The second annual Sustainable Solutions Symposium, a key event focused on waste-to-wealth solutions and circular bioeconomy innovation, is taking place in Rotorua on Thursday, 14 May 2026.
Hosted by the Bioresource Processing Alliance (BPA), the symposium will bring together R&D specialists, industry leaders, government agencies, start-ups, incubators, seed funders and students to explore cutting-edge solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
As an alliance, the BPA provides access to the combined world-class science capabilities and technical facilities of the Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI), Callaghan Innovation, as well as universities and other research providers.
It also provides funding support from MBIE for appropriate projects that utilise the expertise of its research partners.
Rotorua was chosen as the host city for its strong links to New Zealand’s bioeconomy,” says Dr Nicky Solomon, general manager of the BPA. “It’s home to the BSI’s world-leading forestry and biomaterials research campus and a growing ecosystem of innovators focused on renewable resources and circular design. The location underscores the BPA’s commitment to supporting regional innovation and advancing the country’s transition to a sustainable, high-value bioeconomy.
Dr Solomon adds, “The symposium provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the impact that the BPA has made through its contribution to an enormous range of innovative industry projects, and highlights that the waste to value goal of the BPA resonates significantly with both industry and the science sector.”.
Among the speakers at the 2026 symposium are Clare Bradley, CEO of AgriSea, which recently launched the world’s first commercial seaweed nanocellulose biorefinery in Paeroa, with support from the BPA and the BSI.
Other presenters, representing businesses and organisations including Ārepa, Baking Industry Research Trust, KiwiLeather Innovations and Massey University, will showcase the success stories of exemplary New Zealand businesses and organisations that have shifted the dial by working with the BPA.
The afternoon will feature an interactive workshop on unlocking new value for Aotearoa’s fibre sector, facilitated by Jacinta FitzGerald, CEO of Mindful Fashion NZ and Kelly McClean, Co-founder of Commonkind.
Event details:
What: Sustainable Solutions Symposium 2026
When: Thursday 14 May, 2026
Where: Rydges Hotel, Rotorua
Website: https://bpa-sss.co.nz/ (for further information about the event, including speakers, registration and ticketing)
About the Bioresource Processing Alliance (BPA)
The BPA is a national collaboration that connects New Zealand businesses and universities with leading scientists and technical experts from the Bioeconomy Science Institute, Callaghan Innovation, universities and other research providers to transform low-value biological resources into high-value products. The BPA is supported by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
For more information, visit www.bioresourceprocessing.co.nz
Media contact:
Kate Dobbin, info@bioresourceprocessing.co.nz
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