4th Annual Chemical Feedstocks for Sustainable Industry Conference 2026

The Applied Catalysis Group (ACG), the Applied Materials Chemistry Group (AMCG), the Industrial Chemistry Group (ICG), the Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing Hub (SCHEMA), GW-SHIFT and UK-HyRES, are delighted to announce our fourth annual seminar on sustainable chemical feedstocks. The event is a collaboration between industry and academia and will focus on six main topics: 

Underutilised Biomass for Platform Chemicals (Chaired by the RSC Applied Materials Chemistry Group)

The continuing drive for the whole chemicals sector to become more sustainable relies on the ability to convert readily available and renewable feedstocks into products. However, the transition from petrochemical to biochemical feedstocks remains extremely challenging, particularly concerning the conversion of widely available, non-food biomass, such as forestry, aquaculture and agricultural residues, into valuable chemical building blocks. In this session, we will look at how industry is embracing the change to these bio-based feedstocks and how research is supporting the production of high-value intermediates from low-value residues to feed into established supply chains.

Circularity for Chemicals and Polymers (Chaired by SCHEMA)

This session will explore the emerging science and engineering to enable circularity for chemical and polymer manufacturing – highlighting key developments in synthesis, re-use, recycling, and broader end-of-life management. The session will examine more sustainable polymerisation processes, designing materials for enhanced recyclability, and advanced mechanical and chemical recycling processes, providing a renewable feedstock stream of chemical intermediates which can integrate with the wider industry.

Advances in Catalysis – Enabling Sustainable Industry (Chaired by the RSC Applied Catalysis Group)

More than 90% of all chemical products rely on catalysis somewhere in their manufacturing process, making catalysts a cornerstone of modern industry. From heterogeneous and homogeneous systems to biocatalysis, their versatility and inherent sustainability advantages place catalysis at the heart of greener chemical process design. This session will showcase the latest advances in catalysis and how they are driving the transition to sustainable industry through enabling the use of renewable and sustainable feedstocks.

Small molecules to platform chemicals (Chaired by the RSC Industrial Chemistry Group)

How can simple molecules be transformed into the platform chemicals that underpin modern industry? This session examines emerging routes from small, abundant feedstocks—highlighting how carbon capture and utilisation is opening new pathways to convert CO₂ into valuable intermediates. We will explore advances in catalysis, process intensification, and scale-up that bridge lab innovation to commercial reality. Join us to understand how these approaches integrate with broader strategies for sustainable, resilient chemical value chains.

Green Hydrogen in Sustainable Industry (Chaired by SETsquared Partnership, GW-SHIFT and UK-HyRES)

Green hydrogen is emerging as a transformative solution for decarbonising energy-intensive industries by providing a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil-based fuels and chemical feedstocks. Produced through water electrolysis using renewable energy sources, it offers significant potential to reduce carbon emissions across sectors such as transport, chemicals, steel, refining, and fertiliser production. This session will explore how the integration of green hydrogen into industrial value chains is driving the transition toward sustainable manufacturing, circular resource efficiency, and the achievement of net-zero ambitions.

Life Cycle Assessment: Methods and Applications for Sustainable Systems (Chaired by the RSC Industrial Chemistry Group)

This session will explore advances in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies and their application across diverse sectors and value chains. Topics will include developments in life cycle modelling, inventory data, impact assessment, uncertainty analysis, prospective LCA, and circular economy assessment. The session will showcase case studies from chemical manufacture, plastic valorisation, and energy, demonstrating how LCA can support sustainable design, technology development, policy evaluation, and strategic decision-making. Through methodological innovation and practical application, the session will highlight the role of life cycle thinking in enabling low-carbon, resource-efficient, and circular systems.

A networking reception and gala dinner will be held in the evening at Burlington House after the first day of the conference.