AI for Mechanical and Chemical Recycling Quality - AI Circular Economy Conference 2026

The AI Circular Economy Conference, organised by nova-Institute, takes
place in Cologne, Germany, and online on 4-5 March 2026. The event brings together top experts from AI development, chemical manufacturing, recycling, materials science, biotechnology, and investment to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the transition to circular and sustainable material systems. This year’s conference features 24 cutting-edge presentations from speakers representing 12 countries.

The opening keynote by the nova-Institute will address the strategic relevance of using artificial intelligence at the intersection of renewable carbon, highlighting new pathways and future challenges on the road to sustainability.
Artificial Intelligence is unlocking the vast potential of circularity and renewable carbon sectors by making processes, materials, and business models smarter and more efficient throughout the entire value chain – from feedstock innovation to reuse.

Topics include transparency and traceability (digital passports), AI-driven molecular design, process control for depolymerisation, supply chain management, and sustainability assessments. As society demands rapid transformation, AI may provide essential tools for upscaling the use and the production of renewable carbon derived from biomass, recycling and carbon capture utilisation.