The 2026 Renewable Materials Conference has a clear focus: how to defossilise the chemical industry through renewable carbon strategies and innovation across different industrial sectors. The conference will take place from 22 to 24 September in Siegburg, near Bonn/Cologne (Germany), as well as online. This year, Renewable Matter is also a media partner, offering the conference community a special gift: a dedicated discount on magazine subscriptions. All details are available on the website and in the newsletter.

What to expect from the 2026 Renewable Materials Conference

Over three days, the conference will explore the latest developments in renewable carbon and fossil-free materials through presentations, panel discussions and workshops. The programme opens on 22 September with a focus on renewable carbon strategies for the defossilisation of the chemical industry. Sessions will examine emerging pathways for transforming the sector before concluding with the panel discussion Quadruple System Shocks as Catalysts for Industrial Transformation, exploring how multiple global challenges can accelerate industrial change.

On the second day, attention shifts to fossil-free plastics and their applications. Topics include coatings, adhesives and binders, CO₂-based polymers, recycled polymers and plastics, as well as innovations for the automotive, consumer goods, packaging, textiles and toy industries.

The day will conclude with the prestigious Renewable Material of the Year 2026 Innovation Award, voted for by the conference audience. Last year's winner was Cyclize its technology for producing syngas from mixed waste and CO₂ feedstocks. The final day will focus on creating market demand for renewable carbon, with sessions dedicated to vision and strategy, as well as the latest scientific and policy developments in biodegradation.

Participating in the Renewable Materials Conference

The conference continues to expand its international network. This year’s new sponsors include IFF, L’Oréal and Celluranics, while new exhibitors include Bioeconomy for Change (B4C) and the University of Kassel. Participants will also have access to 16 workshops, alongside 80 presentations and more than 20 panel discussions, providing extensive opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange. Early bird tickets are available with a 10% discount until 16 August.

 

Cover: Envato image