Renewable Carbon Events

nova Session: Textile Recycling (online)
2024-09-17 13:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Berlin) | https://events.renewable-carbon.eu/event/nova-session-textile-recycling/
Hosts: Dr. Asta Partanen and Dr. Lars Krause (both nova-Institute)
13:00-16:00 (CET), online

Fibre-to-fibre recycling in Europe is at a promising stage of development, driven by technological innovation, political support and growing consumer awareness. Nevertheless, further efforts are needed to overcome the existing challenges and make the recycling of textiles an integral part of the European circular economy.
The challenge of textile recycling is the frequent use of mixed fibres. New technologies for the production of new fibres e.g. from the cellulosic part of the textile waste offers a “fibre to fibre” solution for the industry in line with the EU textile strategy. Recycling of textiles into new fibres is an important factor to be promoted on a wider scale: using existing resources is a smart strategy. However, the textile industry currently uses less than 10% recycled fibres. New regulations from Brussels will increase the proportion of recycled fibres in textiles, and the necessary logistics and technologies must be in place to recycle textiles on a large scale. Inadequate regulation of textile waste management is a major factor contributing to the loss of much of this material through incineration. Another critical issue is the challenge of recycling textiles that have been mixed with other materials. This raises the question of what new and advanced technologies are available to process mixed textile waste.
Within the regulatory framework, the industry has to deal with tightening legislation that prohibits landfilling and incineration and instead promotes reuse and recycling. In addition, consumers have started to demand more sustainable products and value chains, so brand owners are also responding. This change also requires broad cooperation between all stakeholders in the textile value chain.
The nova session: textile recycling will present leading large-scale, state-of-the-art engineering and service solutions from Valmet (FI): Heli Kangas and Andritz (AT): Elina Pesonen. These technology practitioners will be complemented by chemical recycling expert Lars Krause from nova Institute, who is also the author of the chemical recycling study and project leader of the Advanced Recycling Conference. Another expert on textile recycling is from the leading Spanish research institute AIMPLAS: Mireia Fernandez Bazan, Prof. Dionisios Vlachos from University of Delaware (US) will shed light on the Chemical Recycling of Mixed Textiles.
The following program will provide enough time for the participants to discuss and ask their questions.
13:00 nova-Institute (DE): Dr. Asta Partanen – Welcome and Regulatory Framework
13:15 nova-Institute (DE): Dr. Lars Krause – Advanced Recycling for Textiles
13:40 Valmet (FI): Heli Kangas – Towards scale-up – Challenges and Opportunities for Industry in Cellulosic Textile Fiber Production and Recycling
14:05 – 14:15 Coffee break
14:15 Andritz (AT): Elina Pesonen – New Opportunities in the Circular Textile Ecosystem
14:40 Aimplas (SP): Mireia Fernandez Bazan – Complementarity of Recycling Technologies – Strategy to Achieve Comprehensive and Sustainable Recycling of Textile Waste
15:05 University of Delaware (US): Prof. Dionisios Vlachos – Chemical Recycling of Mixed Textiles
15:30 Plenary discussion and wrap up
16:00 End

NameCompany / OrganizationCityCountryAnna Lundahl Dal SantoIKEA of SwedenTygelsjöSwedenRaquel AlmeidaCaima, S.A.ConstânciaPortugalRuben DecosterFININDUSZwijnaardeBelgiumAmin KirollosQlar Europe GmbHDarmstadtGermanyDaniel KauteEvoralis LimitedOxfordUnited KingdomJulia JurasInnoenergyCracowPolandHolger FischerFaserinstitut Bremen e.V.BremenGermany

