{"id":177679,"date":"2026-06-11T07:35:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T05:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/?p=177679"},"modified":"2026-06-10T15:37:14","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T13:37:14","slug":"renewable-materials-conference-announces-six-nominees-for-the-innovation-award-final-programme-and-high-level-expert-panel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/renewable-materials-conference-announces-six-nominees-for-the-innovation-award-final-programme-and-high-level-expert-panel\/","title":{"rendered":"Renewable Materials Conference announces Six Nominees for the Innovation Award, Final Programme and High-Level Expert Panel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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The Renewable Materials Conference (RMC) will once again be the outstanding international meeting place for innovators, companies and brands, investors and policymakers to come together to develop and shape the future renewable carbon economy. As in previous years, the conference organiser nova-Institute expects 400-500 participants from around the world.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s focus topic is\u00a0\u201cDefossilisation through innovation\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0and comprises the following subtopics: defossilisation of the chemical industry, fossil-free plastics, setting the frame for renewable carbon and biodegradation.\u00a0The sessions are complemented by the high-level panel discussion\u00a0\u201cQuadruple system shock as catalysts for industrial transformation\u201d<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final programme with speakers, titles and the agenda can be found here:\u00a0www.renewable-materials.eu\/program\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

RMC 2026 covers the entire value chain from alternative carbon feedstocks, the chemical industry, the materials sector, product manufacturers to brand owners, as well as investors and policy makers. The last conference attracted 410 participants from 29 countries, 90 % of them from the industrial sector. In 2026, 75 presentations, 20 panel discussions, more than 16 workshops and a two-floor exhibition will offer comprehensive networking opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detailed information on the conference can be found here:\u00a0www.renewable-materials.eu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch the RMC video:\u00a0https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=r68EeAd4T_k<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make use of the 10 % discount on the conference fee by registering until 16 August:<\/strong> www.renewable-materials.eu\/registration\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Six Nominees for the Innovation Award \u201cRenewable Material of the Year 2026\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The conference\u2019s advisory board faced an exceptionally difficult task in selecting the six most promising materials\u00a0<\/a>from this year\u2019s list of many excellent submissions for the innovation award \u201cRenewable Material of the Year 2026\u201d, which is sponsored by Covestro (DE). During the conference, the audience will elect the winner from the following six nominees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AeoniQ Holding (CH): New Cellulosic Man-made Filament Yarn<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

AeoniQ\u2122 is a revolutionary new cellulosic man-made filament yarn designed as viable alternative to polyester and nylon, retaining all of their positive physical attributes while eliminating their negative impacts. The fibre is made from renewable cellulose sources, such as wood pulp, textile waste or non-valorised agricultural waste. AeoniQ\u2122 uses 100% renewable energy and has a 99.5% closed loop manufacturing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to being environmentally sustainable, AeoniQ\u2122 is also biodegradable, and has been confirmed to fully degrade within 12 weeks in soil at the end of its lifecycle. AeoniQ\u2122 is suitable for performance, fashion, home textiles, automotive, and technical applications. The first blue print industrialised production plant will be up and running in Portugal in Q4\/2026. https:\/\/www.aeoniq.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Far Eastern New Century (TW): First Commercially Realised CO\u2082\u2011based Non\u2011Isocyanate Polyurethane<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

TOPGREEN\u00ae AirTek PU: As the world\u2019s first commercially realised CO\u2082\u2011based Non\u2011Isocyanate Polyurethane (NIPU), this breakthrough transforms captured CO\u2082 into high\u2011value elastomers while eliminating toxic phosgene and isocyanates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using Far Eastern Group\u2019s advanced carbon\u2011capture technology, industrial emissions are converted into intermediates with over 50% CO\u2082 content, and polymerised into NIPU elastomers, achieving permanent carbon fixation and a 58% reduction in emissions compared to traditional TPU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TOPGREEN\u00ae AirTek PU delivers exceptional performance for membranes, shoe materials, elastic fibres, and artificial leather. Protected by 22 patents, TOPGREEN\u00ae AirTek PU has earned global recognition, including ISPO Textrends \u201cBest Product\u201d and Second Place in the Innovation Award \u201cBest CO\u2082 Utilisation 2025.\u201d https:\/\/www.fenc.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (ES): Chitin Becomes Stronger in Water<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

