Our events and event contributions:
The monthly GO!PHA Science Talk.
organizes a monthly science talk for our members, providing a regular forum to share research, exchange insights, and connect with experts in the field. If you would like to attend an upcoming session as a guest or are interested in presenting your work, we encourage you to get in touch.
Partner event contributions.
We actively partner with conferences and industry events to co-organize sessions or contribute dedicated program segments focused on PHA, policy and sustainable materials innovation.
GO!PHA Science Talk - PHA for Biomedical Implants to Skin Repair and Cosmetic Applications
Professor Maciej Guzik will present recent advances in the development of PHA-based biomaterials for high-value applications. The talk will explore strategies to tailor PHA structure and functionality for biomedical implants, wound healing, and regenerative approaches, alongside emerging uses in skin repair and cosmetic formulations. Particular attention will be given to PHA-derived oligomers and bioactive compounds, highlighting their potential at the interface of biotechnology, medicine, and dermatological applications.
Rethinking Materials
The Rethinking Materials Summit is a leading international event taking place on April 28–29, 2026 at the Hilton London Bankside, where brands, innovators, and investors come together to explore and accelerate the next generation of sustainable materials. The two-day summit convenes industry leaders, from global consumer brands to materials producers and policymakers, to discuss emerging technologies, investment trends, and scalable solutions that support circularity and low-carbon materials across sectors like packaging, textiles, automotive and consumer goods.
GO!PHA Science Talk - Colored PHA and the next generation of performance bioplastics
In this meeting, Alec Brewer, founder and CEO of Ourobio, will provide an overview and update on Ourobio's colored PHA technology and state of bioplastic additive innovation. More specifically Alec will dive into Performance Modifiers, Biodegradation Enhancement, and a quest for soft, toughened biodegradable CPG
GO!PHA Science Talk - Stereomicrostructural Engineering of P3HB Towards Mono-Materials
Ethan Quinn, Postdoc Fellow at the California Institute of Technology (United States) presents a journey towards mono-material PHA products. Plastic products that we use every day typically require multiple types of polymers to achieve required barrier, mechanical, and aesthetic properties. The complexity from the different polymers generally complicates production methods as well as end-of-life options. Moving to mono-material products, those that are made from one type of polymer that has been modulated to achieve the material properties necessary for the necessary properties, is essential for sustainable production of next generation plastic products. In this presentation I will discuss how P3HB's material properties can be tuned from strong but brittle thermoplastics to tough thermoplastics, elastomers, and even hot-melt adhesives utilizing stereomicrostructural engineering and how these materials can be combined to create mono-material products.
Hands-on Masterclass PHA
Hands-On Masterclass PHA (June 24–26, 2026, Bratislava)
GO!PHA is organizing an educational 3-day hands-on PHA Masterclass on June 24–26, 2026. The course will be hosted at the Polymer Institute SAS (PISAS), which is part of the Sloval Academy of Sciences, in Bratislava, Slovakia. This practical training is designed for PhD students, postdocs, and professionals working with or interested in PHA, and focuses on processing, molecular characterization, modification, recycling, and biodegradability testing. Participants will gain direct experience with key techniques including extrusion, fiber spinning, rheology, thermal and mechanical characterization, and biodegradability evaluation.
The masterclass includes three full days of practical training, workshops, and discussions, with lunch, coffee breaks, and basic insurance provided. Travel and accommodation are not included.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own PHA samples to work with, or use PHA materials available at PISAS.
ISBP2026
6th-9th September 2026 - ISBP 2026
ISBP has established itself as a successful International conference dedicated to the exploration of the production, processing, application and biodegradation of biopolymers. The ISBP-2026 will showcase the latest developments along the biopolymer value chain from biomass to products. The symposium will also have a dedicated half day for delegates to hear from industry on scaling production, product development, and the marketing of biopolymers.
Renewable Materials Conference
The Renewable Materials Conference (RMC) is a major annual event organised by the nova-Institute that brings together global stakeholders involved in replacing fossil-based carbon with renewable alternatives such as biomass, CO₂ utilisation and recycling. Over three days, participants from industry, research, policy and business explore the entire value chain of renewable materials—from feedstocks and processing technologies to sustainable polymers and circular solutions, through presentations, panel discussions and workshops, with hybrid options available for remote attendance.
GO!PHA Science Talk - SATISPHACTION project: Upcycling PHAs to innovative materials for fully sustainable food packaging
The SATISPHACTION project was awarded in the last EIC pathfinder challenges 'Nature inspired alternatives for food packaging and films for agriculture'. Focusing on PHA food
Packaging applications, the project targets the development of groundbreaking chemical and enzymatic upcycling processes that allow the full recovery of monomers and their subsequent repolymerisation to enable the production of PHA polymers with enhanced properties. An overview on the approach, methodology and most recent results will be provided.
𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗯𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁-𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀
On 26 February 2026, MAGICBIOMAT and ANIPH launch a joint webinar series exploring the future of bio-based, circular and biodegradable materials.
