On 23 May 2025, the RELIANCE project was featured at the 1^st Swiss Sustainable Polymer Conference (SSPC) in Fribourg, Switzerland. This inaugural event marked a significant milestone as the first nationwide Swiss platform dedicated to fostering dialogue and collaboration between science and industry in the field of sustainable polymers.

The conference brought together researchers, industry representatives, startups, and public stakeholders, offering a rich programme of expert presentations, laboratory tours, and innovation showcases focused on the sustainable transformation of the plastics industry.

RELIANCE was presented by Prof. Roger Marti from The School of Engineering and Architecture (HEIA-FR), who introduced the project through a poster and a dedicated booth. The presentation highlighted RELIANCE’s ambitious work in developing bio-based, circular-by-design polymers, and its contributions to the European Union’s green transition goals. The booth attracted strong interest, especially from stakeholders eager to understand how RELIANCE’s approach can contribute to a more sustainable, low-carbon polymer economy. The event provided an excellent platform to raise awareness of the project, foster connections with like-minded initiatives, and explore potential avenues for collaboration.

Key Themes of the SSPC Conference:

Circular economy and sustainable design

The circular economy is a transformative model that aims to eliminate waste and promote the continuous use of resources. Key principles of this concept were explored, including the prevention of waste through design, the retention of products and materials in use, and the regeneration of natural systems. Case studies of successful initiatives of circular economy were presented, demonstrating the economic, environmental and social benefits of this sustainable approach.

Biopolymers

Biopolymers are a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. This section covered the development, applications and environmental benefits of biopolymers. Presentations covered different types of biopolymers, their biodegradability and the potential they offer for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. The session also addressed key challenges in production, performance and market acceptance.

Recycling

In this session, the latest technologies and methods for recycling polymers were explored. Presentations showcased mechanical and chemical recycling processes, innovations in sorting and processing technologies, and the economic and environmental benefits of effective polymer recycling. The focus was on overcoming current challenges and scaling these technologies to make a significant impact on reducing plastic waste.

Check the poster presented during the conference here.