Global event on renewable carbon economy to take place in Germany from September 22–24

The Renewable Materials Conference (RMC) 2026 will focus on developments in bioeconomy, carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), and recycling, addressing the transition towards defossilisation of chemicals and materials. The theme for this year is “Defossilisation through innovation”.

The conference programme includes 80 presentations, more than 20 panel discussions, 16 workshops, and an exhibition. The sessions are structured across three days, each addressing specific themes.

Day 1, titled “Defossilisation of the Chemical Industry,” will cover renewable carbon strategies, pathways in fine and speciality chemicals, and the use of lignin and CO₂.

Day 2, “Fossil-free Plastics,” will include discussions on bio-based polymers, coating, adhesives and binders, CO₂-based polymers, and recycled plastics across sectors such as automotive, consumer goods, packaging, textiles, and toys.

Day 3, “Setting the Frame for Renewable Carbon,” will address market development, strategy, biodegradation, and policy progress, along with system solutions.

The final programme, including details of speakers across all sessions, has been released.

Sixteen workshops are scheduled, each with a duration of 1.5 hours and participation of around 20 attendees, focusing on areas such as policy, strategy, carbon footprint, and emerging technologies.

The exhibition will feature 40 booths across two floors, presenting developments in the renewable carbon economy. Networking opportunities include scheduled breaks, three evening events, and the use of matchmaking software.

The conference will also host the “Renewable Material of the Year 2026” award. Submissions have been closed, and six innovations will be nominated by the advisory board. Selected nominees will present at the event, with attendees voting live to determine three winners.

Opportunities remain for participation through workshops, exhibition spaces, sponsorship, and poster submissions. Registration with a 10% discount is available until August 16.

The conference is supported by sponsors including UPM Biochemicals (FI) as Platinum Sponsor; Celluranics (CN), GS Biomats (CN), Leaf Biotech (CN), and VERBIO (DE) as Gold Sponsors; and Peterson Solutions (DE) and TÜV Austria Belgium (BE) as Silver Sponsors. The innovation award is sponsored by Covestro.

Supporting organisations include AVK (DE), BCNP (DE), C.A.R.M.E.N. (DE), ChemCologne (DE), ChemieClusterBayern (DE), CLIB (DE), CO2Value Europe (EU), European Bioplastics (EU), IBB Netzwerk (DE), kunststoffland NRW (DE), NRW.Energy4Climate (DE), Plastics Europe (DE), and Renewable Carbon Initiative (EU).