This series brings together AI, design, manufacturing and policy to examine how new materials can move beyond conventional plastics. The focus is programmed biodegradability, improved circularity, and solutions that are scalable in real-world conditions.
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 - “𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗯𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁-𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀”
The opening session will look at how circularity can be embedded in biomaterials from the earliest design phase. Through applied case studies and research insights, we will address key challenges linked to scalability and sustainability and discuss how materials can be designed to safely return to nature.
Speakers:
• Kevin O’Connor, University College Dublin
• Yuanyuan Chen, Technological University of the Shannon
• Salvador Garcia, CETBIO
If you work in materials science, manufacturing, sustainability, or policy, register and join the discussion.
More information and registration
GO!PHA Science Talk - Processing, structure analysis and biodegradability of High-performance PHA fibers
We are excited to announce Mr. Tadahisa Iwata, Professor at the University of Tokyo (Japan), as a speaker for the upcoming GO!PHA Science Talk on February 18th at 14:00 CET. His presentation, titled “Processing, structure analysis and biodegradability of High-performance PHA fibers,” will focus on advanced research in sustainable polymer materials, highlighting processing methods, structural characterization, and biodegradability aspects of high-performance PHA fibers. The talk will be held online.
K-Fair
K is considered the leading international trade fair in the plastics and rubber industry. Each time, the event attracts a large number of professionals from production, processing and related sectors such as mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, electronics, medical technology, the packaging industry and the construction industry from all over the world to find out about the latest innovations and make valuable contacts. A wide range of products and services in the fields of machinery, equipment, raw materials and measuring technology will be presented.
The next trade fair will take place in 8-15 October 2025 at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre and will be a global magnet for exhibitors and visitors alike.
Renewable Materials Conference
In just a few years, the Renewable Materials Conference (RMC) has established itself as the international meeting place for innovators, companies and brands, investors and policymakers to develop and shape the future renewable carbon economy. As in previous years, the conference organiser nova-Institute expects 400-500 participants from around the world.
RMC 2025 (22-24 September) aims to provide answers to pressing questions for suppliers and brands, investors and policymakers: How to defossilise the chemical industry and remain competitive? How to meet the demand for fossil-free plastics? How to create sustainable carbon cycles? What role will biodegradation play in the circular economy?
Bio Innovation Midwest
Bio Innovations Midwest is dedicated to driving the exciting growth of industrial biomanufacturing in the U.S.
On 15-16 September 2025, over 500 industry leaders will connect in Omaha via a programme of pre-arranged 1-2-1 commercial meetings, knowledge exchange and networking.
4th PHA World Congress
We’re thrilled to announce the 4th PHA World Congress, a premier gathering of industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers dedicated to advancing PHA and sustainable materials.
2 September 2025: Kick off with a special Matchmaking & Networking Event hosted by GO!PHA.
3-4 September 2025: Dive into two days of inspiring talks, innovative showcases, and collaborative discussions.
INC-5.2 Pre-event: Navigating the materials spectrum - a criteria-based approach to product design and trade
GO!PHA will contribute the INC-5.2 pre-event hosted by UNCTAD on August 4th.
Conventional plastics, bio-based and biodegradable plastic alternatives, and non-plastic substitutes each have crucial roles to play - and complex trade-offs to navigate - in today’s materials landscape. While the INC process primarily targets controls on conventional plastics, it also reverberates through markets for alternative and substitute materials, influencing their global trade dynamics and incentives for end-of-life recovery and recycling.
PHA Symposium Session #3: PHA from Waste Biomass
Join us for the next session in the PHA Symposium Series, focusing on PHA production from waste biomass, including fermentation from hydrolyzed biomass, gas, waste lipids, and industrial side streams.
World Biomarkets
On 10-11 June 2025, World Bio Markets will connect over 450 industry leaders with a commercially focused two-day programme of pre arranged 1-2-1 meetings, knowledge exchange, and networking in order to accelerate the transition to a fossil-free economy.
3rd United Nations Ocean Conference
The high-level 2025 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (the 2025 UN Ocean Conference) will be co-hosted by France and Costa Rica and held in Nice, France, from 9 – 13 June 2025.
PHA Symposium Session #2: Blends & Composites
This session will focus on how blending and compounding PHA with other materials can enhance performance, expand application possibilities, and tailor material properties for industrial use.
The Rethinking Materials Summit
The Rethinking Materials Summit returns to the Hilton London Bankside on May 13–14.
This unique summit unites a diverse range of pioneers in next-gen materials, including manufacturers, producers, brands, investors and innovators, all driving sustainable change through creating, sourcing and commercialising new materials for consumer goods.
Pitch sessions, targeted networking, start-up exhibition and a 1-1 networking app make this a stand-out event for innovation discovery and partnerships.
