Redcar: Major event to tackle UK’s chemical industry transformation
The Wilton Centre in Redcar will host the gathering in June, bringing together leaders from industry and government, as well as academics and investors.
The aim is to explore ways to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable, circular, and globally competitive chemicals sector.
Graeme Cruickshank, chief technology and innovation officer at the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), who will be speaking at the event, said: “The decisions made and direction taken this year will set the shape of the UK chemical industry for the next 20 years.
The Wilton Centre in Redcar (Image: Vicky Foreman)
“Embedding sustainability and innovation into the heart of those decisions is absolutely essential for the UK to realise its potential and deliver a thriving economy throughout the 21st century.”
The event, titled “Reimagining Carbon & Defossilising the UK Chemicals Industry,” will take place on June 12 and has been organised by the Wilton Centre’s operator Pioneer Group in partnership with Innovate UK Business Connect.
Its goal is to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing between businesses, researchers, and policymakers to drive economic growth and launch the new Sustainable Chemicals Innovation Network.
Throughout the day, there will be keynote presentations, expert panels, and interactive workshops.
Dr Jen Vanderhoven, chief operating officer of the Biobased and Biodegradable Industries Association, said: “This event is a pivotal moment for anyone committed to transforming the UK chemicals industry.
“By bringing together innovators, policymakers, and investors, we’re not just discussing sustainability—we’re actively building the networks and strategies needed to shift from fossil to sustainable carbon sources.
“It’s a unique opportunity to help shape a greener, more resilient industrial future.”
“Reimagining Carbon & Defossilising the UK Chemicals Industry” is free to attend, but spaces are limited.
Interested attendees, particularly business leaders, policymakers, and researchers, should register via the Pioneer website.
This event is the first in a series of Pioneer Presents events at Wilton Centre this year.
On September 1, the focus will be “Building with Biology: Bio-based Materials for Retrofit & New Build,” followed by the UK Sustainable Chemicals Summit on November 18.
Pioneer, a developer of life science ecosystems, operates 11 other sites across the UK and Ireland.
Each Pioneer Presents event will offer the chance to network and take part in a tour of the Wilton Centre, which is marking its 50th anniversary.
Earlier this year, the site secured planning permission for the Wilton Freeport Development – nearly 150,000 square feet of new technical and manufacturing space, laboratories and offices.