#Recycling / Circular Economy

2024-08-29

Advanced Recycling Conference 2024: New focus areas and innovative program announced

The Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) 2024 scheduled for 20-21 November 2024, in Cologne, Germany, and online, will feature an enhanced program that tackles some of the most pressing issues in recycling technology. Along the recycling of plastic packaging this year’s conference will spotlight additional urgent topics such as E-waste valorisation, PVC recycling, textile recycling, and the utilisation of advanced recycling for engineering thermoplastics. Another key focus will explore advanced recycling through the lens of investments and funding strategies.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore a comprehensive range of recycling technologies, including extrusion, dissolution, enzymolysis, solvolysis, pyrolysis, thermal depolymerization, and gasification with Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU). The program also includes discussions on pre- and post-treatment technologies and digital innovations that are shaping the future of recycling.

Designed to address the ambitious EU recycling targets, ARC 2024 will focus on achieving the recycling quotas, e.g. achieving up to 70 % recycling quotas for packaging materials and 55 % for plastics. The conference serves as a crucial platform for industry leaders, brands, investors, and policymakers to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and explore new opportunities in recycling.

Building on its rapid success, ARC has seen a 30 % increase in participation, with nearly 300 attendees from 26 countries joining the 2023 event. The 2024 edition aims to expand on this momentum by fostering deeper collaboration between experts in both physical and chemical recycling. Attendees will gain essential insights into how emerging trends and technological advancements can address the sector’s evolving demands while aligning with sustainability and regulatory goals.

Early bird tickets are now available, offering a 10 % discount until 10 September 2024.

More information is available at 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.

Advanced Recycling Conference 2026 to showcase innovations – Call for abstracts

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.

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.

Reju opens its first R&D Center in the U.S. in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

Reju, the company specializing in textile regeneration, today announced the opening of a Research and Development (R&D) Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company's first proprietary research center in North America. Located within Technip Energies' existing Advanced Materials and Catalysts research center, the lab will allow Reju to accelerate the rollout of its recycling technologies and develop its next-generation circular solutions.

New skills for a circular textile economy

Based on the results of a comprehensive analysis, the Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity is developing three practical training modules covering recycling technologies, eco-design for the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing. The content of the first module, Recycling Technologies, has now been developed and validated together with industry representatives. The module provides participants with knowledge of regulatory requirements, material sorting and the preparation of textile waste for recycling.

Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.