5th United Nations Oceans Forum
The 5th United Nations Ocean Forum on trade-related aspects of SDG 14 will take place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland on 3–5 March 2025, and will be co-chaired by France and Costa Rica.
The Forum offers a unique platform to align trade and economic policies with sustainable ocean use.
PHA symposium series - Session #1 on Downstream Processing
The online PHA symposium series tackles 5 critical topics in PHA development and is co-organized by the European Federation of Biotechnology and GO!PHA.
Session #1 addresses the state of the art, best practices and innovative solutions in PHA downstream processing. Topics that will. be covered: Biological PHA extraction, Supercritical CO2 and co-solvents, Green solvents, Enzymatic processes, Novel innovative processes.
The purpose of this meeting is a technical information exchange for mutual benefit and the advancement of the PHA industry. Chatham House Rule applies.
The workshop will take place online.
Costs: 240 Euro incl. VAT - 50% discount for GO!PHA and EFB members
European Workshop on Biotechnology: Biobased Materials
The EFB Biobased Materials Division invites you to participate in the upcoming European Workshop on Biotechnology: Biobased Materials, a 4-day event set at the HES-SO Valais.
Designed for a small group of up to 20 participants, the workshop will feature a blend of expert-led lectures and hands-on lab activities, focusing on cutting-edge biobased materials. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from world-class speakers and instructors.
EBC24 - European Bioplastics Conference
The European Bioplastics Conference is a business and discussion forum within the global bioplastics sector. More and more brands and manufacturers are embracing the potential of biopolymers, and policy makers are increasingly streamlining their efforts to create frameworks that benefit the growth of sustainable bio-industries.
Fifth Round of Negotiations (INC-5) for a Global Plastics Treaty
The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-5), is scheduled to take place from 25 November to 1 December 2024 at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center in Busan, Republic of Korea.
4th Annual 2024 AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference & Exhibit
The conference will focus on promoting Industrial Biotechnology throughout this multi-day conference and exhibition. To kick off the event there will be a reception on Wednesday evening, November 20, 2024 from 5:00 -7:00 p.m., included in the registration ticket of the conference.
Sustainable Industry Week 2024
The Sustainable Industry Week incorporates four events: Sustainable Materials Conference & Expo, Sustainable Chemicals Conference & Expo, Greener Manufacturing Conference & Expo, and Plastic Waste Free World Conference & Expo.
The International Symposium on Biopolymers
A biennial international conference that endeavours to advance knowledge and progress in the field of biopolymer research. A platform for scholars, educators, and experts from various regions of the globe to exchange the most recent concepts, data, and advancements in the realm of biopolymers.
GO!PHA Webinar: Exploring Alternatives and Substitutes: How Do They Align with the Future of Waste Management (part 2)
Join the Global Organization for PHA (GO!PHA) for an engaging exploration of how alternatives and substitutes can contribute to a sustainable future in alignment with the UN Treaty on Plastics. This webinar will highlight their role in waste management systems, address key challenges, and showcase innovations shaping the path forward.
GO!PHA Webinar: Exploring Alternatives and Substitutes: How Do They Align with the Future of Waste Management (part 1)
Join the Global Organization for PHA (GO!PHA) for an engaging exploration of how alternatives and substitutes can contribute to a sustainable future in alignment with the UN Treaty on Plastics. This webinar will highlight their role in waste management systems, address key challenges, and showcase innovations shaping the path forward.
USDA Policy Summit on Future of Bioplastics
Join us on September 27, 2024 for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Policy Summit on the Future of Bioplastics. Key stakeholders from the private sector, non-government organizations (NGO’s), and federal government are invited to join this event to build and share knowledge on the challenges and opportunities for bioplastics, discuss barriers to scaling and adoption, and the roles U.S. government, in particular USDA, can play in strengthening the bioeconomy toward climate-smart growth.
Bio Innovations Midwest
This two day event will present the Midwest as the heartland of the US bioeconomy and will generate deal flow between bio developers and producers, global brands and buyers, investors and financiers, community enablers and suppliers.
International Conference on Microplastics and Ocean Plastic Pollution Studies
The International Conference on Microplastics and Ocean Plastic Pollution Studies aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Microplastics and Ocean Plastic Pollution Studies.
World Bio Markets
In the Fokker Terminal in The Hague, World Bio Markets connects over 450 industry leaders with a 2 day programme of pre-arranged 1-2-1 commercial meetings, knowledge exchange, and networking in order to accelerate the transition to a fossil-free economy.
Polymers for a Sustainable Future
Conference in Prague organized by the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences.
Renewable Materials Conference
During the three conference days, leading experts will present successful “drop-in” solutions that maintain the existing structure of the chemical industry but switch the carbon source from fossil to renewable carbon.
Circularity 24: Accelerating the Circular Economy
Circularity 24 offers thought-provoking keynotes, actionable breakouts, a solutions-oriented expo and unparalleled networking opportunities. Circularity 24 will be held from May 22 until May 24 in the Marriott Marquis Chicago.