The conference sessions, running parallel to the 1-2-1 meetings program, underpins the event’s core mission of scaling industrial biomanufacturing in the region.
In this pivotal year for the growth of European biomanufacturing, a carefully curated program of company presentations, guest speakers and panels will deliver actionable insights and solutions to critical industry challenges – sparking transformative 1-2-1 commercial discussions.
08:00
Networking coffee & registration
09:00
Opening Remarks
Leo Stemp, Head of Content, Bio Innovations Europe
09:05
Guest keynote address
Transforming material development for the automotive industry: Biotech and the circular economy at Mercedes-Benz
The automotive industry is continuously exploring novel materials for both interior and exterior applications. In the past, the primary focus was on adding functionalities such as lightweight design, improved haptics, enhanced insulation, NVH performance, and wear resistance.
With the implementation of sustainability strategies and evolving legislation in the automotive industry, new priorities are gaining importance, including circular economy principles and the use of alternative fossil-free feedstocks. This presentation showcases the latest developments in this field and discusses the challenges associated with implementing these new technologies within the automotive industry.
Dr Karl-Heinz Füller, Future Exterior and Materials, Mercedes-Benz
09:25
Panel discussion
Making bio-based the mainstream choice in auto manufacturing
On this panel we explore the challenges of scaling bio-based production to meet the need of the automotive sector. What do car makers want from their supply partners in terms of material performance, cost, sustainability, circularity, and reliability of supply? How are suppliers meeting the challenge of scaling production to meet demand, achieve cost-parity with fossil-based materials, and enable mass adoption of bio-based alternatives.
Featuring:
Dr Karl-Heinz Füller, Future Exterior and Materials, Mercedes-Benz
David Williamson, CEO, Modern Meadow
Ulrich Scherbel, CEO, AMSilk
Revital Nadiv, Co-Founder, Re-Fresh Global
09:55
Guest keynote address
Transformation of our ingredient portfolio - achievements and the journey ahead
Fabien Deswarte, Head of Strategic Partnerships for Sustainability Group, L’Oréal
10:15
Planet B.io
Cindy Gerhardt, Managing Director, Planet B.io
10:30
Guest speaker
UPM Leuna biorefinery: Pioneering sustainable chemistry, transforming industries
Dominik Müller, Senior Manager Sustainability & Market Development, UPM
10:45
Networking coffee
11:30
Guest Keynote Address
Why formulate cosmetics with ingredients based on secondary raw materials
The presentation highlights the strategic role of feedstock choice, with a strong focus on secondary raw materials as highly valuable resources that enable circularity and reduce reliance on virgin inputs for Net Zero. The presentation outlines diverse conversion pathways that can supply drop‑in or novel cosmetic ingredients Key challenges such as cost, regulatory gaps, competing demand, and technology readiness are balanced against major opportunities for new business models, emission reductions, and high‑value innovations.
Dr Manuela Köhler, Chief Scientist Feedstock & Formula Science, Beiersdorf
11:50
Tackling circularity for polyolefins and base chemicals with the A/B/C approach
Borouge International is committed to leading the transition to a more sustainable future through its Circular Economy Solutions (CES). These offer value-adding plastics and chemicals as more sustainable alternatives, including design for recycling, reusable products, mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and renewable-based plastics.
The prime approach to circular solutions follows the A/B/C model: A for carbon from the atmosphere (CCU), B for carbon from biomass, and C for circular technology-based carbon from mixed waste streams.
The Bornewables™ and Borvida™ B portfolios are based on B-feedstocks and are already in use across many plastic applications today. The Borcycle™ portfolio provides solutions based on C-feedstocks, complemented by recycled plastics from Borealis recycling plants. The offering is now completed with circular polyolefin portfolios based on atmospheric carbon (A), produced from captured CO₂.
Annika Huomo, Business Development Manager – Renewable & Biobased Polyolefins – Base Chemicals, Borouge International
12:10
BMW
Stefan Koensgen, Project Leader Design for Sustainability R&D, BMW
12:20
A technical presentation from a leading bio pioneer
If you think your company would be a good fit for speaking here, please email [email protected]
12:30
Networking lunch
14:00
Panel discussion
Harmonising standards for bio-based to accelerate buyer uptake
Lack of clear and consisient standards for novel biosolutions create buyer hesitancy, increase qualification delays, and lead to greenwashing fears, all of which slow B2B adoption of bio-based drop-in solutions. This session highlights the urgent need for clear, comprehensive, harmonised European standards on bio-content, performance, and sustainability to accelerate market uptake. The panel explores where we are on the journey towards harmonisation and considers the next steps towards developing robust yet practical frameworks that B2B buyers can trust and understand, and that regulators will accept.
14:30
A technical presentation from a leading bio pioneer
If you think your company would be a good fit for speaking here, please email [email protected]
14:40
Guest speaker
Stimulating the demand-side: Push and pull approaches to make bio-based the new normal
For companies looking to scale, demand is a key component of “bankability”. From consumer and offtaker education, to the introduction of bio-based procurement mandates, this panel explores strategies to boost demand for biosolutions. What can brands do to better educate consumers? What are the roadblocks to wider B2B adoption and how could harmonisation of standards for novel biosolutions help reassure offtakers? How will a proposed Bio-based Europe Alliance of companies pledging to purchase €10 billion of bio-based solutions by 2030 work in practice? Cajole or coerce – How can we make biobased the “go to” option?