Name: Materials, Surfaces & Interfaces for a Circular Economy of Polymeric Materials
Start: 2025-10-21T10:30:00+02:00
End: 2025-10-21T17:00:00+02:00

Polymers are versatile materials and are used in everything from high-tech electronics to consumer packaging. Mostly derived from petrochemicals, polymer recycling and their useful breakdown can be challenging.

The sustainable use of polymers in circular processes is key and might compete with bio-based alternatives in a future circular economy. Experts present advances & challenges in the circular use of polymers, the contribution of innovative surface technologies & energy-efficient processes for the transition from linear to circular value chains.
Surface technologies can significantly improve the sustainability of polymer products, their material value, and their use over multiple life cycles. Discuss the latest innovations in surface technologies with experts from the network

Program/Schedule

Morning program – Roundtable Sessions
10.30h - 12.00h: 3 parallel sessions, each with 3 roundtables

10:30	Cellulose-based coatings for fruits and vegetables Dr. Gustav Nyström, Empa
	Inkjet printing research: a mouthwatering journey with edible inks Natalia Carrie, HEFR, iPrint Institute
	Revolutionizing Plastic Recycling: A Novel Co-Binder for Efficient Ink Removal Silvia Paula, Evonik Operations GmbH
	Monolayer Coatings in Lifecycle Assessment: Negligible Direct Environmental Footprint, Significant Systemic Gains Sina Göhl, SuSoS AG
	«Green» electropolishing of industrial alloys Prof. Oksana Banakh, HE-Arc
	Complement or Competition: Thermal Spray, Weld Overlay & Laser Cladding Mischa Weder, cross-ING AG
	Laser Texturing and DLC Optimization for Optimal Tribological Performance Mirko Zago, ARGOR-ALJBA SA
	Encapsulation and Protection of Sensors Dr. Cornelia Nef, Ost - Ostschweizer Fachhochschule
	Between materials – sustainable interface modification using plasma treatment and plasma coatings Prof. Sonja Neuhaus, University of Applied Sciences FHNW
	Laser Processing and Laser Assisted Sensing of Surfaces Yashar Khodaei, GMP SA
12:00	Buffet lunch

Afternoon program - Plenary Session
13.00h - 16.45h Auditoire Edouard Gremaud

13:00	Welcome & Introduction Dr. Andreas Hafner, Dr. Jörg Güttinger
	Life-cycle Industrial Polymer Recycling (Chemcycling, Pyrolysis, Solvolysis) Dr. Hannah Mangold, BASF SE
	Chemomechanical Recycling of TPU: Chances & Problems Dr. Lena Marie Funke, BASF SE
	Towards Sustainable Surface Technologies for Circular Economy Prof. Yves Leterrier, EPFL
	Challenges & Opportunities in PET Closed-loop Recycling: a Surface Engineering approach Dr. Jérôme Larrieu, Plastic Technologies Inc.
14:40	Coffee Break
15:10	On’s Cyclon program - towards circular footwear Christian Goldhahn, On AG
	Circularity Is Not a Destination: Re-rethinking the Packaging Sustainability Narrative Dr. Lars Lundquist, Nestlé SA
	Gluten, a pseudo-thermoplastic, bio-sourced, compostable Material Dr. Michel Schenker, Omya International AG
	Unlocking Lignin: A Versatile Ingredient for Functional and Innovative Materials and Surfaces Dr. Philip Scholten, Bloom Biorenewables Ltd.
16:45	Networking Apéro