The UPCYCLE project will host its second industry roundtable discussion during the upcoming event “The Future of Sustainable Plastics 2026”, taking place on 20 March 2026 in Aalborg, Denmark. Organised by the AAU Plastics Platform, the event will bring together researchers, industry leaders, and policy stakeholders to explore the latest developments shaping the future of sustainable plastics in Europe. This roundtable will provide an opportunity for the UPCYCLE community and stakeholders to exchange insights on emerging technologies, regulatory developments, and collaborative pathways supporting the transition toward circular plastic systems.
As European legislation accelerates the transition toward circularity, the plastics sector is undergoing significant transformation. Innovation in recycling technologies, resource efficiency, and sustainable materials is increasingly essential to meet environmental targets while maintaining industrial competitiveness. The event offers a platform to examine how policy frameworks, technological advances, and cross-sector collaboration can help address these challenges and unlock new opportunities for sustainable plastics. The programme will feature a keynote address by Christina Busk (Plastindustrien) focusing on the future of recycled plastics, alongside contributions from leading experts across the plastics value chain.
Parallel Sessions Exploring Key Challenges
Participants will take part in three parallel thematic sessions addressing key issues facing the plastics industry today:
- Packaging and regulation – examining evolving EU legislation and its implications for sustainable packaging
- Mechanical recycling – discussing industrial-scale solutions to achieve high-quality circularity in thermoplastics
- Waste mapping and resource efficiency – identifying inefficiencies in current waste streams and exploring sustainable material management strategies.
Additional discussions will cover topics such as bio-upcycling technologies, chemical recycling processes for high-purity rPET production, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and innovative sorting and smart packaging solutions.
Event Information
- Registration
- Event: The Future of Sustainable Plastics 2026
- Date: 20 March 2026
- Time: 09:30 – 18:00
- Location: Innovate (Auditorium), Thomas Manns Vej 26, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
Participants are encouraged to register before 13 March 2026. The event includes lunch and coffee breaks, offering additional networking opportunities for attendees. Further details and registration are available via the official event page.