2026 Speakers included:
2026 Key Themes
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
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
Key Themes
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Regulatory and Policy Frameworks
Regulatory and Policy Frameworks: Stimulating action and incentivising innovation
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Achieving Circularity
Achieving Circularity: Advancing mono-materials and system change enablers
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Sustainability vs Cost
Sustainability vs Cost: Navigating green premiums for new materials in low-margin markets
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Innovation for Scale
Innovation for Scale: Technology licensing, collaborative partnerships and system integration
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Critical Raw Materials
Critical Raw Materials: Achieving resilient and diversified supply chains
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Better Plastics
Better Plastics: Sustainable reformulations and circular solutions
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Data-Driven Traceability
Data-Driven Traceability: Enhancing resource management and material flow transparency
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Going Fibre-Based
Going Fibre-Based: Advancing performance and circularity of functional barrier coatings
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Side Stream Circularity
Side Stream Circularity: Creating value from waste and by-products
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Nature-Inspired Innovation
Nature-Inspired Innovation: Biomimicry and natural occurring polymers transforming consumer products
"Events like Rethinking Materials are a really great opportunity to get up and see what’s in the space. It’s always great to see that trendspotting, you get to see what are the things are people working on and what are the emerging topics."
“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.”
“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.”
“A timely conference spotlighting how materials have become a strategic lever for resilience, innovation, and sustainability.”