The Renewable Materials Conference (RMC) 2026 has officially opened early bird registrations, exhibition and workshop bookings, and submissions for abstracts and innovation entries for the “Renewable Material of the Year 2026” award. The event will be held from 22–24 September 2026 in Siegburg/Cologne, Germany.
Organised by nova-Institute, the annual conference has rapidly become a global meeting point for innovators, companies, brands, investors, and policymakers working toward a renewable carbon economy. This year, organisers expect 400–500 international participants.
The event focuses on defossilisation, addressing the urgent need to shift the chemical and plastics industries away from fossil resources. Fossil extraction currently drives 90% of human-made greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the critical need for renewable carbon from biomass, CO₂, and recycling.
Across three days, the conference will explore practical solutions, industry challenges, and policy frameworks:
- 22 September – Defossilisation of the Chemical Industry
Topics include alternative naphtha, biorefineries, waste valorisation, chemical recycling, CCU, and circular economy strategies. The day ends with a panel on “Competitiveness and Strategic Autonomy.”
- 23 September – Fossil-Free Plastics
Discussions will cover more than 20 commercially available polymers made from biomass, CO₂, and chemical recycling. Sectors such as textiles, packaging, automotive, and consumer goods will be highlighted. The day concludes with the Innovation Award election.
- 24 September – Policy, Framework, and Regenerative Business Models
Sessions will examine policies, market demands, business models, and scientific updates on biodegradation and its role in future circular systems.
Key deadlines include:
- 20% early bird discount until 15 March 2026, followed by a 10% discount until 16 August 2026
- Abstract submissions close on 16 March 2026
- Innovation award submissions close on 3 May 2026
Information on registration, exhibitions, workshops, sponsoring, and submissions is available on the conference website.
This event continues to offer a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing as industries move toward renewable and sustainable carbon cycles.