European Bioplastics Conference marks two decades of industry transformation and innovation
As European Bioplastics prepares to mark the 20th edition of its annual European Bioplastics Conference (EBC), the organisation is taking stock of a remarkable journey that has transformed the event from a niche technical gathering into the premier global forum for the bioplastics sector. What began in 2006 as an event capped at 300 participants due to venue limitations has since evolved into a flagship platform annually attracting between 350 to 400 stakeholders worldwide, including policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, researchers, and brands. According to Hasso von Pogrell, Managing Director of European Bioplastics, while the conference has broadened its scope over time, it has consistently retained its core aim of disseminating the latest innovations within the bioplastics industry, from new polymer developments to enhanced applications in daily use.
The EBC’s growth mirrors the rapid expansion and diversification of the bioplastics industry itself. Where once it was a specialized subject for a small cadre of experts, it now encompasses a wide range of themes including policy, sustainability, circular economy principles, digitalisation, and cross-sector collaboration. The conference thus serves two critical roles: as a vital networking hub connecting pioneering start-ups, established companies, scientists, and policy makers, and as a knowledge exchange forum fostering the development of innovations and partnerships. Mr von Pogrell emphasised that many breakthrough ideas and ventures have their genesis at EBC, often conceived through the informal yet fertile exchanges facilitated by the event’s deliberate structure, which balances packed programmes with ample networking breaks.
Looking ahead, Lorenza Romanese, Head of Communications at European Bioplastics, anticipates that EBC will further strengthen its global position by fostering direct dialogue between policymakers, academia, and industry players, addressing the sector’s pressing challenge of reconciling legislative frameworks with innovation and competitiveness. She highlighted the importance of evidence-based policymaking to ensure that regulations facilitate rather than hinder the sector’s sustainable growth. In line with this vision, future editions of the conference will broaden their format to enhance international participation through hybrid setups and will put greater emphasis on spotlighting start-ups and innovators via dedicated pitch sessions and innovation awards.
This year’s 20th anniversary edition, scheduled for 2–3 December 2025 at the Titanic Hotel Berlin, Germany, is poised to be a milestone event that both celebrates two decades of progress and looks forward to the sector’s next phase of expansion. Key themes expected to dominate the agenda include sustainability and availability of biomass, the latest EU policy updates, consumer awareness of bioplastics, and market opportunities linked to diverse bioplastic materials. The event will also feature the prestigious European Bioplastics Innovation Award, introduced to recognise transformative solutions that can scale the industry’s impact. Complementing the main conference will be a free side event on bioplastic packaging design, showcasing cutting-edge research and innovation projects supported by EU funding.
This holistic approach—combining technical sessions, policy debates, market insights, and innovation showcases—ensures that EBC remains the must-attend event for executives and stakeholders across associations, confederations, and trade bodies involved in bioplastics. With sustainability and circular economy principles increasingly embedded in industry and policy agendas, EBC is uniquely positioned to facilitate collaboration that accelerates the sector’s transition towards smarter, greener, and more competitive bioplastics solutions on a global scale.