On 10 July 2025, the Green Economy Network.NRW hosted the second event in its Plastics Dialogue series. This time, the event took place at the Industry Club Düsseldorf and focused particularly on start-ups and innovative solutions in the plastics industry.

Following a brief welcome and introduction to the Green Economy Network.NRW by Prof. Dr. Martin Faulstich, Daniel Ohl (PhD scholarship holder and speaker at INZIN) took over the moderation and guided the participants through the event.

Firstly, Bettina Dempewolf, Head of Communications at Plastics Europe, gave an exciting keynote speech in which she reported on current challenges in the plastics industry. Three innovative start-ups from the plastics industry then introduced themselves. Sebastian Pütter from Smart Plastify opened proceedings, followed by Dr. Louisa Desel from Osphim and Dr. Nils Prinz from AES pyrolysis plants. Stefan Weber from chemstars.NRW then gave the final keynote speech, which focused on promoting start-ups in the chemical and plastics industry. During the Q&A session, audience members had the opportunity to ask the founders and speakers questions. Many participants took the opportunity to continue their dialogue and networking at the get-together.

We would like to thank all the speakers and guests for participating and for the inspiring dialogue. Special thanks go to Daniel Ohl, our doctoral scholarship holder and speaker, for successfully organising and moderating the event.