AquaChitin is the first biomaterial shown to become stronger in water. Built from unmodified chitosan sourced from crustacean processing byproducts and urban organic waste streams, it replaces the plastic logic of isolation from the environment with a bidirectional relationship: Water enters and exits the material as part of a dynamic nickel-mediated network, increasing mechanical strength rather than degrading it. The result is a water-stable, biodegradable material platform for films, containers, and wet-use products, produced through water-based, zero-waste chemistry that recovers nickel. Because its biomolecular identity is preserved, AquaChitin is seamlessly integrated in Earth\u2019s ecological cycles without special treatment, recovery infrastructure, or human intervention. https:\/\/jgfermart.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kemira (FI): Renewable Polymer Technology for Wastewater Treatment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

KemAlpha\u00ae is a breakthrough renewable polymer technology for wastewater treatment, enabling the replacement of fossil\u2011based organic coagulants at industrial scale. Derived from alpha\u2011glucan produced from renewable sugar feedstocks, KemAlpha is built entirely on biogenic carbon. Proprietary polymer design delivers the charge density, molecular weight and robustness required for efficient clarification and fine particle removal in demanding municipal and industrial systems. Supplied in liquid and powder formats, KemAlpha integrates seamlessly into existing plants. Commercialised through a joint venture between IFF and Kemira, the technology has proven full\u2011scale performance at a northern European dairy producer, demonstrating renewable materials deliver climate impact and reliability. https:\/\/www.kemira.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UPM Biochemicals (DE\/FI): Bio-based Circular Renewable Black\u2122<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

UPM Circular Renewable Black\u2122 is the world\u2019s first bio-based, NIR-detectable, carbon-negative\u202fblack pigment, enabling premium black plastic packaging that remains recyclable while improving sustainability performance without compromising aesthetics. Black plastic packaging has long challenged recycling because carbon black pigments block near\u2011infrared (NIR) detection, making items invisible to sorting systems. Made from renewable lignin, it delivers a deep black while remaining NIR\u2011detectable, enabling recyclable black packaging without compromising design or polymer performance. The feedstock is sourced from sustainably managed forests and supported by FSC\u2122 (C210095), PEFC (04\u201131\u20113869) and ISCC PLUS certifications. The product is part of UPM\u2019s CO\u2082\u2011negative solutions linked to its \u20ac1.3bn Leuna biorefinery. https:\/\/www.upmbiochemicals.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Viridi (UK): Anionic Surfactant Made Using Upcycled CO\u2082<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

