Recent information

02.10.2025

Advanced Recycling Conference 2025: Biochemical Recycling

Advanced Recycling Conference 2025: Biochemical Recycling

19-20 November 2025 – hybrid event, Cologne (Germany)

Alongside core-topics like plastics and polymer recycling, this year’s program explores new developments in biochemical, textile and automotive recycling, plus digital tools supporting scalable solutions for circular systems.

++ Final programme ++ Already 125 participants registered, > 250 expected ++ Already 12 exhibitors - book you booth now! ++

On 19-20 November 2025, the Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) in Cologne, Germany, once more unites industry leaders, technology providers, researchers, innovators, and policy-makers to address urgent recycling challenges in various waste-streams. Alongside core-topics like plastics and polymer recycling, this year’s event places strong emphasis on pollution-intensive sectors like textile and automotive, that pose significant environmental problems due to their complex material streams. While textile recycling rates in the EU remain below 20 %, hindered by difficult fibre blends, automotive plastics und rubbers face regulatory pressure and material complexity under the End-of-Life Vehicle Directive.

Session "Biochemical Recycling"

Enzymolysis represents a technology based on biochemical processes in which different kinds of biocatalysts are utilised to depolymerise a polymer into its building units (e.g. monomers). Being in an early development phase, this technology is mainly available at lab-scale.


Nick Wierckx

Forschungszentrum Jülich
(DE)


Bio-upcycling of Plastics Through Enzymatic and Biological Conversion

Abstract


Kristina Schell

Covestro
(DE)


Enzymatic Polymer Recycling

Abstract


Ren Wei

University of Greifswald
(DE)


Recent Advances in Enzymatic Plastic Recycling and Upcycling

Abstract


Mariana Rangel Pereira

Evoralis
(UK)


From Hits to Hotspots: Ultra‑High‑Throughput Directed Evolution for Nylon Depolymerisation

Abstract


Oliver Borek

Entzimatiko
(ES)


Entzimatiko, a Single Step Enzymatic Hydrolysis for the Low Cost Production of Monomers

Abstract


Ronny Frank

Ester Biotech
(DE)


Accelerating Enzyme Engineering for Plastic Recycling with Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Advanced Computational Methods

Abstract

Full conference programme available

Packed with international expertise, ARC 2025 features experts from a broad range of sectors and industries, e.g., BASF, Covestro, Evonik, Fluor, Green Dot, ISCC, LEGO, LyondellBasell, NFIA, Siemens, Sulzer, Trinseo, Vaude, but also research and academic institutions like Chalmers University of Technology, Fraunhofer IVV, Research Centre Jülich, Recycario Data Science – Institut for Economic Plastics Recycling and TU Bergakademie Freiberg (Institute of Energy Process Engineering and Chemical Engineering).

While putting a focus on plastics and polymers, the programme provides a comprehensive overview in different focus-sessions:

  • Advanced Recycling as a Pillar of Renewable Carbon and its Challenges
  • Thermochemical Recycling
  • Biochemical Recycling
  • Textile Sorting and Recycling
  • From Py-Oil Quality to Valuable Resources and the Chain of Custody in Advanced Recycling
  • Recycling Solutions for End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV)
  • Sustainable Polymers
  • Thermochemical Solutions for the Recovery of Valuable Resources and Energy
  • Physical Recycling via Dissolution

The full conference programme is available!

Call for Posters

Presenting the latest recycling research in a dedicated poster session.
Deadline for submission: 8 October 2025
Submit your poster now!

Sponsoring Opportunities

 

Become a sponsor of the conference!

 

Join us as a sponsor and find a range of sponsoring options which provide you with maximum visibility and impact at the conference. We are open to new ideas and would be delighed to implement them with you. Please contact us if our sponsoring options appeal to you or if you would like to put forward a proposal of your own!

Key Account Management
Guido Müller
+49 (0)151 – 414 230 19

 

Exhibition Opportunities

Become an exhibitor of the conference!

Companies that would like to book an exhibition booth (6m2) can do so for the price of 3.000 EUR (excl. 19% VAT). Included in the booth fee is one conference ticket. The conference exhibition is located prominently within the conference hall so interaction with the participants is guaranteed. Further information here.

We look forward to meeting you in person!

Your nova conference team