Brussels, 18 June 2026
As part of EU Green Week, ISC3 and BioökonomieREVIER brought together representatives from European institutions, industry, research organisations, and innovation on 18 June at the GIZ Brussels Office to discuss the role of sustainable chemistry, circular and bio-based economy approaches, and nature-positive development in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
The interactive roundtable discussion enabled a lively exchange between participants from different sectors and backgrounds. While perspectives varied, there was broad agreement that international cooperation will be key to advancing a nature-positive economy and maintaining Europe’s competitiveness in a rapidly changing global landscape.
The panel featured Eric de Deckere (CEFIC), Monique Wekking (Relement), Rupert Posner (Unilever), Peter Wehrheim and Thaïs Leray (European Commission), Pilar Llorente Ruiz de Azua (Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking), and Rupert Taylor (Symrise). Together, they explored opportunities and challenges related to sustainable chemistry, circular and bio-based solutions, and the framework conditions needed to support innovation and long-term competitiveness.
The programme was complemented by testimonial contributions from Emma Strömberg (IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute), Marianne Kettunen (Ellen MacArthur Foundation), and Jacqueline Vaessen (ChemistryNL), who shared additional perspectives on advancing sustainable and circular approaches across Europe.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors and value chains. Bringing experts with different perspectives around one table made it possible to discuss both opportunities and challenges from multiple angles and underlined the need for continued dialogue on these issues.Beyond the discussion itself, the event provided opportunities for networking and exchange among stakeholders and contributed to the broader conversations taking place during this year’s EU Green Week.
