The final chapter of our Polymer Additives Academy 2025 is here, and it’s all about SUSTAINABLE POLYMERS 🌱
On 18 November, we’ll meet again in Lugano, at the Department of Innovative Technologies of SUPSI, for a full day dedicated to innovation and the future of sustainable materials.
This last appointment will bring together professionals, researchers, and companies that are shaping the polymer industry of tomorrow.
From wood polymer compounds to polyamide evolution, from odor removal in recycled materials to mineral additives for greener plastics, the day will offer a complete overview of how technology and research are working together to make sustainability a tangible goal.
And whether you’re a professional, a student, or simply passionate about polymers, this will be the perfect chance to deepen your knowledge, exchange ideas with experts from across Europe, and see innovation in action during the visit to the SUPSI laboratories.
The event is free, both in person and online, but seats are limited, so be sure to register now and secure your spot!
REGISTRATION FORM: https://forms.gle/NbV64ixw1j1cZ2ch6
AGENDA
10:15 a.m. – Welcome and introduction
10:30 a.m. – Sustainability in plastics: threat or opportunity?
Prof. Andrea Castrovinci – SUPSI
Andrea Castrovinci (on the left) is a Professor of Polymeric Materials at SUPSI. He earned his PhD in Material Science and Technology from the Polytechnic University of Turin. His research focuses on polymeric materials and nanometric coatings with properties like flame retardancy and electrical conductivity. Since joining SUPSI in 2006, he has advanced research and education in polymer science. He also teaches several chemistry and material sciences courses. Additionally, he is the co-founder of three start-ups, leveraging his research work.
Ass. Prof. Marzio Sorlini – SUPSI
Marzio Sorlini is an Associate Professor in Sustainability of Industrial Processes at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI). He holds a Master’s degree in Management Engineering from Politecnico di Milano and a PhD in Industrial Engineering from the University of Parma. His research focuses on data-driven sustainability assessment and digital tools supporting decision making towards sustainable and circular manufacturing systems. A co-founder of two university spin-offs, he combines academic research with technology transfer and industrial innovation, leading a multidisciplinary team of twenty researchers engaged in collaborative projects, direct mandates with industrial companies, and education on sustainability and circular economy.
11:00 a.m. – Wood polymer compounds
Filippo Gallizia, CEO and Founder of Geomatrix
Filippo Gallizia, born in Milan in 1964, is Managing Director of the toy company Geomagworld SA and Founder & CEO of Geomatrix, a company focused on innovation and sustainable materials development. He holds a Law degree from the University of Milan and completed Business Management courses at SDA Bocconi, along with continuous training in management, strategic planning, and sustainability. He has held executive positions in industrial companies in power transmission sector, gaining extensive experience in product innovation, production processes, and corporate management. At Geomagworld, he leads R&D, Industrialization, and Production, driving projects in circular economy and sustainability in collaboration with SUPSI – University of Lugano. He is a passionate speaker at conferences on sustainability and innovation.
11:30 a.m. – Recycling and upcycling with the twin screw extruder for compounding
David Gralla – KraussMaffei Extrusion
David Gralla is a process engineer in the compounding industry with more than 8 years of experience in the operation and development of processes and their required extrusion machines and equipment.
After completing his studies in the field of plastics and process engineering, he joined Nexans working in cable extrusion for high voltage application. Since 2020 he is working for KraussMaffei Extrusion and he is now a process engineer in the field of compounding and recycling applications with a focus on co-rotating twin-screw extruders.
12:00 p.m. – Improving quality of recycled polymers
Valentina Pelliccioli – Greenchemicals
Valentina works at Greenchemicals as a Regulatory and R&D Technician, bringing a strong scientific background and extensive research experience in the field of chemistry. She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Chemistry, specializing in organic synthesis, from the University of Milan, where she also earned her Master’s degree summa cum laude. Her postdoctoral experience, gained in both Italy and Germany, includes the design and management of funded research projects focused on the synthesis of chiral catalysts, atropisomeric molecules, and sugar-based active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Valentina’s technical expertise covers advanced organic synthesis and analytical characterization (NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, FT-IR, UV-VIS), alongside a solid understanding of Good Laboratory Practices and HSE regulations.
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch break
1:30 p.m. – Microwaves as a process intensification approach for the chemical recycling of PET plastic waste – Gr3n
Franco Cavadini, co-founder di Gr3n
Franco A. Cavadini is an aerospace engineer with a PhD in robotics and artificial intelligence. Over the last decade and a half he has worked at the intersection of industrial automation, advanced control, and AI—coordinating multi-partner R&D programmes, bridging academic research and industrial deployment, and teaching on modern automation methods. His publications and training activities focus on distributed control (IEC 61499) and scalable, data-driven engineering for manufacturing and process industries.
As CTO and co-founder of gr3n SA, Franco contributes to the industrialisation strategy of microwave-assisted PET depolymerisation and the associated purification route. His current work emphasises electrified process pathways—including chlor-alkali integration—together with LCA-based sustainability assessment and the MODUS first-of-a-kind programme, supporting gr3n’s transition toward commercial deployment and licensing.
2:00 p.m. – Polyamide: description of type, chemical foundation and blending techniques. New sustainable developments towards next generation engineered polymers
Nicolangelo Peduto, RadiciGroup
Nicolangelo Peduto has over 30 years of experience in the plastics industry. He has held various roles at SNIA, RHODIA, and RADICI, primarily in Research and Development, Marketing, and Product Management. He currently holds the position of Global Product and Technology Innovation at RADICIGROUP HIGH PERFORMANCE POLYMERS in Bergamo, Italy. The company is part of RADICIGROUP, a multinational group headquartered in Italy and employing 3,000 people worldwide.
His development activities have included the polymerization of various types of nylon, formulations, and compounds for injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding. He is the author of numerous patents regarding new polymer formulations and applications, particularly polyamide-based polymers, as well as scientific articles published in specialized journals. He graduated in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Naples (1991) and specialized in Polymer Science from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio (1992-1993).
2:30 p.m. – Mineral additives for sustainable polymers
Mathieu Tauban – Imerys
Mathieu Tauban is Technical Support Manager at Imerys, where he helps compounders identify the right mineral solutions to unlock their next developments. With a background in materials science and a PhD in physics — and a deep passion for innovation — he bridges technical expertise and application needs to transform ideas into reliable, scalable, and sustainable composite solutions.