International Polymer Conference

The 6th International Conference “PPI 2026 – Polymer Process Innovation” took place from September 1 to 4, 2026, at the Montanuniversität Leoben in Austria. Researchers and experts from universities, research centers, and industry discussed current challenges and opportunities in Polymer Processing—ranging from new material applications to data-driven developments, sustainable processing, and innovative tooling.

Highlights and Scope
 

More than 35 presentations from 9 countries
Program: 1 plenary lecture, 7 keynote lectures, 35 technical presentations, 13 posters, and 1 panel discussion

Focus Topics

  • Sustainable Polymers: Circular economy, mechanical/chemical recycling, design for recycling, LCA/carbon footprint, bio-based/biodegradable materials
  • Smart Polymers: Function-integrated materials, stimulus-responsive behavior, integrated sensors, functional surfaces, multi-material/hybrid processes
  • Digital Polymer Science: ML-based material modeling, process simulation and digital twins, real-time control, AI-based quality assurance 

Book of Abstracts


The Book of Abstracts contains the abstracts of all presentations given at PPI 2026. Topics include polymer recycling and the circular economy, rheology, processing simulations and digital twins, advances in processing, additive manufacturing, molds and tools, product design and development, polymer composites, smart and functional materials and surfaces, in-line measurement technology and quality assurance, as well as bio-based and biodegradable polymers.
Download the Book of Abstracts here

Acknowledgments


We would like to thank all authors, reviewers, session chairs, and the Scientific and Organizing Committees. A heartfelt thank you also goes to our hosts at the Montanuniversität Leoben, as well as to our partners and sponsors. Their support and commitment made PPI 2026 possible.

from left: Ludwig Cardon (Full Professor, Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University Head of the Centrefor Polymer and Material Technologies (CPMT) , Scientific Committee – Chairmen), Roberto Pantani (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Speaker), Clemens Holzer (Scientific Committee – Chairmen) und Antonio Pontes (Scientific Committee – Chairmen, Associate Professor, Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Minho CEOand Founder of the DONE Lab) Fotocredit: Department Kunststofftechnik bzw. Department Polymer Engineering and Science Leoben

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