[pageLogInLogOut]

#Research & Development

1 Gt of fossil carbon per year to be replaced by renewable carbon from biomass, CO2 and recycling

The upcoming Renewable Materials Conference, 23-25 May in Siegburg/Cologne (Germany) promises to be a one-of-a-kind event that provides a platform for showcasing the impressive achievements in the field of renewable materials. The conference will bring together experts, stakeholders, and industry leaders to discuss latest developments and share their visions and strategies for the future.

Although experts project lower growth rates for the chemical and plastics industries in the coming decades, global demand for embedded carbon – the carbon in molecules – is expected to increase significantly to 1.15 Gt of carbon per year by 2050. Today, approximately 88% of embedded carbon comes from fossil feedstocks, including oil, natural gas and coal. To achieve a fully defossilised economy, this demand must be met exclusively by renewable carbon sources. And there only are three sources of renewable carbon: biomass, the direct use of CO2 and the recycling of carbon already in our technosphere.

Renewable Materials Conference 2023

Set to take place from 23-25 May 2023, the Renewable Materials Conference brings together the brightest stars of the renewable materials sector in Siegburg/Cologne (Germany). More than 500 participants are expected to attend the meeting point for global leaders in industry, science, and politics. With the unique concept of uniting all renewable materials solutions at one event hits the mark: “The Renewable Materials Conference has established itself as one of the most important conferences for renewable materials worldwide,” says Michael Carus, CEO of nova-Institute and spokesperson for the event. “We are proud to bring together global leaders in industry, science, and politics to shape the future of renewable materials and create a more sustainable world for generations to come.”

© 2023 nova institute
© 2023 nova institute


All information and registration for the event is available at: http://www.renewable-materials.eu

Top speakers from world-renowned companies, pioneering start-ups, high-profile research and politics will present and discuss a diverse range of innovative solutions based on biomass, CO2 and recycling in 80 presentations (main and parallel sessions), 20 panel discussions and several expert workshops. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the innovative technologies and solutions that are driving progress in renewable materials, and will learn about the latest trends and emerging opportunities.

More than 40 top-class exhibitors are expected at a new and perfectly suited location – the conference center “Rhein Sieg Forum” in Siegburg near Bonn and Cologne (Germany), easily accessible by high-speed train (ICI) from Brussels or Frankfurt, for example. A matchmaking area throughout the three days, long lunch breaks and three evening meeting points guarantee comprehensive and effective networking. Online networking starts two weeks before the event.

With a focus on collaborative efforts and knowledge-sharing, the conference will provide a platform for attendees to engage in productive discussions and forge new partnerships. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the current state of renewable materials and a clear sense of the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

Join us at the Renewable Materials Conference in Siegburg/Cologne, Germany from May 23-25, 2023, and be a part of the movement towards a more sustainable chemical, material and plastics industry.

Six Materials Nominated for the Innovation Award “Renewable Material of the Year 2023”

New materials will enable sustainable products in areas such as textiles, cosmetics, packaging, as well as elastic and biodegradable materials for a variety of applications. Participants will vote for the winners.

One way to overcome the industry’s dependence on fossil carbon is to replace crude oil and natural gas with renewable carbon within the existing structures of the chemical industry. Other ways require innovation, the development of new processes, building blocks and materials. This means a new way of thinking about chemistry and materials. Ready-to-use, fossil-free, sustainable material solutions with a low carbon footprint are in rapidly growing demand. Innovative brand owners are looking for such solutions, especially those that will soon become mainstream.



With the innovation award “Renewable Material of the Year 2023”, nova-Institute, as organiser, and Covestro, as sponsor, aim to recognise particularly exciting and promising solutions that contribute to replacing fossil carbon from the ground. The call for submissions was answered by 30 companies. The advisory board and the nova experts had a hard time selecting the six most exciting and nominating them for the award.

On the second day of the conference, the nominated companies will present their products and all 500+ conference participants will vote for the three winners on site and online. An exciting competition for you to be a part of.

All information here: https://renewable-materials.eu/award-application/

Sponsoring, Exhibition and Company Events

The innovation award is sponsored by Covestro (DE), Platinum Sponsor is UPM Biochemicals (FI). Many thanks to our Gold Sponsors Alfa Laval (SE), CovationBio (US), GS Biotech (CN), iff (US), NESTE (FI), Sappi (NL/ZA), TUEV Austria (AT), Sugar Energy (CN) as well as our Bronze sponsors BASF (DE), DIN CERTCO (DE), FKuR (DE), GEA (DE), Heraeus (DE) and Sulzer (CH). Finally, we thank Borealis (AT) as the conference beer-on-tap sponsor.

© 2023 nova institute
© 2023 nova institute


Partners

The Renewable Materials Conference is supported by industry and trade associations, non- profit organisations, research institutions and interest groups that are thematically linked to the conference: AVK (DE), BBIA (UK), BCNP Consultants (DE), C.A.R.M.E.N. (DE), CLIB – Cluster Industrial Biotechnology (DE), EEN - Enterprise Europe/Zenit (EU) European Bioplastics (EU), FNR – Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe (DE), GO!PHA (International), In4Climate.NRW (DE), IBB – Industrielle Biotechnologie Bayern Netzwerk (DE), ITA – Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen (DE), kunststoffland NRW (DE), ÖGUT – Österreichische Gesellschaft für Umwelt und Technik (AT), Plastics Europe (DE) and Renewable Carbon Initiative (International).



