The Polymers 2026 topics/ themes are: 

Polymers Fundamentals & Design

• Sustainable Polymer Synthesis, Reactions & Kinetics
• Advanced Polymer Structures & Architectures
• Structure–Property Relationships & Functional Performance
• Polymer Interfaces, Surfaces & Nanostructures
• Supramolecular & Self-Assembled Polymer Systems

Polymers Processing & Engineering

• Polymer Processing, Engineering & Rheology
• 3D/4D Printing with Polymers & Biopolymers
• Digital Tools & AI in Polymer Design & Manufacturing 

Functional Polymers & Smart Materials

• Smart & Responsive Polymers (self-healing, stimuli-responsive, adaptive)
• Polymers in Sensing, Robotics & Wearables
• Multifunctional Nanocomposites & Hybrid Materials 

Biopolymers & Green Materials

• Biopolymers & Bio-inspired Polymers
• Polymers from Renewable Resources, Biodegradable & Compostable Polymers
• Circular Economy & Polymer Recycling

Applications in Health, Energy & Environment

• Polymers in Biomedical Engineering & Drug Delivery
• Polymers for Energy Storage & Conversion
• Polymers for Environmental Sustainability (water, CO2, waste management)

Joint EU Project Workshop: Safe and Sustainable Bio-Based Polymers: From Design to End-of-Life in Circular Value Chains

As part of Polymers 2026, the ViSS, PHAntastic, and ANIPH projects are joining forces to deliver a dedicated workshop on the development of safe, sustainable, and circular bio-based polymer solutions.

Description: This joint workshop will present recent advances in bio-based and biodegradable polymer materials developed within several European R&I projects, addressing the full value chain from material design and formulation to processing, application and end-of-life. The workshop will cover Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approaches, bio-based and biodegradable solutions for relevant sectors like agriculture, packaging, and medical applications, programmed biodegradation, advanced processing technologies (including 3D printing), and the role of digital tools such as artificial intelligence, digital twins and traceability systems. Policy, regulatory and standardisation challenges related to biodegradation in open environments will also be addressed. The workshop aims to foster cross-project exchange and dialogue with stakeholders on how bio-based polymer solutions can support the transition towards more circular, safe and sustainable polymer value chains.