FREE nova Session: Latest nova Market and Trend Reports on Alternative Naphtha, Advanced Recycling, Bio-based Polymers and Bioeconomy in China
2024-11-28 13:30 - 15:00
nova Session: Latest nova Market and Trend Reports on Alternative Naphtha, Advanced Recycling, Bio-based Polymers and Bioeconomy in China
Hosts: Michael Carus, Lars Krause, Pia Skoczinski, Gillian Tweddle, Ann Zhang (all nova-institute)
28 November from 13:30 to 15:00h CET (online) – free of charge
In this upcoming nova Session, a free webinar, the latest insights from four key reports that are shaping the future of renewable carbon economy, will be presented. The focus will be on the defossilisation of the chemical industry and fossil-free plastics.
In this session, nova’s best experts will explore ground-breaking developments in bio-based building blocks and polymers, alternative naphtha, biodegradable plastics in China and advanced plastic waste recycling. Each report examines emerging trends, global capacity and market dynamics that are driving the transition to a defossilised, net-zero chemical industry.
Alternative Naphtha – Technologies and Market, Status and Outlook
This report examines how the chemical industry can move away from fossil-based naphtha. It looks at the pathways to naphtha from different renewable carbon sources – CO₂, biomass and recycling – and how these alternatives can be integrated into existing refinery and steam cracker operations. The presentation will cover technologies, market dynamics, industry players and projected capacities that are essential to enable this transition to renewable carbon, which is a critical step towards a defossilised chemical industry.
Mapping of Advanced Plastic Waste Recycling Technologies and their Global Capacities
This comprehensive report provides an in-depth look at the rapidly evolving landscape of advanced plastics recycling technologies, where new players and partnerships continue to emerge. For the first time, the report provides a global analysis of recycling capacity, mapping more than 340 operational and planned facilities and profiling more than 120 technology providers – nearly doubling the number included in the previous edition: An overview of the latest technologies, global input and output capacities, and market insights that clarify this complex and dynamic sector, especially for those familiar with the field and seeking the latest developments.
Bio-based Building Blocks and Polymers – Global Capacities, Production and Trends 2023–2028
This comprehensive overview of the 17 commercially available bio-based polymers provides an in-depth look at recent developments and growth trends. In 2023, notable capacity expansions include a nearly 50% increase in PLA and steady growth in polyamide and epoxy resin production, as well as expanded capacity for 100% bio-based PE. While bio-based PET will decline significantly, other materials such as PE and PP derived from bio-based naphtha will gain traction. The presentation will provide an in-depth look at these shifts and expected trends through 2028, mapping the evolution of this dynamically and fast growing market (CAGR 17%).
Bio-based and Biodegradable Plastics Industries in China
Is China leading the global bioeconomy? This report examines China’s rapid advances in bio-based technologies and their impact on the global chemical industry. It explores how China is promoting bio-based and biodegradable plastics, setting the stage for a potential net-zero chemical industry by 2060. The presentation will cover the state of the industry in China, market dynamics and areas where European and Chinese industries could find collaborative and mutually beneficial ways to develop this promising sector.
Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the critical shifts happening in the bio-based and sustainable chemical industries.
Each report will be presented by the lead author for approximately 15 minutes, with key findings, followed by a discussion.
Join us for an engaging discussion with the authors and industry experts for a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities in these rapidly evolving sectors.
Program
13:30–13:35 Welcome, introduction and moderation
(Michael Carus, nova-Institute)
13:35–13:55 Alternative Naphtha – Technologies and Market, Status and Outlook
(Gillian Tweddle, nova-Institute)
13:55–14:15 Mapping of Advanced Plastic Waste Recycling Technologies and their Global Capacities, presentation and discussion
(Lars Krause, nova-Institute)
14:15–14:35 Bio-based Building Blocks and Polymers – Global Capacities, Production and Trends 2023–2028, presentation and discussion
(Pia Skoczinski, nova-Institute)
14:35–14:55 Bio-based and Biodegradable Plastics Industries in China, presentation and discussion
(Ann Zhang, nova-Institute)
14:55–15:00 Wrap-up and final discussion
(Michael Carus, all nova-institute)