More News from TEXDATA International

#Techtextil 2026

Performance Apparels: Functional textiles drive innovation at Techtextil 2026

From high-performance fibres and advanced membranes to smart textiles and sustainable material concepts – functional apparel is becoming one of the most dynamic innovation fields in technical textiles. At Techtextil 2026, exhibitors demonstrate how new materials, finishing technologies and digital functions are shaping the next generation of protective, workwear and outdoor systems.

#Texprocess 2026

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI reshape textile processing

Investment decisions in textile processing have become increasingly complex. Rising energy prices, labour shortages and geopolitical uncertainties are forcing companies to prioritise technologies that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and process stability. This applies not only to apparel production, but also to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. Modernisation projects are therefore being evaluated more selectively – but the pressure to upgrade production systems continues to grow. Texprocess 2026 reflects this tension between cautious investment behaviour and increasing technological demand.

#Techtextil 2026

Textile Chemicals & Dyes: Innovation in Textile Chemistry moves into focus at Techtextil 2026

From PFAS-free finishes and water-saving dyeing technologies to advanced coatings and recycling-compatible formulations, innovation in textile chemistry is accelerating across the industry. Reflecting this development, Techtextil 2026 introduces Textile Chemicals & Dyes as a dedicated product segment, highlighting the growing role of chemical solutions in shaping the next generation of technical textiles.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

textile.4U publishes special edition “Top 100 Textile Recycling Companies 2025”

With a comprehensive 176-page special edition, textile.4U is dedicating its latest issue entirely to one of the most dynamic and influential topics in today’s textile industry: textile recycling. The new issue, published exclusively in high-quality print, presents the Top 100 textile recycling companies researched and selected by TexData – organizations that already play a key role in the transition to circular textiles or are expected to have a significant impact in the near future.

More News on Research & Development

#Techtextil 2026

ITM presents cutting-edge textile research at Techtextil

From April 21 to 24, 2026, the Chair of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) at TUD Dresden University of Technology will be presenting its current research at Techtextil, the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens. In Hall 12.0, Stand D41, the team will be demonstrating how it combines high-performance fibers, AI-supported digital development tools and innovative machine technologies to develop textile solutions for lightweight construction, construction, medical technology and sustainable production from atom to product.

#Research & Development

Textile cascade filter for removing microplastics from wastewater

Microplastics are now found almost everywhere, even in remote regions of Antarctica. They enter the human body through the food chain. Studies indicate that microplastics may have negative effects on the human health.

#Research & Development

Fraunhofer IAP paves the way for "Green" carbon fibers

A new pilot plant in Guben is set to enable the production of bio-based carbon fibers. The plant is part of the Carbon Lab Factory Lausitz and will make an important contribution to the transformation of the Lausitz region—from a traditionally raw material- and basic industry-oriented region to a hub for innovative high-performance materials. The German federal government and the state of Brandenburg are providing the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP with 53.3 million euros for this purpose.

#Research & Development

Hof University develops sustainable textile coating for the fashion of tomorrow from mushrooms

Clothing is often treated as disposable: T-shirts for events, general merchandise, or short-term campaigns frequently end up in the trash after only a few uses. This is particularly problematic given that their production still largely relies on fossil-based materials. This is precisely where a new research project at Hof University of Applied Sciences comes in.

Latest News

#Recycled Fibers

RE&UP partners with Madewell and ISKO on textile-to-textile denim capsule

RE&UP Recycling Technologies is accelerating the shift toward a closed-loop textile economy through a collaboration with American denim brand Madewell and global fabric manufacturer ISKO. By transforming approximately 20,000 pairs of post-consumer jeans into recycled feedstock for a textile-to-textile denim capsule, RE&UP demonstrates the commercial viability of circular systems in the denim sector.

#Techtextil 2026

Sedo Treepoint will exhibit smart technologies for technical textile production

As technical textile production becomes increasingly complex and sustainability requirements intensify, digital integration is evolving from an efficiency tool into a strategic task. At Techtextil 2026 (April 21–24, Frankfurt am Main), Sedo Treepoint will present smart digital systems designed to address the demanding production environments of technical textile manufacturing. The company’s focus will be on practical technologies that enhance process transparency, reproducibility, and efficient resource use. Visitors will meet Sedo Treepoint in Hall 12, Booth D05.

#Techtextil 2026

CHT Group to showcase intelligent specialty chemical solutions at Techtextil 2026

At this year's Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, the CHT Group will be presenting its comprehensive portfolio of tailor-made specialty chemicals and process solutions for technical textiles. As a reliable partner to the global textile industry, the company offers innovative products and in-depth technical expertise across all areas of the textile value chain – from pretreatment, dyeing, and printing to finishing, coating, and fiber auxiliaries.

#Recycled Fibers

Syre and JEPLAN Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Textile-to-Textile Recycling

JEPLAN, INC. the Japanese pioneer developing and operating chemical recycling technologies for circularity in packaging and textiles, and Syre, the textile impact company on a mission to hyperscale textile-to-textile recycling, announced today a strategic partnership. Together, the companies aim to extensively accelerate the timeline towards commercialization of next generation textile-to-textile polyester recycling technology.

TOP