MAKE.IT.HAPPEN. IN EUROPE
How to reconcile competitiveness and sustainability in Europe
With the theme MAKE.IT.HAPPEN. IN EUROPE, the VinylPlus Sustainability Forum 2026 (VSF2026) will examine how Europe can reconcile competitiveness and sustainability.
The VSF2026 will take place in person in Genval, Belgium on 10 and 11 June 2026, and gather policymakers, UN representatives, NGOs, academics and industry leaders. Over a day and a half, participants will engage in inspiring presentations, panel discussions, roundtables and networking sessions.
Europe is at a pivotal moment, working hard to maintain industrial strength while meeting ambitious climate and circularity objectives. The European PVC value chain - deeply rooted in production and innovation - is uniquely placed to demonstrate how this balance can be achieved while delivering tangible benefits for our society. For 25 years, through VinylPlus®, the PVC industry in Europe has been a pioneer in sustainability and circularity. With VinylPlus 2030, its third 10-year commitment to sustainable development, the industry continues to advance the transition toward a more sustainable and circular future.
We have now reached the midpoint of our 2030 Commitment. In 2025, we carried out a mid-term review of our ambitious targets - an important moment to reflect on EU and global developments, as well as on the progress and challenges facing the PVC industry. At a time when industry must remain competitive and innovative while addressing global pressures, collaboration is essential. By working together - industry, regulators, NGOs and academia - we can identify policy gaps to address Europe’s competitiveness crisis and therefore strengthen Europe’s resilience and autonomy and secure a brighter future for the PVC value chain in Europe.
At the VSF2026, the question How can Europe reconcile competitiveness and sustainability? will be explored through three interconnected sessions, each addressing a critical pillar of Europe’s future:
1. Make. Water Resilience. Happen. in Europe
2. Make. Affordable Housing. Happen. in Europe
3. Make. Sustainability. Happen. in Europe
#VSF2026: Be part of the discussion, exchange ideas during our roundtables, listen to inspiring presentations. Register now to VSF2026.
Programme
Starts at 11:00
12:30 - 13:30
Siân Hughes, Moderator
13:30 - 13:40
Keynote speech on how Europe can reconcile competitiveness and sustainability.
13:30 - 13:40
Karl-Martin Schellerer, Chairman, VinylPlus® and Charlotte Röber, Managing Director, VinylPlus®
14:00 - 14:30
Water is life, but it is also a resource under growing pressure. Climate change, population growth and ageing infrastructure are placing Europe’s water systems under severe strain. Securing reliable access to clean and safe water in Europe is essential and the PVC value chain plays a vital role in this effort.
Session 1 will explore:
- How the new Drinking Water Directive shapes water management in Europe.
- How to secure clean, safe, affordable, resilient water supply chains in Europe while managing pollution and climate.
- How the European PVC value chain supports the reduction of the water footprint processes and products.
During Session 1, you will listen to inspiring presentations, followed by a panel discussion and be active in roundtables
Topics for discussion will be:
Roundtable 1: New EU compliance challenges for PVC articles in contact with drinking water
Roundtable 2: Water footprint in EU PVC value chain's journey to sustainability
Roundtable 3: Circularity of water storage and supply networks
From 14:30 - 17:30
Siân Hughes, Moderator and Roundtables' Leaders
17:30 - 18:30
Starts at 19:30
Starts at 8:00
Siân Hughes, Moderator
9:00 - 9:10
Keynote speech on policies enabling EU Made circular construction and affordable housing.
9:10 - 9:30
Housing is both a social right and a key economic driver. Ensuring access to safe, comfortable and energy efficient homes is vital for social cohesion, economic stability and Europe’s long term competitiveness. The PVC value chain plays an important role here. PVC products are widely used in housing because they combine sustainability, energy efficiency and affordability with high performance.
Main topics of Session 2 will be:
- Policies and procurement criteria enabling EU Made circular construction and affordable housing.
- Strenghtening competitiveness in the building sector while reducing critical dependencies.
- Advancing recycling, emissions reduction, and circularity in housing materials.
- Addressing chemical safety and fire protection in homes.
Session 2 will be structured around inspiring speeches, a panel discussion and roundtables.
During the roundtables, participants will discuss:
Roundtable 1: Affordable and energy-efficient housing
Roundtable 2: Fire safety of construction products
Roundtable 3: Chemical safety and circularity of construction products
From 9:30 to 12:00
Siân Hughes, Moderator and Roundtables' Leaders
12:00 - 13:00
13:00 - 14:00
Reaching the midpoint of its 2030 Commitment, VinylPlus carried out in 2025 a mid-term review of its targets - an important moment to reflect on EU and global developments and on the progress and challenges facing the PVC industry. The VSF2026 will be the ideal gathering to officially launch our revised VinylPlus 2030 Commitment.
How the European industry can accelerate progress toward sustainability while remaining competitive, and how Europe can lead globally by example.
Panelists will come from the European Commission, UNIDO, NGOs and Academia.
Facilitated by the Moderator
14:00 - 14:45
A revised VinylPlus 2030 Commitment to deliver competitive sustainability or sustainable competitiveness?
14:45 - 15:00
LIVE signature ceremony by Steering Board Members
15:00 - 15:20
Karl-Martin Schellerer, Chairman, VinylPlus®
15:20 - 15:30
Siân Hughes, Moderator
15:30 - 15:45