21Oct2025
10:30 – 17:00 University of Applied Science Fribourg, Boulevard de Pérolles 80, CH-1700 Fribourg

Materials, Surfaces & Interfaces for a Circular Economy of Polymeric Materials

Swiss Plastics Cluster NTN Innovative Surfaces

Polymers are versatile materials and are used in everything from high-tech electronics to consumer packaging. Mostly derived from petrochemicals, polymer recycling and their useful breakdown can be challenging.

The sustainable use of polymers in circular processes is key and might compete with bio-based alternatives in a future circular economy. Experts present advances & challenges in the circular use of polymers, the contribution of innovative surface technologies & energy-efficient processes for the transition from linear to circular value chains.
Surface technologies can significantly improve the sustainability of polymer products, their material value, and their use over multiple life cycles. Discuss the latest innovations in surface technologies with experts from the network

Programm/Ablauf

Morning program – Roundtable Sessions
10.30h - 12.00h: 3 parallel sessions, each with 3 roundtables

10:30Cellulose-based coatings for fruits and vegetables
Dr. Gustav Nyström, Empa
Inkjet printing research: a mouthwatering journey with edible inks
Natalia Carrie, HEFR, iPrint Institute
Revolutionizing Plastic Recycling: A Novel Co-Binder for Efficient Ink Removal
Silvia Paula, Evonik Operations GmbH
Monolayer Coatings in Lifecycle Assessment: Negligible Direct Environmental Footprint, Significant Systemic Gains
Sina Göhl, SuSoS AG
«Green» electropolishing of industrial alloys
Prof. Oksana Banakh, HE-Arc
Complement or Competition: Thermal Spray, Weld Overlay & Laser Cladding
Mischa Weder, cross-ING AG
Laser Texturing and DLC Optimization for Optimal Tribological Performance
Mirko Zago, ARGOR-ALJBA SA
Encapsulation and Protection of Sensors
Dr. Cornelia Nef, Ost - Ostschweizer Fachhochschule
Between materials – sustainable interface modification using plasma treatment and plasma coatings
Prof. Sonja Neuhaus, University of Applied Sciences FHNW
Laser Processing and Laser Assisted Sensing of Surfaces
Yashar Khodaei, GMP SA
12:00Buffet lunch

 

Afternoon program - Plenary Session
13.00h - 16.45h Auditoire Edouard Gremaud

13:00Welcome & Introduction
Dr. Andreas Hafner, Dr. Jörg Güttinger
 Life-cycle Industrial Polymer Recycling (Chemcycling, Pyrolysis, Solvolysis)
Dr. Hannah Mangold, BASF SE
 Chemomechanical Recycling of TPU: Chances & Problems
Dr. Lena Marie Funke, BASF SE
 Towards Sustainable Surface Technologies for Circular Economy
Prof. Yves Leterrier, EPFL
 Challenges & Opportunities in PET Closed-loop Recycling: a Surface Engineering approach
Dr. Jérôme Larrieu, Plastic Technologies Inc.
14:40Coffee Break
15:10On’s Cyclon program - towards circular footwear
Christian Goldhahn, On AG
 Circularity Is Not a Destination: Re-rethinking the Packaging Sustainability Narrative
Dr. Lars Lundquist, Nestlé SA
 Gluten, a pseudo-thermoplastic, bio-sourced, compostable Material
Dr. Michel Schenker, Omya International AG
 Unlocking Lignin: A Versatile Ingredient for Functional and Innovative Materials and Surfaces
Dr. Philip Scholten, Bloom Biorenewables Ltd.
16:45Networking Apéro

Verbindlich anmelden

Fusszeile