The German Environment Agency (UBA), together with the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Center (ISC3), invites to the conference “Spotlights 2026: Shaping the Chemical Transition Together” from October 14th to 15th, 2026 at the UBA in Dessau-Roßlau. With invited participants from industry, authorities, science and civil society, we identify transformation pathways for the chemical industry in Germany and Europe.
Chemicals are a fundamental basis of our prosperity. The chemical industry in Germany and Europe is a major employer and a key industry for other sectors. However, the chemical industry faces significant challenges. A fundamental rethinking of the chemical industry is required. The transformation of the chemical industry in Germany and Europe is one of the central tasks we face. This transformation is crucial for protecting the environment and human health, ensuring competitiveness and secure jobs and creating resilient value chains worldwide. It is important that the transformation takes place within the global boundaries.
This interdisciplinary conference brings together 150 participants from industry, policy, academia, and civil society. In three thematically focused sessions, we will analyse key topics:
- The future of the chemical industry in Germany and Europe – strategic leadership and responsibility within global boundaries
- Innovations, investments, and new business models for a competitive, sus-tainable chemical industry
- Economics and governance – how to create conditions for innovation, com-petitiveness, and sustainability
In breakout groups following these sessions, we will identify integrated solutions and derive pathways for the transformation of the chemical industry.
The detailed conference program can be found here.
Since we want to ensure balanced participation for all key stakeholders, we must make a selection among those who register. Selection criteria include stakeholder affiliation and the order of registration. The number of participants is limited to 150 people.
This number of participants will also provide us with a constructive atmosphere and enable us to successfully process your important input to identify transformation pathways for the chemical industry in Germany and Europe.
- Certification:
We are aiming for certification according to the “Blauer Engel” guidelines.