Innovation in the circularity of plastic materials is essential due to the growing environmental challenges posed by plastic waste. Traditional linear production models, where plastics are produced, used, and discarded, contribute significantly to pollution, resource depletion, and climate change. The concept of circularity aims to reduce waste, keep materials in use longer, and minimize resource extraction, all while supporting sustainability.

Current plastic recycling rates are low, with many plastics either being downcycled into lower-value products or not recycled at all. Innovations like chemical recycling, which breaks down plastics into their basic monomers for reuse in high-quality applications, or more efficient mechanical recycling methods, can drastically improve the quality and efficiency of recycling processes. In this context, innovation can play a critical role.

The Symposium on Innovation in the Circularity of Plastic Materials, organised on 20 May 2025 in Kaunas, Lithuania, aims to offer opportunities to share your ideas, to discuss theoretical and practical issues and to connect the leaders in the fields of plastic engineering, science and technology. The symposium aims to bring together experts, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss and showcase advancements in the recycling, reuse, and sustainable production of plastic materials. Apart from presentations, displays and demonstrations by companies will be part of the event.

Call for Papers: submit your proposal

Submit your proposal/abstract by 20 December 2024! The selected papers will be published in the book Innovation in the Circularity of Plastic Materials to be published by Springer Nature.

Submission of the full papers: 30 April 2025. More information about the process including the template is available on the event page.

Register to the Symposium

Registrations will be open in early 2025.