CRE Annual Conference 2026: Getting Ready for 2030 Targets
Europe’s circular plastics industry is approaching a defining moment. On September 30, Chemical Recycling Europe (CRE) will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, brands, recyclers, and experts in Brussels to discuss what it will take to turn Europe’s 2030 circularity ambitions into reality.
Under the theme “Getting Ready for 2030 Targets: Powering Circular Plastics Made in Europe,” the CRE Annual Conference 2026 will focus on the regulatory, market, and technological developments shaping the future of chemical recycling and circular plastics in Europe.
With 2030 getting closer, the conversation is no longer only about setting targets. It is about creating the conditions to deliver them.
From policy to market demand
The conference will open with a welcome from CRE President Valentijn de Neve, followed by a first session examining chemical recycling as a key pillar of European resilience and the evolving regulatory framework surrounding the sector. Moderated by Beatriz Santos, Editor at Sustainable Plastics, the session will feature perspectives from Dr. Wolfgang Trunk of the European Commission, Ben Dixon of Systemiq, and Carolina Gregorio Rocha of DOW, followed by a panel discussion with invited guest Dr. Andreas Neumann of LyondellBasell.
The conversation will then turn to one of the most important pieces of the circularity puzzle: demand.
Session II will explore the growing demand for circular materials across value chains, bringing together Egor Dementev of ICIS, Nestor García Morales of Mondelēz, Thor Tummers of Unilever, and Arne Ringkowski of ALDI. The session will conclude with a Q&A before the networking lunch.
By bringing together perspectives from across the value chain, CRE 2026 will create space for the discussions needed to connect circularity ambitions with real market conditions.
Tackling the challenges ahead
The afternoon program will continue the conversation with updates from CRE members, including upcoming Final Investment Decisions (FIDs), before turning to the upgrading challenge in plastics recycling.
Moderated by Will Collins, Global Editor at Argus Media, Session IV will explore solutions for resolving this challenge, with contributions from Marvin Kusenberg of Ghent University, Gert Coun of SABIC, and Shell, followed by a Q&A session.
The conference will close with remarks from the CRE President and the announcement of CRE’s new President.
More than a conference
CRE 2026 is also about bringing the sector together.
The program includes dedicated networking opportunities throughout the day, giving participants the chance to connect directly with industry peers, policymakers, experts, and potential partners.
The experience begins on September 29 at 6:30 PM with the CRE Networking Dinner, ahead of the main conference on September 30.
As Europe prepares for its 2030 targets, collaboration across the entire plastics value chain will be essential. CRE 2026 provides a place to have those conversations, exchange perspectives, and discuss how Europe can move from ambition to implementation.
Be part of the conversation
September 29, 2026
Networking Dinner
September 30, 2026
CRE Annual Conference 2026
Getting Ready for 2030 Targets: Powering Circular Plastics Made in Europe
If your organization is part of the future of plastics circularity in Europe, this is a conversation you should be in.
🎟️ Secure your ticket today and join Chemical Recycling Europe in Brussels for CRE 2026.
GET YOUR TICKET: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/getting-ready-for-2030-targets-powering-circular-plastics-made-in-europe-tickets-1985497741192?aff=oddtdtcreator
Check the full agenda here:
