future Abstract |
| 11:40 | Tony Rehn NG Nordic (FI) Carbon2x – The Next Generation of Biodegradable Plastics from CO2 |
|
12:00 | Geoffroy Delvinquier Futerro (BE) Alternatives to Fossil-based Chemistry and Plastics: the Potential of Lactic-acid-based Chemicals and Polymers such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) for Sustainability, Circularity, and Innovative Applications Abstract |
|
12:00 | Keith Wiggins Econic Technologies (UK) Repurposing CO2: Polymers, Surfactants and Beyond Abstract |
| 12:20 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 12:40 | Lunch Break, Networking and Poster Session |
| 12:20 | Panel Discussion with all Speaker son the Session |
| 12:40 | Lunch Break, Networking and Poster Session |
Bio-based and -attributed Polymers |
Recycled Polymers |
|
14:10 | Dirk Hölter Cerdia (CH) Cellulose Acetate – How a Material Predating Modern Polymer Chemistry Provides Solutions for Today Abstract |
|
14:10 | Iris Elser DITF (DE) WhiteCycle : An Innovative European Project to Process and Recycle PET From Complex Waste |
|
14:30 | Nicko Reuter UPM Biochemicals (DE) Revolutionizing Packaging with UPM BioPET Abstract |
|
14:30 | Gian De Belder Procter & Gamble (BE) Industry Partnerships for Solvent-based Cleaning Technologies for Polyolefin Recycling Abstract |
|
14:50 | Stephan Roest Borealis (AT) Borealis A/B/C Approach to Carbon Circularity for Plastics Abstract |
|
|
14:50 | Jean-Paul Lange University of Twente (NL) PU Depolymerization with Phosgene-free Recovery of Diisocyanate Abstract |
|
15:10 | Frank Eisenträger Ineos Styrolution Switzerland (CH) Making Bio-Attributed Styrenics a Reality: INEOS Styrolution’s Path to Renewable Carbon and Net Zero Abstract |
|
15:10 | Karin van der Helm-Rademaker Cargill (NL) Novel Recycled Based Polyols, Raising the Bar for More Demanding Polyurethanes Adhesives Abstract |
| 15:30 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 15:30 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 15:50 | Coffee Break |
Grand Hall – Innovation Award |
|
|
Chairperson(s) Michael Carus nova-Institute (DE) |
|
|
16:20 | MIchael Carus nova-Institute Innovation Award Introduction |
|
16:40 | Christoph Gürtler Covestro (DE) Importance of Innovation |
|
16:50 | Justine Charmillot Bloom Biorenewables (CH) The First Ever White Lignin |
|
17:00 | Ross Ellis Borregaard (NO)  Innovative Platform Technology Bright for Renewable Lignin-based Biopolymers |
|
17:10 | Maike Lambarth Cyclize (DE) Mixed Waste and CO2 as Feedstock to Produce Syngas |
|
17:20 | Oliver Shafaat Sci-Lumbe labs (US) Bylon – a Scalable, Circular, Biosynthetic Polyamide |
|
17:30 | Sarvesh Poddar Sustanix Materialtech (NL) Replacing PFAS & Plastics in Paper Packaging |
|
17:40 | Pascal Lakeman Trinseo (IT) Next Generation Recycled Content-Containing Acrylic Solutions |
| 17:50 | Online-Voting |
Day 3, 24 September 2025
|
|
09:00 | Christopher vom Berg nova-Institute (DE) Day Opening |
Parallel Sessions |
Grand Hall |
Small Hall |
Setting the Frame for Renewable Carbon |
Biodegradation |
|
09:10 | Marc Borghans ING (NL) Renewable Carbon Economics: Navigating Defossilisation Amid Europe’s De-Industrialisation |
|
|
09:10 | Pauline Ruiz nova-Institute (DE) Where does Biodegradation Make Sense? |
| 09:30 | Janine van Kampen Dutch Ministry of Climate and Green Growth (NL) Drafting a National Vision on Sustainable Carbon Chemistry in the Netherlands |
|
09:30 | Christian Lott HYDRA Marine Sciences (DE) Rethinking Compostability: Why we need Environmentally Biodegradable Plastics Abstract |
|
09:50 | Anastasios Perimenis CO2 Value Europe (BE) Chemicals and Materials from CCU: The EU Context |
|
09:50 | Maarten van der Zee Wageningen University & Research (NL) How to Quantify the Impact Biodegradable Materials can have? Abstract |
|
10:10 | Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea European Commission, DG ENV (BE) Update on the Coming Bioeconomy Strategy |
|
10:10 | Andreas Künkel BASF (DE) Biodegradability as End-of-Life Option in a Circular Economy: Value and the Path Forward Abstract |
| 10:30 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 10:30 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 10:50 | Coffee Break |
