Breaking Down Renewable Carbon Barriers to Transform Europe’s Chemical Industry
The Renewable Materials Conference (RMC) is reshaping Europe’s chemical and materials industry. It emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and strong policies for defossilisation. The event took place from 22 to 24 September 2025 in Siegburg, Germany.
More than 410 participants from 29 countries attended the conference. With 75 presentations, 20 panels, 14 workshops, and 300 one-on-one meetings, it became a key platform for shaping the renewable chemistry landscape.
Driving a Defossilised and Competitive Industry
Keynote speakers Dr. Lars Börger, Co-CEO of nova-Institute, and Michael Carus, Founder of nova-Institute, stressed the need for independence from fossil fuels.
Dr. Börger stated, “Resilience is the ability to withstand disturbances, adapt, and emerge stronger. By leading in renewables and circularity, Europe can build the chemical industry of the future.”
Examples from India and China showed that policy-driven bioeconomy models can accelerate transformation and improve competitiveness.
Creating Synergies Across Renewable Carbon Sectors
A major outcome of RMC 2025 was the removal of silos between renewable carbon sectors. Delegates identified the “holy trinity of renewable carbon sources” — biomass, CO₂, and chemical recycling — as crucial for a fossil-free future.
The methanol platform emerged as a promising pathway, potentially replacing cracker-based production. Moreover, investments in propylene and polypropylene from renewable methanol and chemical recycling show real progress toward carbon circularity.
The bioeconomy sector also displayed tangible success. Six companies shared innovations in lignin utilization. These applications now span asphalt, plastics, building materials, and cosmetics, marking a new commercial phase for this green feedstock.
Policy Support: The Key to Industrial Transformation
Throughout the event, speakers repeatedly emphasized one message — Europe needs clear, long-term policy support. Strong frameworks can attract investment and secure industrial growth.
Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea from the European Commission’s DG Environment confirmed that the new Bioeconomy Strategy will prioritize the material use of biomass. This policy shift signals stronger EU commitment to renewable carbon initiatives.
Celebrating Innovation: Renewable Materials of the Year 2025
Three breakthrough technologies won the Innovation Award 2025:
- Cyclize (Germany) – Converts mixed waste and CO₂ into syngas through plasma reforming, using two-thirds less energy than electrolysis.
- Bloom Biorenewables (Switzerland) – Introduced white lignin with natural antioxidant and antimicrobial properties for cosmetic use.
- Sustanix Materialtech (Netherlands) – Developed plant-based coatings that replace PFAS and plastics in paper packaging, offering full recyclability.
These projects prove that renewable materials can balance innovation, performance, and sustainability.
Workshops and Global Engagement
More than 14 workshops explored biodegradation, compostability, carbon accounting, and policy alignment. Sessions led by BASF, Hydra, and nova-Institute promoted collaboration among policymakers and industry leaders.
Consequently, these discussions encouraged stronger alignment between science, business, and regulation to accelerate renewable carbon adoption.
The Road Ahead
As the conference concluded, participants agreed that Europe’s chemical transformation depends on cross-sector collaboration, innovation-driven investment, and supportive regulation.
In short, the Renewable Materials Conference 2025 has become a key driver of Europe’s sustainable and competitive chemical future.