Course
Polyamide circularity symposium
Polyamides are used as engineering plastics in various objects, such as power tools, cars and aluminum windows. Today, the polyamide value chain is anything but circular, as the plastic ends up in highly mixed waste streams at the end of the object's lifetime. During this afternoon, we want to take a closer look at the opportunities to valorize from this valuable polyamide waste stream.
We will have speakers outline the current polyamide situation, as well as what technologies need to be developed to valorize this waste stream.
First, we will dive into the world of polyamides and their applications, presenting several case studies that will, on the one hand, explain the specific properties of polyamides, but, on the other hand, reflect the complexity towards collection and sorting.
During a demo, we look at how we can improve the sorting of polyamides through spectral analysis coupled with artificial intelligence.
Then we dive into the different recycling processes available. We explain mechanical and chemical recycling of polyamides.
Finally, explain how all these facets come together in the PA-Link research project.
What can you expect from this course?
Program
- 12h-13h Reception with sandwiches
- 1 p.m.-3:15 p.m. Introduction
- 13:15-13:45 What are polyamides and their applications?
- 13:45-14:05 Polyamide circularity - an overview
- 14:20-14:50 Case studies of polyamide applications
- 2:50-15:30 p.m. Coffee break and demo
- 15:30-15:45 Mechanical recycling
- 15:45-16:00 Chemical recycling
- 4 p.m.-4:15 p.m. PA-Link project
- 4:15-17:30 p.m. Closing reception
Additional information
This symposium is aimed at players in the polyamide value chain:
- Producers of polyamide monomers and polymers
- Companies that use polyamides in their applications
- Bodies responsible for collection and sorting of waste streams, including technology developers and logistics partners
- Industrial players wishing to engage in chemical depolymerization of polymers
- Strategists and policymakers
... and anyone who wants to contribute ideas for making the polyamide waste stream circular
We are targeting a broad industrial audience, focusing on giving a global view on the wonderful world of polyamides. Notwithstanding, experts in different fields will be present, to dive into the details.
Organization
This exciting afternoon is organized by the iPRACS, InViLab and IDLab research groups, in collaboration with University of Antwerp and Province of Antwerp.


Speakers
Date
Jan. 19, 2026 12 p.m.
Location
UAntwerp Campus Groenenborger
Price
Free
This course something for you?
Interested in this course? Register using the button below.
Good to know
Engineers of tomorrow has more to offer than the annual job and networking event.
What
Engineers of Tomorrow aims to support the ecosystem of future industrial engineers, (alumni) engineers, the Faculty of Applied Engineering and technology and innovation-driven companies in their broader professional and personal development.
Who
We welcome future (graduate) industrial engineers and companies driven by technology and innovation.
Where
Engineers of Tomorrow's job and networking event takes place at Bluepoint in Antwerp.
Why
EoT is a sustainable, enabling platform that connects stakeholders with increasing focus on broader societal issues. Fundamentally, each stakeholder contributes to the platform and also has the opportunity to use it.



