idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
New European regulations aim to increase the use of recycled materials in plastic products and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. At the same time, the shortage of single-type plastic waste and the technical and financial effort required for recycling-friendly design remain significant hurdles. Innovative approaches and close cooperation between industry, research, and policy are needed to overcome these challenges. The eighth “Forum Plastic Recyclates” will take place on March 25–26, 2026, in Darmstadt, focusing on practical issues in the mechanical recycling of plastics. Program and registration are now available online.
Boosting recycling rates and increasing the use of recycled materials are crucial steps toward a truly circular economy. According to a study by Plastics Europe, only 8.7 percent of plastics were recycled in 2023, while the majority was incinerated or landfilled. To change this, innovative solutions and strong collaboration are essential. That’s exactly where the “Forum Plastic Recyclates” makes an impact.
The forum focuses on improving recyclates quality with advanced degassing and decontamination technologies, developing sustainable compounds that combine ecological requirements with functional properties, and using machine learning to optimize material analysis. The program is complemented by exciting insights into simulation methods for accelerating development processes and innovative approaches to creating closed material cycles.
International exchange as a driver of the circular economy
The Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF acts as a bridge between science and industry and plays a leading role in recycled materials research. As a neutral, application-oriented partner, Fraunhofer LBF is organizing the eighth "Forum Plastic Recyclates" on March 25 and 26, 2026 to provide a platform for international exchange – bringing together plastics producers, processors, recyclers, and users to jointly advance the circular economy.
A strong connection between science and industry drives innovation
The forum aims to be the central platform for knowledge transfer and networking in plastics recycling, fostering innovation through presentations, discussions, and collaboration to develop forward-looking solutions.
Dr. Elke Metzsch-Zilligen, elke.metzsch-zilligen@lbf.fraunhofer.de
Dr. Christian Beinert, christian.beinert@lbf.fraunhofer.de
https://www.kunststoffrezyklate.de/en/program-2026.html?utm_source=pi-FPR-26-pro... Program and registration
Actively shaping the future of the circular economy: The Forum Plastic Recyclates 2026 offers a plat ...
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