Renewable Materials Conference 2026 Opens Registration
RMC 2026 invites global innovators to advance renewable carbon and defossilisation strategies.
The Renewable Materials Conference 2026 will return to Siegburg/Cologne from 22–24 September, opening registrations, submissions, and innovation award entries while spotlighting global progress in defossilisation and renewable carbon technologies.
Within a short span, the Renewable Materials Conference (RMC) has evolved into a premier global platform for innovators, brands, investors, organisations, and policymakers committed to advancing the renewable carbon economy. For the 2026 edition, nova-Institute anticipates between 400 and 500 international participants, consistent with previous years.
The extraction and use of fossil resources in the chemical and energy sectors remain the largest source of human-induced climate change, responsible for 90% of global GHG emissions. While decarbonisation is progressing in the energy sector, discussions continue on whether the chemical and plastics sectors can reach climate neutrality without a complete transition from fossil carbon. Increasingly, defossilisation—shifting from fossil-based carbon to renewable carbon sourced from biomass, CO₂, and recycling—is being recognised as the only sustainable pathway.
Defossilisation also supports long-term competitiveness, strengthens market positioning, and aligns with investor priorities targeting future-proof portfolios. The Renewable Materials Conference offers a focused platform to examine these opportunities, address uncertainties, and guide industries through critical questions such as:
• How can the chemical industry defossilise while maintaining competitiveness?
• How will industries meet the growing need for fossil-free plastics?
• How can sustainable carbon cycles be established?
• What role will biodegradation play within a circular economy?
The three-day conference will feature expert sessions, workshops on high-priority topics, poster presentations, a tabletop exhibition, and extensive networking opportunities. Participants will also vote for the “Renewable Material of the Year 2026” award, sponsored by Covestro (DE).
Conference Topics — Defossilisation Through Innovation
22 September: Defossilisation of the Chemical Industry
This day explores alternatives such as biorefineries, waste valorisation, CCU, chemical recycling, and renewable raw materials, addressing both commodity and speciality chemicals. A panel discussion on “Competitiveness and Strategic Autonomy” will conclude the day.
23 September: Fossil-Free Plastics
More than 20 polymers made from biomass, CO₂, and chemical recycling are now commercially viable across industries such as packaging, textiles, automotive, and consumer goods. The day will end with the announcement of the Innovation Award 2026 winners.
24 September: Policy, Frameworks & Regenerative Business Models
This segment focuses on policies, markets, frameworks, and business models driving the shift toward renewable carbon and sustainable carbon cycles. It will also address the evolving landscape of biodegradation, including scientific advances and policy developments.
Registrations, Submissions & Key Deadlines
Early bird registration, exhibition and workshop bookings, abstract submissions, and award entries are now open:
- 20% early bird discount until 15 March 2026, followed by 10% discount until 16 August 2026
- Abstract submission deadline: 16 March 2026
- Innovation award submission deadline: 3 May 2026
Conference information, registration, exhibition, workshops, advertising, and sponsorship details are available via the official links provided, including the Service Package 2026.
