The UPCYCLE project will take part in the 13th International Conference on Fiber and Polymer Biotechnology (IFPB 2026), taking place in Genoa, Italy, from 26 to 29 August 2026. The conference brings together researchers, industry representatives, and technology developers working at the intersection of biotechnology, fibres, polymers, and sustainable material solutions.
The event focuses on the application of biotechnology, enzyme technologies, and bioprocesses to fibres and polymers, covering topics such as enzymatic depolymerisation, sustainable polymer processing, microbial cell factories, and emerging approaches for material transformation.
Advancing discussions on plastic biorefineries
As part of the scientific programme, Cristiano Varrone from Aalborg University, UPCYCLE’s coordinator, will present: “Techno-economic considerations on plastic biorefineries”
The presentation will explore findings related to the technological and economic aspects of scaling plastic biorefineries, highlighting how biological and biotechnological processes can support the conversion of plastic-derived streams into valuable products.
Contributions from the UPCYCLE consortium
The conference will also feature contributions from BOKU University, with Felice Quartinello and Florent Pruvost presenting their work on biotechnology-based approaches for polymer processing and transformation.
Together, these contributions showcase the multidisciplinary expertise within the UPCYCLE consortium and highlight how biotechnology can support the transition towards more sustainable material systems.
Looking ahead
IFPB 2026 provides an opportunity to share UPCYCLE’s latest developments with a community working on some of the key challenges facing the polymer sector. As biological processes continue to gain importance in material production, depolymerisation, and resource recovery, the conference offers a space to discuss how these innovations can contribute to more sustainable and circular material systems.
UPCYCLE looks forward to joining the discussions and sharing its latest advances in biotechnology-driven solutions for circular plastics.
If you are attending IFPB 2026, join us in Genoa and discover how UPCYCLE is helping to shape new pathways for polymer biotechnology and sustainable material systems.