nova-Institute Publishes Final Agenda for Renewable Materials Conference Highlighting Breakthroughs in Renewable Carbon and Fossil-Free Materials

nova-Institute Publishes Final Agenda for Renewable Materials Conference Highlighting Breakthroughs in Renewable Carbon and Fossil-Free Materials

(IN BRIEF) The Renewable Materials Conference 2026, organized by nova-Institute, will take place in Siegburg near Cologne from 22–24 September and is expected to gather 400–500 global participants across industry, policy, and research. Centered on the theme Defossilisation through innovation, the event will feature 80 presentations, extensive panel discussions, workshops, and an exhibition focused on advancing renewable carbon solutions, including bioeconomy, CCU, and recycling technologies. The program spans topics such as decarbonizing the chemical industry, fossil-free plastics, and policy frameworks to drive sustainable markets. Highlights include networking opportunities, a large exhibition space, and the Renewable Material of the Year 2026 award, where shortlisted innovations will be presented and judged live. Supported by major sponsors and industry organizations, the conference offers multiple avenues for participation, including workshops, exhibitions, and sponsorships, reinforcing its role as a central hub for collaboration and innovation in sustainable materials.

(PRESS RELEASE) HŪRTH, 4-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The nova-Institute has unveiled the finalized agenda for the upcoming Renewable Materials Conference (RMC), set to take place from 22–24 September 2026 in Siegburg near Cologne. Recognized as a premier international platform for the renewable carbon economy, the event is expected to draw between 400 and 500 participants, including innovators, corporate leaders, investors, and policymakers from across the globe.

Positioned at the forefront of efforts to transition away from fossil-based resources, the conference will spotlight advancements in bioeconomy solutions, carbon capture and utilisation, and recycling technologies. This year’s central theme, Defossilisation through innovation, underscores the industry’s commitment to accelerating sustainable transformation in chemicals and materials.

The three-day program features a comprehensive mix of 80 expert presentations, more than 20 panel discussions, 16 focused workshops, and a multi-level exhibition designed to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange. Each day is dedicated to a specific thematic focus.

The opening day will examine strategies for defossilising the chemical industry, including renewable carbon pathways, developments in fine and specialty chemicals, and innovations in lignin and carbon dioxide utilisation. The second day shifts attention to fossil-free plastics, covering market developments in bio-based polymers, CO₂-derived materials, recycled plastics, and applications across sectors such as automotive, packaging, textiles, and consumer goods. On the final day, discussions will explore broader frameworks for renewable carbon, including policy mechanisms to stimulate market demand, strategic vision-setting, and advancements in biodegradation science and applications.

In addition to the main sessions, the conference will host 16 workshops designed for smaller groups of around 20 participants, encouraging in-depth dialogue on topics such as policy frameworks, sustainability strategies, carbon footprint assessment, and emerging technologies. Limited workshop slots remain available.

The exhibition component will feature approximately 40 booths spread across two floors, highlighting innovations and solutions from across the renewable carbon value chain. Attendees will also benefit from extended networking opportunities, including dedicated breaks, three evening events, and the use of matchmaking tools to connect participants.

A key highlight of the event is the Renewable Material of the Year 2026 award. Following the close of submissions, six shortlisted innovations will be selected by the advisory board and presented during the conference. Attendees will participate in a live vote to determine the top three winners, showcasing breakthrough developments expected to influence the sector.

The conference offers multiple opportunities for companies to participate, including hosting workshops, exhibiting, sponsoring, or presenting posters. Early registration discounts remain available until mid-August.

The event is supported by a wide network of industry associations, research organisations, and partners. Sponsorship backing includes UPM Biochemicals as Platinum Sponsor, alongside Gold Sponsors Celluranics, GS Biomats, Leaf Biotech, and VERBIO. Silver Sponsors include Peterson Solutions and TÜV Austria Belgium. The innovation award is sponsored by Covestro.

With its strong international participation and focus on practical solutions, the Renewable Materials Conference continues to serve as a key gathering point for shaping the future of sustainable materials and chemicals.

The final program with an overview with all speakers of the main sessions across the three conference days has just been released, and can be found here: https://renewable-materials.eu/program/

Since the mid-1990s, the nova-Institute has been dedicated to sustainability and today focuses primarily on renewable carbon cycles. As an independent research institute, it supports companies – particularly from the chemical, plastics, and materials industries – in the use of renewable carbon derived from biomass, direct CO₂ utilisation (CCU), and recycling.

With a multidisciplinary team of scientists, the nova-Institute participates in international innovation projects and provides science-based management consulting. The institute follows a holistic approach: its experts analyse which technologies and raw materials are suitable for specific products, in which markets their application is feasible, which regulatory frameworks apply, how sustainable the solutions are, and how they can be successfully positioned in the market.

Based on these analyses, the team develops tailored strategies to support the transformation from fossil to renewable carbon. Around 50 experts from various disciplines work together to drive the defossilisation of industry – for a climate-neutral future.

More information: www.nova-institute.eu – www.renewable-carbon.eu

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Media Contact:

Dr. Lars Börger (CEO)
nova-Institut für politische und ökologische Innovation GmbH
Leyboldstraße 16 Tel: +49 2233 460 14 00
50354 Hürth Fax +49 2233 460 14 01
Germany contact@nova-institut.de

SOURCE: nova-Institut GmbH