How can green chemistry, bio-based resources and innovative technologies contribute to the next generation of sustainable polymers?
On 17 September 2026, POLYMEER will bring together experts from academia, research and industry for the hybrid workshop “Designing the Next Generation of Sustainable Polymers”, taking place in Enschede, the Netherlands, with the possibility to join online.
Organised in the framework of the POLYMEER project, the workshop will explore different approaches to making polymer development more sustainable and circular, from greener synthesis processes and bio-based feedstocks to innovative additives and enabling technologies.
Exploring different pathways towards sustainable polymers
The workshop will open with an introduction to POLYMEER by project coordinator Prof. Assunta Marrocchi from the University of Perugia, providing the context for an afternoon of discussions around sustainable polymer science and its future applications.
Prof. Daniela Lanari, also from the University of Perugia, will explore green chemistry processes applied to sustainable synthesis, followed by Dr. Rolf Albach from FH Aachen, who will present “Future polymers: from impact factor to impact”.
The programme will then turn to the potential of renewable resources. Prof. Anke Blume from the University of Twente will discuss the use of lignin as a sustainable additive in elastomers, while Dr. Andre Lehmann from Fraunhofer will explore “Bio-Based Polymers – Pathways to a Circular Bioeconomy”.
The final part of the programme will broaden the discussion towards enabling technologies and industrial perspectives. Dr. Hessel van Dijk from ChiralVision will introduce work on enzyme immobilisation and the development of sustainable carrier materials, followed by a contribution from Roy Visser from Avantium. The workshop will conclude with an open Q&A and discussion involving the speakers and participants.
Connecting research, industry and the circular bioeconomy
Developing sustainable polymers requires progress across the entire value chain. It means reconsidering where raw materials come from, how polymers are synthesised and formulated, how their performance can be optimised and what happens to materials at the end of their useful life.
These questions are also at the heart of POLYMEER, which is developing innovative bio-based polymers from brewers’ spent grain, transforming an abundant brewing by-product into a resource for new materials.
By bringing together complementary perspectives from different areas of polymer science and industry, the workshop aims to encourage knowledge exchange and discussion around the technologies and approaches that can support a more circular and sustainable polymer sector.
Join us on 17 September
📅 17 September 2026
🕐 13:00–15:00 CEST
📍 University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands & online
🎟️ Participation is free, but registration is required.
👉 Register here.
Whether you work in polymer science, bio-based materials, green chemistry, recycling, biotechnology or the wider circular bioeconomy, join us to explore the innovations shaping the next generation of sustainable polymers.
Practical information for in-person participants
The workshop will take place at Boerderij Bosch (BB), located on the University of Twente campus:
Boerderij Bosch (BB)
Campuslaan 15
7522 NC Enschede
The Netherlands
On the University of Twente campus map, Boerderij Bosch is building number 62, which should make it quite easy for participants to locate the venue once they arrive on campus.
Participants travelling to Enschede can find information on how to reach the campus by public transport, bicycle or car on the University of Twente’s route and campus information page:
Plan your journey to the University of Twente
