Bioeconomy Dialogues 2026: Varese hosts a discussion between research, industry and institutions to build the sustainable future of textiles, plastics and chemicals.

Thursday 28 May, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Aula Magna Porati-Granero at the University of Insubria will host “Bioeconomy Dialogues 2026 – Sustainable Innovation for Textiles, Plastics and Chemicals”, an initiative dedicated to bioeconomy, the circular economy and sustainable innovation, at the heart of Bioeconomy Day 2026.

The event will bring together experts, researchers, representatives from institutions and industry to explore the latest frontiers in sustainable chemistry, with a particular focus on the recycling of textile and plastic fibres, biotechnology applied to circular chemistry, and strategies for more sustainable and efficient industrial development.

The day will open at 9 a.m. with participant registration, followed by institutional greetings from Umberto Piarulli, Deputy Rector of the University of Insubria. Speakers will then include Sergio Riva, President of the Lombardy Green Chemistry Association, and Michela Conterno, Vice-President of Confindustria Varese. 

The central part of the morning will be dedicated to “The University of Insubria and Sustainable Innovation”, with Loredano Pollegioni and Mauro Fasano, who will introduce the main themes of the conference.

The programme will be divided into three thematic sessions. The first will focus on sustainability in the textile sector, with talks on fibre recycling and the role of scientific research. The second session will explore sustainability in the plastics sector, addressing topics linked to the European bioeconomy, biotechnology, compostable bioplastics and the valorisation of agricultural by-products. The third session will focus on the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, with contributions on upcycling processes and the sustainable valorisation of chitin.

At 12 noon, there will be a round table on the challenges and opportunities of sustainability, followed by closing remarks and a light lunch. 

Participating companies will also have the opportunity to visit the University’s Microscopy and Imaging facility, subject to prior booking via Eventbrite.

Participation is free, with online registration:  https://bioeconomydialogues280526.eventbrite.it  

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PROGRAMME

9 a.m. - Participant registration
9.30 a.m. - Institutional greetings from Sergio Riva, President of the Lombardy Green Chemistry Association, Michela Conterno, Vice-President of Confindustria Varese, and Umberto Piarulli, Deputy Rector of the University of Insubria

10.15-10.45 a.m.
Opening session: The University of Insubria and sustainable innovation. 

Session 1: Sustainability in the textile sector
Chaired by Professor Mauro Fasano, University of Insubria

• New frontiers in textile fibre recycling
  Claudio Brugnoni, Centrocot
• The role of scientific research in textile fibre recycling
• Elena Rosini, University of Insubria

10.45-11.30 a.m.
Session 2: Sustainability in the plastics sector
Chaired by Professor Loredano Pollegioni, University of Insubria

• The bioeconomy in Europe: research supporting the new strategy
  Maria Teresa Borzacchiello, European Commission, Joint Research Centre
• Sustainable plastic recycling and valorisation through innovation and biotechnology
  Gianluca Molla, University of Insubria
• Green is the New Plastic: innovation from aromatic herbs and lignin
  Orlando Santoro, University of Insubria
• Valorisation of by-products from Lombardy agriculture for the production of biopesticides and compostable bioplastics
  Guido Domingo, University of Insubria

11.30 a.m.-12 noon
Session 3: Sustainability in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors
Chaired by Professor Umberto Piarulli, University of Insubria

• Bioeconomy in action: from by-products to health through upcycled fermentation
  Trejo Cesar Francisco, Roelmi
• The second life of chitin, from sustainable extraction to enzymatic conversion
  Francesca Berini, University of Insubria

12 noon-12.30 p.m.
Round table: The challenges and opportunities of sustainability

12.30 p.m.
Closing remarks and light lunch