Equiplast26 takes a step forward with Rethinking Plastic, transforming it into the leading innovation platform for the plastics industry. Building on the recycled and biodegradable product showroom launched in the 2023 edition, we now incorporate a knowledge and networking area that highlights real-world use cases from key end-user markets.
Rethinking Plastic is designed as a space for companies and professionals in the plastics sector to share innovative solutions and join efforts to build an increasingly sustainable industry.
A PROGRAMME OF KNOWLEDGE AND NETWORKING
This new evolution of Rethinking Plastic will unfold around three main areas:
01 Knowledge and Networking Area
As a new feature, a conference programme will be introduced, with sustainability in plastics as the central theme and the following thematic pillars:
2 JUNE
Sustainability and the Circular Economy
3 JUNE
Recycling Technologies
4 JUNE
Materials and Applications
We focus on innovations in advanced materials, biopolymers, and high-value-added applications for sectors such as healthcare and construction. We highlight how the plastics industry drives technological advancements that improve the performance, sustainability, and functionality of products and materials. This section offers an overview of the opportunities that materials science provides for technological innovation and the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry.
5 JUNE
Digitalization and Competitiveness
01_Circularity and Recycling: A Systemic Approach
- Mechanical and chemical recycling
- Product reuse
- Eco-design as a preventive driver
- Deposit, Return and Refund Systems (DRS)
- Material and waste traceability
- Management and recovery of industrial scrap
02_Advanced and Functional Materials
- Biopolymers and biodegradable plastics
- New sustainable additives
- Functional composites for demanding sectors
- Low environmental impact flame retardants
03_Industrial Competitiveness and Digitalization
- AI applications for process control
- Smart automation in extrusion, molding or recycling
- Energy optimization and cost reduction
04_Regulatory Evolution and Public Policy
- Evaluation of EU regulations (PPWR, SUP Directive, etc.)
- Industry position on upcoming restrictions
- Role of green public procurement as a market driver
05_Microplastics and Pellets: Science and Mitigation
- Latest scientific findings on impact and risks
- Industrial strategies to prevent pellet leakage
- Best containment practices in ports, transport and plant
06_Market Dynamics and Secondary Raw Materials
- Price trends and availability of recycled raw materials
- Traceability, quality and certification of recycled plastics
- Retention and attraction of technical talent in the sector
02 Showroom of Innovative Products
A space that showcases everyday objects from various industries where 100% recycled plastic or plastic from renewable and/or biodegradable sources takes center stage.
If your company meets these requirements, contact us to participate in the Rethinking Plastic Showroom.
03 Communication and dissemination area
Esta nueva estrategia no solo amplía la oferta de contenidos de Equiplast, convirtiendo Rethinking Plastic en el principal espacio de actividad dentro del salón, sino que vincula el proyecto a los key players de los sectores industriales clave en el uso de plástico reciclado en un punto de encuentro anual.
Respondemos a la demanda creciente del mercado y nos convertimos en miembros activos y dinamizadores de toda la cadena de valor con un evento donde empresas y profesionales inspiren, colabores y lideren el cambio hacia un futuro más sostenible.
Fabricantes de maquinaria que intervienen en el proceso de reciclaje
Cliente final
Recognizing Excellence in the Industry
In 2023, Equiplast, together with Expoquimia, launched the Best in Class programme—an initiative created to highlight benchmark projects in the fields of plastics, rubber, chemistry, and process industries.
In 2026, our goal is to recognize projects that demonstrate transformative capacity and a strong commitment to sustainability, by showcasing practical cases from leading markets such as construction, packaging, automotive, and more. In addition, we will spotlight the most disruptive project as our Best in Class.