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BXeSp_arRJaT12_7e3lqbQ

FREE nova Session: Latest nova Market and Trend Reports on Advanced Recycling, Mass Balance and Attribution (MBA), Bio-based Polymers and Alternative Naphtha
2025-12-08 14:00 - 15:30
nova Session: Latest nova Market and Trend Reports on Alternative Naphtha, Advanced Recycling, Bio-based Polymers and Bioeconomy in China
Hosts: Michael Carus, Lars Krause, Pia Skoczinski, Gillian Tweddle (all nova-institute)
8 December from 14:00 to 15:30h CET (online) – free of charge
In this upcoming nova Session, a free webinar, the latest insights from four key reports that are shaping the future of renewable carbon economy, will be presented. The focus will be on the defossilisation of the chemical industry and fossil-free plastics.
In this session, nova’s best experts will explore ground-breaking developments in advanced plastic waste recycling, mass balance and attribution (MBA), bio-based building blocks and polymers and alternative naphtha. Each report examines emerging trends, global capacity and market dynamics that are driving the transition to a defossilised, net-zero chemical industry.
Join us for an engaging discussion with the authors and industry experts for a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities in these rapidly evolving sectors.
These four reports will be presented, offering in-depth analyses on alternative naphtha, bio-based building blocks and polymers, advanced recycling, and mass balance and attribution (MBA):
NEW: Mapping of Global Advanced Plastic Recycling Capacities
The development of advanced recycling technologies is very dynamic and at a fast pace, with new players constantly appearing on the market, from start-ups to chemistry giants and everything in between. New plants are being built, and new capacities are being achieved. Due to these dynamic developments, it is difficult to keep track of everything. The nova report “Mapping of global advanced plastic recycling capacities” aims to clear up this jungle of information. A comprehensive evaluation of the global input and output capacities was carried out for which 390 planned as well as installed and operating plants including their specific product yields were mapped to provide an overview about global advanced recycling capacities in the past, present, and future.
NEW: Mainstreaming Mass Balance and Attribution (MBA)
The acceptance and accessibility of mass balanced attributed (MBA) chemicals, building blocks and polymers is a major issue for the chemical and plastics sectors, as well as for brand owners. MBA products could provide more options, better availability and reduced costs for the defossilisation compared to dedicated bio-based solutions.
However, both the MBA concept and the political regulations are crucial for scaling up, but difficult to understand. Furthermore, discussions about potentially misleading communication on the concept are confusing stakeholders. In addition, no production volumes are available.
Bio-based Building Blocks and Polymers – Global Capacities, Production and Trends 2024–2029
2024 was a respectable year for bio-based polymers, with an overall expected CAGR of 13 % to 2029. Overall, bio-based biodegradable polymers have large installed capacities with an expected CAGR of 17 % to 2029, but the current average capacity utilisation is moderate at 65 %. In contrast, bio-based non-biodegradable polymers have a much higher utilisation rate of 90 %, but will only grow by 10 % to 2029.
Epoxy resin and PUR production is growing moderately at 9 and 8 %, respectively, while PP and cyclic APC capacities are increasing by 30 %. Despite a decline in production of biodegradables, especially for PLA in Asia, capacities have increased by 40 %. The same applies to PHA capacities. Commercial newcomers such as casein polymers and PEF recorded a rise in production capacity and are expected to continue to grow significantly until 2029.
Alternative Naphtha – Technologies and Market, Status and Outlook
This report examines how the chemical industry can move away from fossil-based naphtha. It looks at the pathways to naphtha from different renewable carbon sources – CO₂, biomass and recycling – and how these alternatives can be integrated into existing refinery and steam cracker operations. The presentation will cover technologies, market dynamics, industry players and projected capacities that are essential to enable this transition to renewable carbon, which is a critical step towards a defossilised chemical industry.
Each report will be presented by the lead author for approximately 15 minutes, with key findings, followed by a discussion.
Join us for an engaging discussion with the authors and industry experts for a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities in these rapidly evolving sectors.
Program

