11. Jun 2026
Biopolymer Innovation Award 2026
Five innovative solutions for the future of sustainable plastics nominated. The BIOPOLYMER Congress is one of the leading international events for bio-based and biodegradable plastics. On 15 and 16 June 2026, decision-makers, industry professionals, scientists and developers from more than 40 countries will gather at the Georg-Friedrich-Händel-Halle in Halle/Saale(Germany) to discuss current developments across the entire value chain of sustainable plastics. A highlight of the congress is the presentation of the Biopolymer Innovation Award 2026. The award recognises pioneering material developments, applications and technologies that have the potential to make the plastics industry more sustainable.
The 8th International BIOPOLYMER Congress has established itself in recent years as a central platform for bio-based and biodegradable plastics. Organised by the POLYKUM funding association and the media brands PlastXnow and PLASTVERARBEITER, the event combines scientific findings with industrial practice and brings together experts from industry, research and politics. The programme includes specialist presentations, workshops, networking sessions, a trade exhibition and an excursion focusing on the applications and processing technologies of biopolymers. The partner country for 2026 is Austria, which is actively contributing to the congress programme through numerous companies and research institutions.
Biopolymer Innovation Award 2026
A particular highlight of the first day of the congress is the presentation of the Biopolymer Innovation Award 2026. Now in its seventh year, the award recognises pioneering products, applications and technologies in the field of bio-based and biodegradable plastics. The winners will be presented to an international audience of experts and will have the opportunity to showcase their innovations during the congress. The award aims to promote the adoption of sustainable plastic solutions and strengthen cross-sectoral exchange between developers, manufacturers, processors and users.
These are the nominees for the Biopolymer Innovation Award
The five nominees for the Biopolymer Innovation Award 2026 demonstrate the full innovative strength of the industry.
- TECNARO GmbH: Microplastic-free artificial turf made from biopolymers
With “NaKura”, TECNARO GmbH from Ilsfeld has developed the first microplastic-free artificial turf sports pitch based on bio-based materials. At the heart of the innovation is the material ARBOBLEND®, from which both the artificial turf fibres and the infill are produced.
The plant-based infill is biodegradable and completely replaces conventional plastic granules, which have hitherto been considered a major source of microplastic emissions. The concept is complemented by durable bio-based artificial turf fibres with high UV and weather resistance. An elastic layer made from single-type recycled plastics rounds off the circular economy approach.
- Plastrans Technologies GmbH: Compostable nets as an alternative to fossil-based plastics
The Austrian company Plastrans Technologies GmbH has been nominated for “Bio-Net” – a fully compostable netting solution for packaging and agricultural applications.
The innovation was developed in collaboration with the US company BiologiQ and the German firm Mesh Pack GmbH. It is based on a thermoplastic starch technology that, for the first time, enables the production of extremely fine net structures with filament thicknesses of just four micrometres. The nets achieve comparable strength and processing properties to conventional fossil-based plastic nets.
Of particular interest is the possibility of composting the products together with organic waste after use. Furthermore, the nets could, for example, replace conventional plastic solutions in the packaging of trees, thereby preventing microplastics from entering the environment.
- IBEC Barcelona: Biopolymer becomes stronger rather than weaker when exposed to water
The Spanish Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) is pursuing a completely new approach to bio-based materials. The researchers have developed a chitosan-nickel material that does not lose strength upon contact with water, but actually becomes mechanically stronger.
This is made possible by a special cross-linking of chitosan – a biopolymer derived from chitin – with small amounts of nickel ions. Together with water, these form a dynamic network of intermolecular bonds. Whilst water acts as a plasticiser in many biopolymers and reduces strength, here it becomes a load-bearing component of the material structure.
The technology could open up new possibilities for biodegradable, water-resistant products – from packaging and foams to large-scale 3D components.
- Synthomer Deutschland GmbH: Additives for higher-performance biopolymer blends
Synthomer Deutschland GmbH from Marl has been nominated for a technical approach to improving starch-PLA blends. The focus is on integrating the natural resin Foral AX-E into bio-based plastic formulations.
Starch-glycerol-PLA blends are considered promising materials for packaging and agricultural applications. However, limited ductility, insufficient material compatibility and restricted barrier properties have so far hindered wider industrial use.
The addition of Foral AX-E is intended to specifically improve processability, mechanical properties and barrier performance. At the same time, the approach addresses the frequently occurring compatibility issues between hydrophilic and hydrophobic material components. The aim is to develop industrially scalable and high-performance biopolymer compounds.
- SNOW POLYMERS Ltd: Biodegradable plastics from industrial waste
The Israeli company SNOW POLYMERS aims to produce biodegradable plastics at costs that can compete with conventional petroleum-based materials.
To this end, the company is developing the new TPSx and TPC polymer families. Industrial organic waste from food and cardboard production serves as the raw material base. Using a proprietary reactive extrusion process, these by-products are converted into thermoplastically processable materials.
The materials can be processed on existing plastics processing equipment and do not require additional investment in new production infrastructure. The technology is currently being demonstrated using a fully biodegradable mulch film for agriculture.
Award ceremony in front of an international specialist audience
The presentation of the Biopolymer Innovation Award 2026 will take place during the evening event on the first day of the congress. The nominees will have the opportunity to present their developments to an international audience of experts from industry, science and research.
The Biopolymer Congress has long been regarded as a key platform for discussion on bio-based and biodegradable plastics. The focus is on current developments in materials, processing technologies, applications and regulatory frameworks. This year’s nominations impressively demonstrate the intensity of global efforts to find new solutions for a more sustainable plastics industry.