What new ideas, technologies and partnerships will define the next generation of sustainable plastics in Europe?
On 20 March 2026, AAU Plastics platform will host ‘The Future of Sustainable Plastics 2026’ in Aalborg, bringing together leading researchers, industry representatives and policy stakeholders to explore practical pathways towards circular plastic systems.
At a time when European legislation is accelerating the transition to circularity, the event offers a dedicated space to examine how regulatory developments, technological advances and cross-sector collaboration can transform challenges into innovation opportunities.
A Forum for Research, Industry and Policy
- Recycled plastics and EU legislation – understanding regulatory developments and their practical implications for industry.
- Bio-upcycling – exploring how biotechnology can convert mixed plastic waste into high-value materials.
- Chemical recycling – new processes for producing high-purity rPET from household waste streams.
- Mechanical recycling – achieving high-quality circularity in thermoplastics at industrial scale.
- Zero Waste and resource mapping – identifying inefficiencies and unlocking sustainable production pathways.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – analysing Denmark’s new regulatory framework and its implications for producers and the waste sector.
- Smart packaging and sorting solutions – including digital watermarks and innovative labelling systems to enhance material traceability and recovery.
The event will feature a keynote address by Christina Busk (Plastindustrien) on the future of recycled plastics, alongside contributions from leading researchers and experts across the plastics value chain.
Participants will also engage in three parallel thematic sessions focusing on packaging and regulation, mechanical recycling, and waste mapping and resource efficiency.
Event Details
- Date: 20 March 2026
- Time: 09:30 – 18:00
- Venue: Innovate (Auditorium), Thomas Manns Vej 26, 9220 Aalborg East
- Registration deadline: 9 March 2026
- Lunch and coffee included
Further information and registration are available via the official event page.