On 6–7 November 2025, the Helmholtz SynCom project SPHERE hosted a high-level multi-stakeholder workshop at the Michelberger Hotel in Berlin, gathering 33 participants from policy, industry, civil society, and academia. The two-day event provided a unique platform for constructive dialogue on the future of plastics, bringing together experts to address the sector’s most pressing challenges and explore pathways toward sustainable plastics governance.
The UPCYCLE project was pleased to take part in the workshop, contributing to discussions on advancing safe, sustainable, and circular solutions for plastics across Europe.
A Two-Day Exchange on the Future of Plastics
The first day centred on the critical issues shaping today’s plastics landscape, including:
- Recycling economics and the barriers preventing cost-effective circularity
- Micro- and nanoplastics, their environmental footprint, and mitigation technologies
- End-of-life solutions and emerging innovations to improve plastic waste management
The second day shifted toward long-term perspectives and policymaking, with discussions focusing on:
- Future governance models for sustainable plastics
- Opportunities and expectations related to a potential global plastics treaty
- Multi-actor approaches required to accelerate systemic transformation
Participants emphasised the value of interdisciplinary cooperation and the importance of aligning scientific insights with policy action.
During the workshop, the UPCYCLE project was showcased as an example of Horizon Europe’s commitment to enabling truly circular plastics systems. UPCYCLE’s innovative approach, transforming today’s non-recyclable plastic waste into highly recyclable and more biodegradable packaging, resonated strongly in discussions on future technological and policy pathways.