Renewable Materials Conference 2026

Event Overview

The Renewable Materials Conference (RMC) 2026 is the premier international forum dedicated to renewable and sustainable alternatives to fossil carbon. Organized by the nova-Institute, this conference brings together industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to discuss the transition to a bio-based and circular economy across all material sectors.

Key Details

Event Type: International Industry Conference
Date: September 22-24, 2026
Location: Siegburg/Cologne, Germany
Organizer: nova-Institute
Website: Renewable Materials Conference
Expected Attendance: 400-500 international participants
Presentations: 75+ talks and presentations
Panel Discussions: 20+ interactive panels
Workshops: Multiple in-depth technical sessions

Topics & Focus Areas

Renewable Chemicals: Bio-based chemical production and substitutes for fossil chemicals
Fossil-Free Plastics: 20+ biopolymers from biomass, CO₂, and chemical recycling
Advanced Recycling: Chemical recycling, depolymerization, upcycling technologies
Biodegradation Strategies: Composting design, marine biodegradability, environmental persistence
Applications Development: Bioplastics in packaging, textiles, automotive, consumer goods
Feedstock Sustainability: Renewable feedstock sourcing, agricultural integration, waste utilization
CO₂ Utilization: Products from captured carbon dioxide, carbon-neutral materials
Life Cycle Assessment: Environmental impact assessment, sustainability metrics
Policy & Regulation: EU regulations, circular economy directives, sustainability standards
Economics & Market Trends: Cost competitiveness, market growth, investment opportunities
Technology Development: Scale-up, commercialization, emerging processes

Conference Tracks

Track 1: Bio-Based Polymers & Materials

PLA, PHA, PBS, and other biopolymers
Bio-PE, bio-PET, and drop-in replacements
Biopolymer blends and composites
Bio-based rubbers and elastomers
Natural fiber reinforced plastics

Track 2: Chemical Recycling & CO₂ Utilization

Depolymerization and chemical recycling technologies
Products from captured CO₂
Circular sourcing of raw materials
Recycled-based polymers
Upcycling and valorization strategies

Track 3: Applications & Market Development

Packaging applications
Textile and fiber applications
Automotive component development
Consumer goods and durables
Emerging application markets

Track 4: Sustainability & Standards

Life cycle assessment methodologies
Carbon footprint measurement
Biodegradation standards and certification
Sustainability claims and verification
Environmental impact assessment

Track 5: Policy, Economics & Business Models

EU regulations and directives
National bioplastics strategies
Business case development
Investment and financing opportunities
Market analysis and trends

Why Attend

The conference is essential for:

Biopolymer Producers: Understanding market dynamics, competition, and application development
Chemical Companies: Exploring bio-based feedstocks and business opportunities
Packaging Converters: Sourcing sustainable materials and understanding regulations
Brand Owners: Finding renewable alternatives and meeting sustainability goals
Technology Developers: Showcasing innovations in recycling and biopolymer production
Government & Regulators: Understanding industry capabilities and regulatory implications
Investors & Consultants: Identifying growth opportunities in renewable materials
Equipment Suppliers: Understanding customer needs and market developments

Typical Attendance

The conference attracts 400-500 professionals including:

Biopolymer and chemical producers
Packaging converters and processors
Brand owners and retailers
Equipment manufacturers and technology providers
Recycling companies and waste management
Government agencies and environmental authorities
Research institutions and universities
Consulting firms and analysts
Industry associations
Investors and venture capitalists

Key Features

Keynote Sessions: Leading industry figures on market trends and opportunities
Technical Presentations: 75+ presentations on specific technologies and applications
Panel Discussions: 20+ interactive discussions on key industry challenges
Workshops: Hands-on learning sessions on specific topics
Exhibition: Showcasing companies, technologies, and services
Networking Events: Extensive opportunities for business development
One-on-One Meetings: Matchmaking service connecting participants

Market Context

The Renewable Materials Conference 2026 will focus on:

Accelerating transition to renewable feedstocks
Scaling up chemical recycling technologies
Meeting regulatory demands for sustainable materials
Cost competitiveness of bio-based and recycled solutions
Circular economy business model development
Emerging applications for renewable materials

Venue & Logistics

Location: Siegburg/Cologne, Germany - Industrial heartland of Europe

Venue Details: Premium conference facility in Cologne region

Travel Access:

Cologne/Bonn Airport (CGN) - Major European hub
Excellent rail connections (Cologne Central Station)
Central location in Europe for easy access
Proximity to major chemical and pharmaceutical industries

Hotel & Accommodation: Cologne offers extensive lodging options near conference venue

Registration & Information

Website: Renewable Materials Conference
Early Registration: Opens typically 4 months before event
Standard Registration: Available until conference dates
Contact Information: Available through nova-Institute website

Sponsorship Opportunities

Premium sponsorship packages typically include:

Keynote presentation slot
Prominent booth placement
Logo placement in conference materials
Speaking opportunities in key sessions
Exclusive networking events

Details available through conference website

Post-Conference Materials

Conference Proceedings: Selected papers published
Video Recordings: Key presentations available for registered participants
Contact Lists: Attendee directory for follow-up networking

Last updated: January 05, 2026