dvancing sustainable and circular polymer solutions was at the heart of discussions during the 4th edition of Polymers: From Sustainability to Smart Systems 2026, held from 8 to 10 April 2026 in Lisbon. The international conference brought together researchers, innovators and industry representatives to exchange knowledge on the latest developments in sustainable polymer science, smart materials and circular innovation.
As part of this key event, REBIOLUTION joined a joint EU workshop co-organised by the projects ViSS, ANIPH and PHAntastic, together with sister initiatives from the BIO4PACK cluster, including MAGNO and STOPP. The session, titled “Safe and Sustainable Bio-Based Polymers: From Design to End-of-Life in Circular Value Chains”, provided a valuable platform to showcase European research driving the transition towards safer, circular and bio-based materials.
Showcasing REBIOLUTION’s latest achievements
During the workshop, Yannik Matt presented REBIOLUTION’s latest progress in the successful generation and scale-up of innovative bio-based polyesters. His presentation highlighted the project’s achievements across the full value chain, from material production to product development.
Among the key outcomes presented were:
- The production and delivery of more than 500 kg of FDCA to BASF.
- Laboratory synthesis of around 30 polyester formulations using a Design of Experiment approach, leading to the selection of two final polyesters.
- Successful polyester scale-up to more than 750 kg, alongside polyester blending activities.
- Development of extrusion paper coatings, resulting in several kilometres of coated paper boards.
- Film blowing trials producing more than 600 metres of blown mulch films.
- Conversion of coated paper into coffee cups and trays.
- Ongoing work on repulping in lab and pilot scale, recycling strategies, and life cycle assessment and policy recommendations.
The presentation also highlighted REBIOLUTION’s strong progress in biodegradation studies. Miriam Weber shared the project’s work on test methods and standards for biodegradation in aquatic systems, including enzymatic hydrolysis of polyesters, soil degradation studies, and biodegradation testing under controlled composting conditions according to EN 13432. Concluding studies are also underway to assess biodegradation in soil, freshwater and marine environments.
Dialogue on circularity, standards and policy
Following the presentations, the workshop opened the floor to an engaging discussion on key challenges for the sector, including:
- How to effectively implement the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework in bio-based polymers.
- The need for harmonised testing methods and standards for biodegradability across environments.
- How to ensure that research results and industrial data are effectively translated into policy recommendations and market uptake.
The session was moderated by Christian Lott, who also closed the workshop by underlining the importance of continued collaboration across European projects to accelerate circular innovation.
Valuable networking opportunities in Lisbon
Beyond the workshop, the conference poster session — held alongside the coffee break area — created an excellent opportunity for networking and in-depth technical discussions. REBIOLUTION partners exchanged views with fellow projects, including STOPP and VTT, on topics such as SSbD implementation, circular value chains, and end-of-life solutions for bio-based materials.
The event also reinforced the importance of feeding robust scientific data into policymaking processes. Discussions with project advisor Salima Abu Jeriban offered useful insights on how European research projects can better connect with policymakers and contribute to future regulatory frameworks.
Overall, Polymers 2026 was a highly valuable opportunity for REBIOLUTION partners to meet, exchange experiences and strengthen synergies with other European initiatives working towards a more sustainable plastics sector.
The consortium warmly thanks the organisers and all participants for a successful workshop — and for the opportunity to connect in the inspiring setting of Lisbon.