| 10:50 | Coffee Break |
|
11:20 | Miriam Freudenberger CropEnergies Bio-based Chemicals: Yes, we can!? What is it About? What are our Experiences? Which Framework Conditions are Decisive? Abstract |
|
11:20 | Robert Dierkes University Hamburg (DE) Identification of Microbial Enzymes for Plastic Degradation: Possibilities and Limitations Abstract |
|
11:40 | Philippe Dewolfs TÜV AUSTRIA (BE) OK renewable – What’s New? Abstract |
|
11:40 | Katrin Schwede INAK (DE) Making Compostability Work: Aligning Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics with EU Policy Goals Abstract |
|
12:00 | Melanie Williams SCS Standards (US) Lower Carbon Chemicals and Packaging: A Certification Standard for Defossilising the Chemicals Industry Abstract |
|
12:00 | Afsaneh Nabifar (DE) CbDP Compostable by Design Platform: Boosting a Circular Economy with Cross-value Chain Collaboration Abstract |
| 12:20 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 12:20 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 12:40 | Lunch Break & Networking |
| 12:40 | Lunch Break & Networking |
|
14:10 | Matthias Stratmann nova-Institute (DE) Case Studies Based on Peer-reviewed Life Cycle Assessments – Carbon Foot-prints of Different Carbon-based Chemicals and Material Abstract |
|
14:10 | Daniel Steinitz “bündnis mikroplastikfrei” (AT) Joint Approaches to Reduce Persistent Microplastics in Austria Abstract |
|
14:30 | Leif Rohrbach Carbon Minds (DE) Transformation to a Greenhouse Gas Neutral Chemical Region in the Rhineland |
| 14:30 | Alain Marty Carbios (FR) The Power of Enzymes to Ensure Plastic Circularity |
|
14:50 | Tim Börner Empa – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (CH) A Prospective Framework to Assess the Potential for Environmental and Technical Net-Benefits of Early-Stage Bio-Manufacturing Routes Using Renewable Carbon |
|
14:50 | Anju Massey-Brooker Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) Sustainable Polymers in Liquid Formulations (PLF`s) Catalysed by the Royal Society of Chemistry Abstract |
|
15:10 | Martin Clemesha BRASKEM Netherlands (NL) The EU Bioeconomy Strategy, Go Fast to Go far, a Call for Swift Action |
|
15:10 | Amy Goddard Croda (UK) Steve Howdle University Nottingham (UK) Sustainable Polymers for a Clean Future, Prosperity Partnerships Abstract |
| 15:30 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 15:30 | Panel Discussion with all Speakers of the Session |
| 15:50 | Final get-together |
| 16:00 | End of Conference |
“Defossilization is the future of the EU Chemical Industry”
“The Renewable Materials Conference from nova-Institute is a must-attend event, uniting top minds to showcase the future of sustainable development and the latest advancements in renewable materials.”
“If you want listen, see and talk to the thought leaders and innovators in renewable materials, this conference is for you.”
“Joining the Renewable Carbon Initiative is a commitment to practical solutions—driving the shift from fossil to renewable carbon through innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact.”
“The Renewable materials conference is an excellent opportunity to discuss topics for a circular economy from an overarching perspective to tangible case studies.”
“Where information on renewables starts shaping markets.”
“A great chance to meet fellow innovators creating sustainable, bio-based solutions that are good for performance—and the planet.”
“Advancing the chemical industry’s transition in Europe requires knowledge and a common vision – this conference offers one valuable piece of the broader puzzle.”
“The RMC is bringing together a tremendous number of experts sharing progressive concepts for a more sustainable future and therefore it is a great forum for Celanese to present our solutions around CCU technology.”
“The conference offers a unique opportunity to share the latest developments and expertise in the field of renewable materials and to connect the stakeholders.”
“Our commitment to renewable materials like lactate esters and lactide is not just about creating sustainable solutions; it’s about changing chemistry for a greener tomorrow.”
