Renewable Materials Conference 2026 to Spotlight Defossilisation Through Innovation in Germany

Conference to focus on renewable carbon, fossil-free materials, policy frameworks, innovation awards and industry collaboration

The transition away from fossil fuels is reshaping both the global energy system and the chemical industry. While renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, supported by batteries and hydrogen, are widely recognised as alternatives to fossil fuels, the chemical and plastics sectors require carbon as an essential raw material for manufacturing a wide range of products.

Renewable carbon refers to carbon sourced from biomass, CO2 or recycling instead of fossil resources. Replacing fossil carbon with these alternatives is described as defossilisation, while reducing fossil energy use in the energy sector is known as decarbonisation. Both approaches are considered essential for achieving a net-zero, circular economy.

According to nova-Institute, technologies, renewable chemicals and materials required for this transition are already available or under development. The organisation states that wider implementation depends on political frameworks that support innovation rather than continuing to favour fossil-based industries.

To support industry dialogue, the Renewable Materials Conference (RMC) 2026 will be held from 22–24 September 2026 in Siegburg/Cologne, Germany, with online participation also available.

Held under the theme "Defossilisation through Innovation", the conference programme will focus on the defossilisation of the chemical industry, fossil-free plastics, renewable carbon policy frameworks and biodegradation.

The event will include:

• 75 presentations
• 20 panel discussions
• A high-level evening panel on the opening day titled "Quadruple System Shock as Catalysts for Industrial Transformation"
• 17 interactive workshops covering technological innovations, market trends, policy developments, market pull instruments, lignin valorisation, circularity and biodegradation of plastics in agriculture and forestry
• 41 exhibition booths located across two floors and near the conference session halls

The conference will also host the "Renewable Material of the Year 2026" innovation award, sponsored by Covestro. Six nominees will present ten-minute pitches showcasing their material or technology, with conference participants voting to determine the winner.

Networking activities are planned throughout the three-day event, including extended networking breaks, three evening events, dedicated matchmaking rooms and meeting scheduling through professional matchmaking software. The organisers expect 400 to 500 participants.