PPI 2026 – Thank you for the inspiring days in Leoben

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.