“The Renewable Materials Conference is an important platform to celebrate, collaborate and exchange knowledge within the renewable materials sector.”
“As CropEnergies, we are committed to sustainable carbon. The Renewable Materials Conference brings together leading minds from industry, politics, and research to advance this topic. I look forward to being part of this exchange.”
“Indispensable event to meet, learn, and discuss with various stakeholders of the renewable carbon value chain and the latest developments in R&D, industries and policies.”
“Defossilizing the chemical industry is no longer optional: It’s the key to EU environmental survival and industrial sovereignty.”
“It is a real pleasure to be on stage and share Fibenol’s progress at the RCM Conference, exactly nine years after my first visit. That moment marked the beginning of my journey with this strong community of believers, and it continues to feel just as inspiring today.”
“The RMC is the world’s leading conference dealing with the transformation from fossil to renewable carbon in the materials industry.”
“To truly reduce microplastic pollution, we must align innovative compostable and biodegradable materials with smart policy, starting where they add real value.”
“Join us to discover how waste becomes opportunity in the future of sustainable innovation.”
“I’m looking forward to the event, the who is who of the plastics industry will present the latest status of defossilisation and bio (attributed) polymers.”
“Bioplastics from renewable materials are a key part of the solution to reducing Europe’s carbon footprint and building a more sustainable future.”
“I’m excited to share what Johnson Matthey can do to help the materials industry meet its sustainability goals.”
Fredrik Malmfors, Lignin Industries (SE): “There is an urgent need to include bio-based materials in EU legislation (like PPWR) as circular and to allow for bio-based materials in open recycling streams.”
“RMC is a fantastic venue to network and discuss biobased opportunities together with likeminded, motivated people. I’ve been leaving the previous conferences with a lot if inspiring ideas and new contacts!”
“Renewable Materials Conference provides a broad array of solutions for replacing fossil resources with renewable carbon from the biosphere, technosphere or atmosphere.”
“Since many years we have been attending this conference, a fertile environment for networking.”
“From groundbreaking ideas to transformative discussions, the Renewable Materials Conference is where the future of sustainable materials takes shape.”
“Decarbonizing the chemical industry is essential to meet EU regulations, and Pili contributes to this goal by producing ton-scale biobased aromatic intermediates.”
“I am looking forward to contribute to the Renewable Materials conference by providing more insights onto the 3rd R (recycled carbon) by sharing the latest on feedstock control and our solvent-based purification technologies.”
“Defossilization of the chemicals industry is not just an environmental necessity; it’s an economic and strategic imperative. It enables climate action, fosters innovation, supports a circular economy, and future-proofs one of the most crucial sectors of the global economy.”
“Achieving the ambition to de-fossilize polymers in liquid formulations by 2040 demands that the industry develop and scale biodegradable PLFs and advance circular economy infrastructure by 2030.“
“The Renewable Materials Conference is an ideal forum to present SCS’s new ‘Carbon Assured’ certification program, which will drive decarbonization in the chemicals industry.”
“Great conference to attend where big companies, start-ups and academia meet to shape together a renewable future.”
“RMC successfully integrates content, networking and fun in the domain of renewable & sustainable materials – looking forward to it!”
“Undoubtedly the place to be when it comes to renewable carbon.”
“Biodegradation strategies for plastics, as presented at the Renewable Materials Conference, are an important contribution to reducing pollution and promoting circularity.”
“I’m at this conference because I like working with industry and I want my research to make a difference that will impact positively on society and our environment.”
University of Twente (NL): “I’m looking forward to meeting colleagues that are as passionate as me to defossilize the chemical industry.”
“The best conference worldwide to discuss and learn about markets, technology and trends in the renewable and biobased chemicals area is the Renewable Materials Conference. Join us this year if this is of interest to you to make it again an exciting event.”
“I look forward to learning about new breakthroughs in transforming lignin, biomass and other underutilized carbon waste into tomorrow’s sustainable materials.”
“At Wageningen University & Research we believe in the power of biobased and biodegradable plastics. Not as a one-size-fits-all solution for every plastic challenge the world faces, but as a major element of a future in which human’s needs are met, while the production and end-of-life usage of plastics wreaks less environmental havoc.”
“RMC is a leading professional conference in the industry, boasting years of expertise and a dedicated audience of professionals.”