Plenary Session I: Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Future of Polymers
The theme of this plenary session is on the advancement of design strategies powered by artificial intelligence that are catalyzing unprecedented polymer processing innovations and expansion into emerging and advanced application fields. The session shares insights on how AI algorithms can be used to leverage the massive chemical and structural database of conventional and sustainable polymers leading to new ways for solving forward problems and maximizing performances.
Plenary Session II: Innovation in Sustainable Materials in Industry
This plenary session is focused on the state-of-the-art of the development and implementation of bio-based, biodegradable, and other sustainable polymers and composites for industrial applications such as packaging and light-weight automotive. There will be a special focus on the transformation of renewable and waste resources into the feedstock for green manufacturing. This session will also discuss various end-of-life scenarios including recycling and biodegradation and their environmental and societal impact.
Industry Panel Session: Processing of Sustainable Polymers in Industry - the New Frontier
Processing fossil polymers for several decades has a legacy that proves to be an encumbrance when processing sustainable polymers: high temperatures (often over 250 Deg C), general-purpose screw designs, hot runners designed for higher temperature channels, etc.
Sustainable polymers, though offering significant carbon footprint reduction benefits and more responsible manufacturing process, need a shift in mindset and a learning curve to become ubiquitously adopted as standard practice. This session explores such practices and will help industry navigate through the finer points associated with the adoption of sustainable polymers in the bio-medical, consumer products, and automotive market segments.
Plenary Panel Session: Recycling, Upcycling & Circular Economy
The theme of this plenary panel session is to address the challenges of integrating recycling and upcycling into existing infrastructure, and the future of sustainable development within Industry 5.0 towards a sustainable and resilient circular economy. The session will cover cutting-edge technologies in mechanical and chemical recycling and integrated strategies.