Advanced Recycling Conference 2026 to Focus on Scaling Circular Recycling Solutions
Conference in Cologne will examine technologies, financing, markets and regulatory frameworks for plastics, textiles and PVC recycling
The Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) 2026 will bring together industry leaders, technology providers, researchers, innovators and policy-makers on 17–18 November 2026 in Cologne, Germany. The conference will focus on moving advanced recycling technologies from innovation toward commercial and industrial implementation.
With nearly 300 participants, the event will address recycling technologies, market opportunities, financing, environmental performance and evolving EU regulations affecting the circular use of materials.
Advanced Recycling Technologies and Market Opportunities
The European chemical and materials sector is facing increasing pressure to close carbon loops, improve raw-material security and resilience, and meet higher recycling targets.
ARC 2026 will cover waste streams including mixed plastic waste, textiles and PVC, with dedicated sessions on technologies such as:
- Dissolution
- Depolymerisation
- Pyrolysis
- Thermochemical recycling
The programme will also examine how digitalisation, financing and investment can support the scale-up and commercial deployment of advanced recycling technologies.
International experts will discuss market potential, environmental performance and the impact of changing policy and regulatory frameworks.
EU Regulations Drive Demand for Recycled Materials
The conference comes as new EU regulations introduce stricter requirements for recycling and recycled-content use.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces minimum recycled-content requirements of 10% to 35% for different types of plastic packaging by 2030, with higher targets expected by 2040.
The proposed End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation would require a minimum of 25% recycled plastic in new vehicles. If adopted, the measure could contribute to higher demand for recycled post-consumer plastics.
Meeting these targets will require wider deployment of innovative recycling technologies as well as investment in recycling infrastructure.
Dedicated Sessions Across Key Recycling Areas
ARC 2026 will address technological, regulatory, financial and environmental aspects through dedicated sessions:
- Advanced Recycling – Markets, Financing & Scaling
- Sustainability & Life Cycle Assessments
- Pyrolysis Oil Post-processing & Upgrading
- Textile Recycling
- PVC Recycling
- Depolymerisation Technologies for PET & Si-O-Based Polymers
- Dissolution Technologies
- Regulations and Tools for End-to-end Certifications Within the Recycling Loop
Exhibition and Poster Session
The conference will also feature a trade exhibition and poster session, providing opportunities for industry professionals, researchers and other participants to exchange knowledge and explore collaboration.
Exhibition stands are available for booking, while poster submissions are open until 9 October 2026.
The event is supported by Gold Sponsor Siemens; Silver sponsors BUSS ChemTech and Yncoris; and Bronze Sponsor Erema Group.
The Advanced Recycling Conference is also supported by industry and trade associations, non-profit organisations, research institutions and interest groups including BCNP Consultants, C.A.R.M.E.N., ChemCologne, Chemie-Cluster Bayern, CLIB, Fecc – European Association of Chemical Distributors, IBB Netzwerk, kunststoffland.NRW, Plastics Europe, Renewable Carbon Initiative and VinylPlus.
Event: Advanced Recycling Conference 2026
Date: 17–18 November 2026
Venue: Cologne, Germany