Following the successful kick-off of nova talks, the second edition turns to one of the most pressing and controversial topics in the transition towards a circular textile economy. Under the title “Textile Recycling: quo vadis? Just a hype or the next big thing?”, this interactive online session will explore whether current developments signal a genuine systemic shift – or whether the momentum risks fading before large-scale impact is achieved.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sp3uSwv4RvCmqNkI1hvxeA

Three experts will guide the discussion: moderator Asta Partanen (nova-Institute), together with Heli Kangas (Valmet) and Melina Sachtleben (Institut für Textiltechnik der RWTH Aachen University (ITA)), exchange on their different perspectives from industry, research, and policy on the status quo of textile recycling.

Innovations in AI-based sorting and fibre-to-fibre recycling are addressing long-standing challenges such as complex material blends and quality consistency. Mechanical and chemical recycling processes are progressing beyond pilot stage, yet questions remain about scalability, cost competitiveness and reliable feedstock supply.

At the same time, evolving policy frameworks in EU – including separate textile collection in place, recycled content targets and extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes – are redefining market conditions. Clear and coherent regulation will be crucial to unlock investment and enable large-scale infrastructure.

Looking ahead, investment in chemical recycling, upscaling strategies and growing brand demand for recycled fibres could turn textile recycling into a key pillar of the renewable carbon economy – if technological and economic hurdles can be overcome.

Experts in Textile Recycling and Cellulosic Fibres

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With a strong focus on circularity and resource efficiency, the company supports industrial solutions that advance recycling, fibre processing and the transition towards a more sustainable, renewable carbon economy. Heli Kangas, Development Manager at Valmet, provides her expertise and insights from an industrial perspective.

The Institute for Textile Technology (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe’s leading research centres for textile science and engineering, covering the entire value chain from fibre materials and textile production technologies to smart and sustainable textile solutions. ITA’s work spans high-performance fibres, advanced manufacturing, technical and functional textiles, as well as circularity and recycling research, linking cutting-edge innovation with industrial applications and academic teaching. Melina Sachtleben, Research Assistant at ITA, discusses the topic from a more research-oriented perspective.

Hosted by nova-Institute

nova-Institute is an independent research and science-based consultancy focused on sustainability and renewable carbon cycles. It supports the chemicals, plastics and materials industries in replacing fossil carbon with renewable carbon from biomass, carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), and recycling. Its goal is to defossilise carbon-dependent sectors and enable a circular, climate-neutral carbon economy.

Hosted and moderated by Dr. Asta Partanen, Senior Expert at nova-Institute, the unique nova talk format encourages lively discussions and dialogue with the audience, who are actively invited to ask questions. nova-Institute ensures professional hosting and moderation, guaranteeing consistently high-quality and in-depth content.

This nova talk is sponsored by Valmet. Textile Technology supports the format as a media partner.

Register here free of charge: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sp3uSwv4RvCmqNkI1hvxeA

Turning Underutilised Resources into Economic & Environmental Value

Industrial-Urban Symbiosis (I-US) enables new business opportunities though the collaboration of diverse stakeholders across various sectors. Hereby, this innovative approach facilitates the exchange of underutilised resources, e.g. by-products, residues, energy, water, capacities, and expertise, keeping materials productive longer. By repurposing outputs as inputs, I-US can minimise resource extraction, cut costs, and advance objectives of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan.

Key criteria of this value creation are aligned stakeholder interest and the exchange of perspectives. Businesses benefit from reduced raw material costs, supply chain resilience, lower disposal expenses, and new revenue opportunities. Meanwhile local authorities and regions can profit from healthier ecosystems, economic vitality, and new job opportunities. These complementary goals drive economic resilience and systemic change towards sustained resource loops, higher recycling rates and enhanced regional sustainability.

To turn theory into practice, the EU-funded WaterProof project hosts the webinar “Industrial-Urban Symbiosis: Business, Funding, and Practical Insights”. Join on 24 March 2026 from 13:00 to 14:30 CET for targeted strategies and practical insights that will equip industry professionals and practitioners with proven I-US skills.

Register here!

The webinar will feature presentations from leading experts:

• Alena Jahns/Mara Wagner (IZES): Introduction to the WaterProof project and Industrial Urban Symbiosis.
• James Woodcock (International Synergies Limited & H4C ECoP): Business cases and funding for I-US
• Hannes Utikal (Provadis School, Process4Sustainability at Industrial Park Höchst, Frankfurt): Practical example: Industrial Symbiosis collaboration at Höchst Industrial Park.
• Eric Schuler (Avantium): Embedding CCU/the volta technology in the I-US context
  The WaterProof Project and I-US Integration

The EU-funded research project WaterProof implements I-US by developing a cutting-edge CO2 conversion technology . Powered by renewable energy, this unique electrochemical process converts CO₂ captured from wastewater treatment and waste incineration into formic acid. It hereby turns emissions into a sustainable carbon feedstock replacing fossil resources. The generated formic acid will be tested in applications like fish leather tanning and consumer cleaning products as well as the formulation of Formic-derived Acidic Deep Eutectic Solvents (ADES). The project’s synergies perfectly illustrate I-US potentials: Urban CO₂ emissions supply chemical industries. Peroxide by-products treat wastewater contaminated with pesticides, antibiotics, and pharmaceuticals. Formic-derived Acidic Deep Eutectic Solvents (ADES) extract precious metals from ash and sludge, creating closed loop circular systems.
For more information on the WaterProof project, visit https://waterproof-project.eu.

WaterProof is Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Register now

The BIORADAR project has developed a comprehensive set of tools and resources to help stakeholders assess, improve, and replicate sustainable bio-based solutions. Through the Replication Facility, you can now access these outcomes directly. By joining, you will be able to:

✔️ Access digital sustainability assessment tools
✔️ Learn with our MOOC about circular economy and bio-based systems
✔️ Discover curated best practices and innovative methodologies

Whether you are a policymaker, industry professional, researcher, or sustainability practitioner, the BIORADAR Replication Facility provides valuable resources to support your work.

How to enroll?
🔎 Visit www.dl4sd.org
👤 Create your user account
📚 Search for BIORADAR in the catalogue
✅ Click Enroll and start exploring!

EuBioNet is pleased to announce its official endorsement of the ISEKI-Food Conference 2026 (ISEKI-Food26), an international event dedicated to advancing the transition towards sustainable, resilient, and innovative food systems.

ISEKI-Food26 will place a strong focus on three interconnected pillars that are essential for shaping the future of food systems:

• Education and Training

• Research

• Responsible Food Production and Consumption

Together, these thematic areas reflect the need for integrated approaches that connect knowledge generation, skills development, and practical implementation across the entire food value chain. Further details on the thematic scope are available in the Conference Topics section on the event website.

The conference is addressed to scientists, professionals, and students from universities worldwide, as well as representatives from the food industry, with the explicit goal of strengthening links between academia, research, and industrial practice. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, ISEKI-Food26 aims to foster dialogue, stimulate innovation, and support the co-creation of solutions that respond to current and future sustainability challenges.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Exchange new ideas and application experiences in a face-to-face international setting

• Present and discuss research results and innovative practices

• Establish business or research partnerships

• Identify global partners for future collaborations

Through this endorsement, EuBioNet recognises ISEKI-Food26 as a valuable platform for the bioeconomy and food systems community, contributing to knowledge exchange, capacity building, and cross-sectoral cooperation at European and international level.

More information about the conference, including deadlines for abstract submission and registration, is available on the official website!