14:00–14:05 Michael Carus, nova-Institute: Welcome, introduction and moderation
14:05-14:25 Lars Krause, nova-Institute: Mapping of Global Advanced Plastic Recycling Capacities, presentation and discussion
14:25-14:45 Michael Carus, nova-Institute: Mainstreaming Mass Balance and Attribution (MBA)
14:45–15:05 Pia Skoczinski, nova-Institute: Bio-based Building Blocks and Polymers – Global Capacities, Production and Trends 2024–2029, presentation and discussion
15:05-15:25 Gillian Tweddle, nova-Institute: Alternative Naphtha – Technologies and Market, Status and Outlook, presentation and discussion
15:25–15:30 Michael Carus, nova-Institute: Wrap-up and final discussion

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wmDIB2vwSYKgLl14hgdIog

AI Circular Economy Conference 2026
2026-03-04 - 2026-03-05 | Maternushaus, Kardinalfringsstraße 1-3, Köln, 50668, Germany
Unlocking the Potential of Renewable Carbon from Biomass, CCU and Recycling.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a technological trend; it is a transformative force that is accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable carbon sources in the chemical and materials industry. This represents one of the greatest industrial challenges since the beginning of the industrial revolution, requiring the most advanced digital solutions available. AI is emerging as the key enabler of this transformation.
nova-Institute proudly presents its new highlight event, bringing together the best innovators, researchers, and practitioners of this fundamental digital transformation of our society: The AI Circular Economy Conference, 4-5 March, 2026 in Cologne and online. Join us at this groundbreaking conference to explore how advanced AI tools and applications are shaping the future of circular and sustainable materials by unlocking the full potential of renewable carbon from biomass, carbon capture utilisation (CCU), and recycling:

High-tech innovators are delivering cutting-edge AI solutions for science and industry.
Chemical and plastics producers are using AI to innovate more quickly, efficiently, and sustainably.
The agricultural and biomass sectors are using AI to identify new sources of raw materials and close the loop on material flows.
Cutting-edge applications of AI, including AI-assisted modelling of CCU processes and catalysts, optimisation of CO₂ capture, and the design of novel chemical pathways such as those involving electrochemistry.
Use of AI for process control and optimisation in depolymerisation, advanced waste stream sorting and feedstock analysis, as well as quality assurance of recycled materials.

Featuring top experts in AI development, chemical and plastics manufacturing, biotechnology, agriculture, recycling and sustainability, this interdisciplinary event will explore the latest developments in the field. Whether you are a data scientist working on new industrial applications, a materials professional seeking for practical tools, or part of the management or investment community looking to understand strategic and financial opportunities, this conference will provide you with actionable insights, valuable use cases and collaborative opportunities. The “AI Circular Economy Conference” will bring together all relevant stakeholders to discuss the need for AI solutions in a circular economy in the chemistry and materials sector and to match these needs with technical solutions from scientists and developers.
Further information at https://ai-circulareconomy.eu

ADVANCED RECYCLING CONFERENCE 2026 (ARC)
2026-11-17 - 2026-11-18 | Maternushaus, Kardinalfringsstraße 1-3, Köln, 50668, Germany
Discover the cutting-edge advancements in recycling technology at our upcoming Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) 2026! Join industry leaders, innovators, policy makers and enthusiasts as we delve into a comprehensive exploration of advanced recycling solutions and related topics.
This unique event covers all — extrusion, dissolution, enzymolysis, solvolysis, pyrolysis, thermal depolymerisation, gasification with Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU), pre-and post-treatment technologies as well as digital solutions. Dive deep into discussions about ambitious EU recycling targets, the commitments of the chemical industry and brands, and the evolving demands of customers and investors driving the recycling sector forward.
Further information: https://advanced-recycling.eu
