#Recycling / Circular Economy

2024-08-29

Advanced Recycling Conference 2024: New focus areas and innovative program announced

The Advanced Recycling Conference (ARC) 2024 scheduled for 20-21 November 2024, in Cologne, Germany, and online, will feature an enhanced program that tackles some of the most pressing issues in recycling technology. Along the recycling of plastic packaging this year’s conference will spotlight additional urgent topics such as E-waste valorisation, PVC recycling, textile recycling, and the utilisation of advanced recycling for engineering thermoplastics. Another key focus will explore advanced recycling through the lens of investments and funding strategies.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore a comprehensive range of recycling technologies, including extrusion, dissolution, enzymolysis, solvolysis, pyrolysis, thermal depolymerization, and gasification with Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU). The program also includes discussions on pre- and post-treatment technologies and digital innovations that are shaping the future of recycling.

Designed to address the ambitious EU recycling targets, ARC 2024 will focus on achieving the recycling quotas, e.g. achieving up to 70 % recycling quotas for packaging materials and 55 % for plastics. The conference serves as a crucial platform for industry leaders, brands, investors, and policymakers to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and explore new opportunities in recycling.

Building on its rapid success, ARC has seen a 30 % increase in participation, with nearly 300 attendees from 26 countries joining the 2023 event. The 2024 edition aims to expand on this momentum by fostering deeper collaboration between experts in both physical and chemical recycling. Attendees will gain essential insights into how emerging trends and technological advancements can address the sector’s evolving demands while aligning with sustainability and regulatory goals.

Early bird tickets are now available, offering a 10 % discount until 10 September 2024.

More information is available at https://advanced-recycling.eu.

Circulose restarts commercial-scale production at Ortviken plant in Sundsvall

Circulose today announced the restart of its commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The company plans to resume production of CIRCULOSE®, a recycled pulp made entirely from discarded cotton textiles, in the fourth quarter of 2026.

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.