Meet Evonik at the 25th International FSK Conference on Foam Plastics and Polyurethanes
November 17–19, 2026 | Essen, Germany
Evonik is proud to host the 25th International FSK Conference on Foam Plastics and Polyurethanes in Essen, Germany. Organized by the German Association for Foam Plastics and Polyurethanes (FSK), the conference brings together industry experts, researchers, technology providers, and decision-makers to discuss the latest developments in polyurethane materials, recycling technologies, sustainability, logistics, and regulatory affairs.
Participants can look forward to expert presentations, networking opportunities, the presentation of the FSK Innovation Award, laboratory visits at Evonik, and a cultural program including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein in the heart of the Ruhr region.
Event Details
Event: 25th International FSK Conference on Foam Plastics and Polyurethanes
Date: November 17–19, 2026
Location: Evonik Operations GmbH, Essen, Germany
Organizer: German Association for Foam Plastics and Polyurethanes (FSK)
Language: German
Registration: Open now via the FSK registration platform.
Topics and Highlights
The conference program will feature presentations addressing key challenges and opportunities across the polyurethane value chain, including:
- Evonik – Contributions to Sustainability, Dr. Martin Trocha, Evonik Operations GmbH
- Energy Feedstocks – Availability, Dependencies, Current Developments, Dr. Dieter Franke, Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR)
- Off the Track – Logistics Chaos, Its Causes and the Development of Future Infrastructure, Prof. Dr. Julia Hansch, Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University Mannheim (DHBW)
- Challenges in Logistics, Barry Mol, Bertschi Group
- Challenges Arising from Current and Future European Legislative Procedures, Europur
- End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation, Dr. Felix Mühlhaus, Evonik Operations GmbH
- Reactive Extrusion for the Recycling of Rigid Polyurethane Foams, Prof. Dr. Christian Bonten, Institute of Plastics Engineering (IKT), University of Stuttgart
- Polyurethane in Defense Technology – Applications, Performance and Trends, Jens Winiarz, Hennecke GROUP
Additional presentations are currently being finalized and will be announced by the organizer.
Evonik Contributions
Evonik experts will share insights into key industry topics, including sustainability and regulatory developments affecting polyurethane materials and applications. Conference attendees will also have the opportunity to visit Evonik laboratories and gain firsthand impressions of research and innovation activities related to polyurethane technologies.
Networking in the Ruhr Region
Beyond the technical program, the conference provides extensive opportunities for professional networking. Attendees can participate in a social evening program and explore Essen’s industrial heritage, including a visit to the renowned Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as the most beautiful coal mine in the world.
Why Attend?
- Learn about the latest technologies in polyurethane and foam plastics
- Gain insights into sustainability and recycling solutions
- Understand upcoming regulatory requirements
- Connect with industry experts and decision-makers
- Explore innovations shaping the future of polyurethane applications
- Experience Evonik’s innovation environment in Essen
About FSK
The German Association for Foam Plastics and Polyurethanes (FSK) represents companies across the foam plastics and polyurethane industry and promotes innovation, sustainability, education, and collaboration throughout the value chain.
