Innovate UK’s ‘Materials and Manufacturing vision 2050’ outlines the opportunities and challenges that lie in front of the UK materials and manufacturing sectors as we are aiming for a net zero world.

However, we cannot achieve this without key technologies such as Industrial Biotechnology and Engineering Biology. To support the Biomanufacturing activities in the UK, we are launching a series of online webinars delivered through our Sustainable bio-based Materials and Manufacture (SusBioMM) programme.

The SusBioMM Cafe Series present a selection of speakers who are developing biobased materials and innovations in sustainable and scalable biomanufacturing processes.

The event is focused on primary and secondary packaging, innovative materials and new formats of packaging, attracting packaging designers and technologists from brands across markets including food, retail, FMCG, drinks, pharmaceuticals, personal care and many more.

UK Research & Innovation’s Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging (SSPP) Challenge, delivered by Innovate UK, will be at the Packaging Innovations 2025 (Stand L50) showcasing the range of exciting research and innovation projects it has funded, as well as wider research initiatives to improve plastic circularity and reduce plastic pollution.

The featured projects will demonstrate the breadth of SSPP’s portfolio and the range of specific challenges being addressed, from films and flexible packaging recycling to the latest breakthroughs in reuse and refill, and from the alternative bio-derived polymers to smarter packaging data.

As the UK strives to achieve its net zero goals, the role of innovative materials and manufacturing becomes increasingly crucial.

This one-day event, hosted by Innovate UK, is designed to inspire, connect, and empower those driving change in these sectors. It will showcase the impact of £1.75 billion investment in materials and manufacturing, offering exclusive access to ground-breaking innovations and high-growth investment opportunities.

Network with industry leaders, investors and government representatives, and explore collaborations that will drive the UK’s journey to net zero. Don’t miss this chance to shape the future of these critical sectors.

The RECOUP Summit will be focused on new developments in technology that will help to drive future improvements in the plastics recycling and resource efficiency value chain. One of the underpinning themes will be how collaboration is a key factor in overcoming the different technology challenges and driving progress.

The Summit will consist of focused breakout sessions in the morning, with speakers including projects funded by UK Research & Innovation’s Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge, delivered by Innovate UK. The topics are:

• Understanding the role of data in the circular economy: this session will examine the importance of data collection in advancing the circular economy, highlighting the function of accurate data in helping to deliver the changes that are needed.
• The role of technology in advancing recycling processes: this session will explore the effects of chemical recycling and other advancements in technology that are transforming the recycling industry.
• Food contact packaging: this session will explore possibilities and innovations in enhancing recycled content in high end applications.

These will be followed by lunch and networking in the afternoon.