VireyaTM<\/sup> is the world\u2019s first anionic surfactant made using upcycled CO\u2082. Anionic surfactants are ubiquitous in home and personal care but leave a heavy product carbon footprint. Containing up to 33% CO\u2082, VireyaTM<\/sup> shows a PCF up to 70% lower than the incumbents, supports compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation by avoiding the use of oil palm derived materials, and provides the highest levels of skin mildness. It is all made possible by Viridi\u2019s unique proprietary catalyst technology that enables CO\u2082 to be utilised as a carbon feedstock in polymers. Our catalyst is readily scalable in existing chemical assets and is reuseable and recyclable. VireyaTM<\/sup> surfactants are being developed at major manufacturers and are on test at the biggest brand owners in the world. https:\/\/www.viriditech.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have a look at the winners from the previous conferences here:<\/strong> https:\/\/renewable-materials.eu\/download\/81003<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Would you like to become a sponsor of the conference? Become exhibitor, perform a workshop? Or advertise in the conference journal? Gain all information here:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sponsoring opportunities:<\/strong> www.renewable-materials.eu\/sponsoring\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exhibition booking:<\/strong> www.renewable-materials.eu\/exhibition-booking\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Workshop booking:<\/strong> www.renewable-materials.eu\/workshops\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to RMC Sponsors and Media Partners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The nova-Institute would like to thank UPM Biochemicals (FI) for supporting the conference as Platin Sponsor, Celluranics (CN), GS Biomats (CN), IFF (BE), Leaf Biotech (CN), L’Oreal (FR) and VERBIO (DE) as Gold Sponsors, as well as DIN CERTCO (DE), Peterson Solutions (DE) and T\u00dcV Austria Belgium (BE) as Silver Sponsors. The innovation award \u201cRenewable Material of the Year 2026\u201d is sponsored by Covestro (DE).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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), BCNP (DE), BIC – Bio-based Industries Consortium (EU), BioBase (AT), b\u00fcndnis mikroplastikfrei (AT), C.A.R.M.E.N.(DE), ChemCologne (DE), ChemieClusterBayern (DE), CLIB (DE), CO2Value Europe (EU), European Bioplastics (EU), FECC – European Association of Chemical Distributors (EU), GO!PHA (International), IBB Netzwerk (DE), INAK (DE), kunststoffland NRW (DE), NRW.Energy4Climate (DE), \u00d6GUT – \u00d6sterreichische Gesellschaft f\u00fcr Umwelt und Technik (AT), Plastics Europe (DE), Renewable Carbon Initiative (International).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Renewable Materials Conference (RMC) will once again be the outstanding international meeting place for innovators, companies and brands, investors and policymakers to come together to develop and shape the future renewable carbon economy. As in previous years, the conference organiser nova-Institute expects 400-500 participants from around the world. This year\u2019s focus topic is\u00a0\u201cDefossilisation through […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":114,"featured_media":177681,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","nova_meta_subtitle":"The leading global event on the renewable carbon economy from 22-24 September 2026 in Siegburg\/Cologne (Germany) will showcase the latest advances and future prospects in bioeconomy, CCU and recycling for the defossilisation of chemicals and materials","footnotes":""},"categories":[5572,5571,7192,17143],"tags":[5838,5847,10744,10416,10408,7105,10453,10743],"supplier":[21411,6756,11909,21309,26393,9,16354,2989,3628,21884,10858,2160,435,2317,5585,5169,27803,16068,27407,19875,22652,5919,24963,27571,28017,4427,2679,27302,4,22989,764,27796,5933,17710,27002,13888,458,28018],"class_list":["post-177679","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bio-based","category-co2-based","category-novapress","category-recycling","tag-bioeconomy","tag-bioplastics","tag-carboncapture","tag-circulareconomy","tag-greenchemistry","tag-packaging","tag-recycling","tag-useco2","supplier-avk-industrievereinigung-verstarkte-kunststoffe-e-v","supplier-bcnp-consultants","supplier-bio-based-industries-consortium-bic","supplier-biobase","supplier-bundnis-mikroplastikfrei","supplier-carmen-ev","supplier-chemcologne","supplier-chemie-cluster-bayern","supplier-clib2021","supplier-co2value-europe","supplier-covestro-group","supplier-din-certco-gesellschaft-fuer-konformitaetsbewertung","supplier-european-bioplastics-ev","supplier-european-commission","supplier-european-union","supplier-far-eastern-new-century-corporation-fenc","supplier-fecc","supplier-gopha","supplier-gs-biomats","supplier-heiq-aeoniq-lcc","supplier-iff-international-flavors-fragrances-inc","supplier-ibb-netzwerk","supplier-initiative-naturliche-kreislaufwirtschaft-inak","supplier-institute-for-bioengineering-of-catalonia-ibec","supplier-jiangsu-celluranics-new-materials","supplier-kemira-oyj","supplier-kunststoffland-nrw-ev","supplier-loreal-international-2","supplier-nova-institut-gmbh","supplier-nrw-energie4climate","supplier-sterreichische-gesellschaft-fuer-umwelt-und-technik-gut","supplier-peterson-solutions-gmbh","supplier-plasticseurope","supplier-renewable-carbon-initiative-rci","supplier-tuv-austria-belgium","supplier-upm-biochemicals","supplier-verbio-vereinigte-bioenergie-ag","supplier-viridi-tech"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/177679","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/114"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=177679"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/177679\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":177682,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/177679\/revisions\/177682"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/177681"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=177679"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=177679"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=177679"},{"taxonomy":"supplier","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/supplier?post=177679"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}