Berlin, 10th of November – With just three weeks to go, preparations are progressing for the 21st European Bioplastics Conference (EBC26), taking place on the 1st-2nd of December 2026 at the Titanic Hotel Berlin and online. Organised by European Bioplastics (EUBP), the conference will bring together industry leaders from across the bioplastics value chain, policymakers, researchers and other key stakeholders to explore the latest policy developments, market trends and technological innovations shaping the sector’s future in Europe and beyond.

As Europe navigates evolving regulatory requirements, growing international competition and the need to scale sustainable material solutions, EBC26 offers a timely opportunity for the industry to exchange perspectives, strengthen partnerships and collectively shape the next chapter in the development of bioplastics.

A programme addressing the sector’s most pressing priorities

The EBC26 programme will bring together leading voices from European institutions, industry and research institutes to address the key developments shaping the future of bioplastics. Confirmed speakers include Kristin Schreiber, Director Chemicals & Bioeconomy at the European Commission’s DG GROW, and Emmanuelle Maire, Head of Unit Bioeconomy & Sustainable Materials at DG ENV, alongside experts from across the global value chain.

Discussions will focus on some of the sector’s most pressing priorities, including Europe’s bioeconomy ambitions, the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the need for market-pull measures for biobased and biodegradable solutions, and the global competitiveness of the industry.

Two dedicated panel discussions will explore how to translate Europe’s industrial ambitions into concrete market opportunities and whether Europe can remain competitive in the global race for bioplastics. International perspectives, including developments in China and South Korea, will further highlight the opportunities and challenges facing the sector worldwide.

The programme will also explore the latest scientific evidence on biodegradation, standards, certification and end-of-life solutions, alongside global market data and emerging applications.

A dedicated session on persistent microplastics will examine scientific findings on biodegradation and soil health, including the behaviour of biodegradable materials in different environments.

The conference will further feature the European Bioplastics Innovation Award 2026, showcasing five finalists and their latest innovations. Over the course of the conference, participants will also discover emerging applications, from next- generation PHA materials and home-compostable nonwovens to innovative biopolymer foams.

Connect with the industry

EBC26 offers a meeting place to exchange knowledge, explore collaboration opportunities and build relationships across the value chain. Through networking opportunities, a conference dinner and 45 exhibitors and posters showcasing innovative products and technologies, participants can connect with industry peers and establish new business relationships, both in person in Berlin and online.

“Europe cannot build a competitive bioeconomy on innovation alone. Companies need a clear business case to invest, and that starts with predictable market demand. If Europe wants to scale up bioplastics production, its industrial ambitions must be matched by policies that create real market opportunities. EBC26 is where we bring industry and policymakers together to discuss how to make that happen,” said Lorenza Romanese, Secretary-General at European Bioplastics. With just three weeks to go, registrations and sponsorship opportunities remain open. Companies can benefit from increased visibility, showcase their expertise and connect directly with key decisionmakers across the European bioplastics value chain.

Pre-Conference Side event

On the 30th of November 2026 (17:00h-19:30h CET, Titanic Hotel Berlin), a side event will bring together three questions that are no longer separate conversations: what consumers want from sustainable packaging, what researchers are already delivering, and what the law will require by 2027. It connects consumer survey data with the latest innovations in bioplastic packaging and a look at the Empowering Consumers Directive, the PPWR deadlines and Digital Product Passport requirements. Contributions come from the Be-UP, GRECO, ReBioCycle, MoeBIOS, BioPackMan and TERRIFIC projects. It closes with a networking reception offering matchmaking opportunities. Participation is free of charge and registration is available here until the 29th of November.

Register for EBC26: www.european-bioplastics.org/events/ebc/registration/

Explore the programme: www.european-bioplastics.org/events/ebc/programme/

Sponsorship and exhibition enquiries: conference@european-bioplastics.org