Material and design choices sit at the intersection of two urgent policy agendas: achieving net-zero emissions and building a circular economy. Decisions about feedstock and material recovery technologies carry implications for both carbon and resource efficiency. But often, the two conflict.
With European packaging on track to increase CO2 emissions by 40 million tonnes annually by 2050 under current systems (Systemiq, 2025), this session examines how innovation in materials and systems can advance both climate and circularity goals.
- Reconciling climate and circularity: Are net-zero and circular material goals inherently in tension, or can feedstock strategies be designed to deliver on both? What does carbon accounting reveal about the true lifecycle impacts of virgin versus secondary raw materials?
- Investment priorities: Where should Europe direct capital investment in innovation—mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, bio-based alternatives, or advanced material recovery technologies—to optimize for both emissions’ reduction and resource security?
What to expect from this type of session...
Main stage sessions, but not as you know them. Because we’re off-the-record, leading experts can speak candidly about their experience with what works, and what doesn’t. At least half the session is dedicated to audience insights and questions to ensure we tackle the big issues head on.
