#Recycling / Circular Economy

2026-03-26

Advanced Recycling Conference 2026 to showcase innovations – Call for abstracts

Speaker at Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) © 2026 nova-Institute

The call for abstracts is now open for the Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) 2026, taking place on 17–18 November 2026 in Cologne, Germany, and online. Europe’s leading platform for advanced recycling brings together hands-on solutions and cutting-edge research on recycling technologies for various waste streams like plastics, polymers, textiles or automotive, highlighting progress towards a circular renewable carbon economy.

As various industries adapt to ambitious EU recycling targets and evolving market conditions, ARC 2026 will explore the latest technological, policy, and regulatory developments shaping advanced recycling across Europe and beyond. Researchers and industry professionals are invited to submit abstracts by 31 July 2026 via https://advanced-recycling.eu/call-for-abstracts/.

The conference covers a wide range of topics, including extrusion, dissolution, solvolysis, enzymolysis, pyrolysis, pre- and post-treatment processes, digital innovations (AI, blockchain), and life cycle assessment. With a focus on collaboration along the entire recycling value chain, ARC 2026 offers a key meeting point for technology providers, industry, waste management, brands, investors, policymakers, and the scientific community.

Advancing technologies and strategies for a circular economy

As the go-to event for both practical insights and forward-looking research, ARC 2026 will also address technology selection for different waste streams, environmental impact assessment, and emerging innovations with promising applications. On-site and online registration is now open, offering early bird bookers a 20 % discount until 16 July 2026 via https://advanced-recycling.eu/registration/.

ARC 2026 offers excellent opportunities for companies to increase their visibility among industry peers through sponsorship and exhibition. Information on sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available at https://advanced-recycling.eu/sponsoring/ and https://advanced-recycling.eu/exhibition-booking/.

More information on the Advanced Recycling Conference 2026:

https://advanced-recycling.eu.

The updated poster on biodegradable Polymers in various environments has been released

As part of the PerPlacsBio project, nova-Institute has updated its popular poster on the biodegradability of polymers in different environments. The updated version reflects current standards, certifications and the latest scientific findings. The poster can be used to assess biodegradable alternatives for use in agriculture and forestry, and it is now available in German for the first time.

AI Circular Economy Conference 2026 fuels innovation at the intersection of AI and Circular Economy

The AI Circular Economy Conference 2026, organised by nova-Institute, brought together 116 participants from 15 countries in Cologne and online to explore the transformation of the chemical and materials industry supported and accelerated by artificial intelligence. During the two-day event, leading experts from industry, research, start-ups and the investment community discussed how AI can maximise the potential of renewable carbon creating efficient circular value chains. The conference featured 24 presentations and multiple panel discussions, highlighting the growing convergence of digital technologies and circular material systems. It demonstrated how artificial intelligence is progressing from the experimental stage to real industrial implementation within the circular economy.

Pioneer of the first hour: Michael Carus steps down after more than 30 years from nova-Institute’s Management

After more than three decades at the helm, founder and CEO Michael Carus is set to step down as head of the Renewable Carbon division on 1 March 2026. Lars Börger as the new CEO, will take over this key position of the nova-Institute together with COO Linda Engel, while Carus will remain with the research and consulting company as a senior advisor and shareholder. This change takes place after a one-year transition phase, as planned.

The nova-Institute establishes new Renewable Feedstock Department to lay the groundwork for industrial defossilisation

The transition from fossil-based to renewable carbon – sourced from biomass, CO₂ utilisation and recycling – is the cornerstone of a climate-neutral chemical industry. The nova-Institute’s new department is dedicated to providing the essential data, analyses and strategic roadmaps required to secure a reliable future feedstock supply and make this transition a commercial and ecological reality.

EU ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear now in force

The European Union's ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, clothing accessories and footwear has entered into force. Since July 19, 2026, large companies across the EU have been prohibited from destroying unsold textile products, while medium-sized companies will be required to comply with the same rules from 2030.

Circ launches first denim collection with H&M featuring TENCEL™ | Circ® with REFIBRA™ technology

Circ today announced that the first men's denim collection featuring TENCEL™ | Circ® with REFIBRA™ technology is now available at H&M, marking the commercial delivery of this unique pilot project first announced in October 2025. Featuring two styles available across the UK, Scandinavia, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, South Europe, Turkey, North America, Mexico, Canada, and the Middle East, the launch brings TENCEL™ | Circ® with REFIBRA™ technology into H&M's standard men's denim assortment for the first time.

Eastman Naia™ brings its inside-out denim vision to Kingpins New York

Following its debut at Kingpins Amsterdam, Eastman Naia™ brings the next chapter of its denim story to Kingpins New York, taking place July 22–23. At Booth Green 7, Naia™ presents its denim proposition built around three complementary design directions: Performance Denim, Fashion Denim and Authentic Denim.