Recycling is not a science, but must be approached by mobilizing all disciplines: chemistry, physics, engineering, informatics, but also law, economics and social sciences, etc. To contribute to this essential societal challenge and to proposed relevant solutions, it is necessary to adopt holistic approaches, from matters to systems, from atoms to actions. 

Beyond Waste 2027 is an international scientific symposium to be held in Lille (France) from Mars 16 to 18, 2026. It will bring together experts from all around the World in order to meet and discuss research themes related to recycling, eco-design, and the circularity of materials. The event will feature parallel sessions dealing in detail with topics related to materials (plastics, composites, strategic metals, textiles, and papers-cardboards), as well as sectorial issues (WEEE, new energy technologies – photovoltaics, wind mills, hydrogen devices -, batteries, and household waste) and interdisciplinary matters, with the inputs of digital and social sciences. Plenary sessions will also cover common and broader topics, including political, economical, and environmental questions.   

Supported by the National research program PEPR “Recycling, Recyclability, and Reuse of Materials,” which brings together more than 300 scientists from nearly 100 laboratories across the country, Beyond Waste aims to unite an international research network on these issues. During the three days of the conference, the goal is to bring together the scientific community from around the world and showcase the diversity and richness of research on recycling and the circular economy of materials, which cannot be resolved through a single scientific discipline.