About the Event

The Rethinking Materials Summit will return to the Hilton London Bankside on April 28-29, 2026

This unique summit unites a diverse range of pioneers in next-gen materials, including manufacturers, producers, brands, investors and innovators, all driving sustainable change through creating, sourcing and commercialising new materials for consumer goods.

Pitch sessions, targeted networking, start-up exhibition and a 1-1 networking app make this a stand-out event for innovation discovery and partnerships.

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300+
Delegates
100+
Speakers
74%
CEO/Director-level
34
Countries

Key Themes

From Policy to Practice

From Policy to Practice: Translating evolving regulations and standards into actionable corporate strategies

Cross-Industry Collaboration

Cross-Industry Collaboration: Building partnerships across brands, suppliers, recyclers, and startups to accelerate material transformation

Transforming Waste

Transforming Waste: Converting industrial by-products and residual streams into innovative packaging

Regenerative Textiles & Footwear

Regenerative Textiles & Footwear: How businesses can embrace and embed circular business models and technologies

Bio-Based & Hybrid Materials

Bio-Based & Hybrid Materials: Identifying commercially viable applications for compostables, hybrids, and fully bio-based solutions

Next-Generation Plastics

Next-Generation Plastics: Scaling sustainable polymers and promoting post-consumer material adoption across sectors

AI, LCA & Digital Tools

AI, LCA & Digital Tools: Leveraging real-time data, lifecycle assessment, and AI-driven insights to optimize material choices

Circular Metals & Lightweight Materials

Circular Metals & Lightweight Materials: Maximising recycled content, coatings, and alloy innovations for high-performance applications

Consumer-Centric Circularity

Consumer-Centric Circularity: Using design, behaviour insights, and engagement strategies to drive adoption and correct end-of-life handling

Global Lessons & Emerging Markets

Global Lessons & Emerging Markets: Applying innovations and circular models from Asia, India, Japan, and other international hubs

Finance & Investment for Impact

Finance & Investment for Impact: Funding pathways, corporate partnerships, and VC strategies for scaling circular solutions

Operationalising Sustainability Commitments

Operationalising Sustainability Commitments: Converting corporate ESG pledges into measurable business outcomes

Key Themes

Featured Speakers in 2025

 

“Beiersdorf has an ambitious sustainability agenda, so we are keeping an open mind as to solutions and look forward to this event to find collaborators from across the value chain.”
Senior Scientist, Startup Scouting
BEIERSDORF, GERMANY
“This event is different as it proposes to bring together players from all different steps of the circular economy and, more importantly, talk about aspects of plastics that are often the “elephant in the room” that no one dares to discuss.”
Global Foods Packaging Director
UNILEVER, NETHERLANDS
“There is a need for all parties to be talking with each other, and to think in a different manner, as we move towards a circular economy. We won’t get anywhere without collaboration, so this event will play an important role in promoting the different types of solutions and the paths to scale.”
CEO
TOTAL CORBION PLA, SWITZERLAND