Packaging & Recycling 2026
The future of packaging starts here.
Packaging & Recycling 2026 is the reference point for anyone looking to stay ahead of the regulatory, technological and market developments currently redefining the plastic packaging sector.
Two days of dialogue among companies, brand owners, recyclers, institutions and research centres, focused on sharing ideas, strategies and concrete solutions for a real and competitive circular model.
An event that brings together vision and pragmatism, innovation and collaboration: because the future of sustainable packaging is built together, starting now.
The event
THE PROTAGONISTS
Manufacturers of polymer raw materials: PE, PP, PET, PS, EPS, biopolymers, masterbatches, additives etc
Manufacturers of packaging for industrial and food applications
Plastic material recyclers
Suppliers of recycling plants and systems for post-consumer packaging
Manufacturers of plants and equipment for the production of rigid and flexible plastic packaging and semi-finished products: film, sheet and plate extrusion lines, thermoforming machines, blow moulding machines for containers, automation systems, components, etc
Industry associations and authorities
Universities and research centers
Brand owners using packaging for industrial and food applications
THE EVENT
THEMATIC AREAS
LIVE FROM BRUSSELS
MARKET UPDATE
For information on sponsoring the event
Paolo Spinelli - Plast Magazine Editorial Staff
[email protected]
Tel +39 02 818301 268
Luca Di Munno - Commercial Director
[email protected]
Tel +39 02 81830413
Mob 334.6218422
RECYCLING AND SECONDARY RAW MATERIALS
BRAND OWNERS
Why sponsor Packaging & Recycling 2026
Sponsoring this event means placing your brand at the center of the future of sustainable packaging.
Maximum visibility among key players in the supply chain: producers, recyclers, brand owners, and institutions.
Exclusive networking opportunities with the decision-makers who are reshaping the industry.
Recognized leadership in innovation and the circular economy.
Concrete business opportunities, through direct and qualified contacts.
International positioning, thanks to the event’s focus on EU regulations and UN initiatives.
Programme
Live from Brussels
The PPWR regulation and European scenarios
The opening session is dedicated to understanding the European competitive and regulatory background. This session provides the keys to interpreting the transformations underway and their implications for the packaging industry.
10.00 Europen | Marzia Scoppelliti, Senior Public Affairs Manager
The European packaging industry's vision on PPWR: operational impacts, critical issues in its application, and development prospects.
10.20 KPMG | Lorenzo Solimene, Partner
Corporate Sustainability, Circular Economy and Packaging: Market Outlook and Emerging Trends
Q&A
11.00 Coffee breaks, networking and one-to-one meetings
Market Update
Processes, Materials, Technologies
Transition enabling technologies: solutions for improving quality, efficiency and sustainability in production and recycling processes.
11.30 ICIS | Lorenzo Meazza, Senior Analyst
Analysis of the global markets for polymers and recycled plastics: supply and demand trends, price dynamics and future scenarios.
11.45 Plastics Recyclers Europe & RecyClass | Fabrizio Di Gregorio, Technical Director
The state of recycling in Europe, design for recycling and certification tools to ensure effective packaging recyclability.
12.00 3UVision | Iacopo Bianconcini, Marketing & Product Development Manager
Close the Circle with PURECAP From foodgrade rHDPE to finished closure
12.15 Frilvam | Luigi Conti, R&D MANAGER
Innovation in additives for recycled plastics
12.30HIPAC Spa | Alberto Buffoli, R&D Manager
Quando ogni risorsa fa la differenza: le nuove strategie per un film estensibile più sostenibile.
12.45 SMC | Michele Pagotto, Technical Sales Manager
MWD: the microwave technology redefining plastic drying
Q&A
13.00 Lunch breaks, networking and one-to-one meetings
Recycling and secondary raw materials
Industrial development and innovation
Focus on the recycling sector and the production of secondary raw materials, between consolidated industrial models and emerging technologies.
14.30 Fraunhofer IVV | Andreas Mäurer, Research Department Advanced Recycling
Dissolution recycling and innovation at industrial scale
14.45 Politecnico di Milano | Andrea Fiorati, Associate Professor, "Giulio Natta" Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering
Research and innovation in food grade materials and packaging: the role of universities in developing future-oriented skills and solutions.
15.00 Aliplast - Gruppo Herambiente |Michele Petrone, CEO
Who's afraid of recycled plastics? – From regulatory burden to competitive advantage.
15.15 Deltech Europe, case history
Technologies for post-consumer plastics sorting and reuse.
15.15 Food Contact Expert / Whitelab | Giovanni Andreetta, Consultant
La conformità dei materiali al PPWR - art. 5 limiti attuali e tecniche analitiche.
15.30 VIBA S.p.A. | Andrea Ubbiali, Export Sales Manager
Recycling & Masterbatches
Q&A
16.00 Coffee breaks, networking and one-to-one meetings
Brand owners
Strategies and concrete applications
The opinion of major packaging users: experiences and strategies for addressing the challenges of sustainability and regulation.
16.30 Coca-Cola | Stefano Lorenzon, CircularPET Plant Director
CircularPET: an industrial model for closing the PET bottle cycle.
16.45 Nestlé | Marta Schiraldi, Head of SHE & Sustainability Nestlé Group Italy and Malta
Global strategies for recyclable packaging to increase the use of recycled plastic.
17.00 Acqua Sant’Anna | Marco Balbiano, Plant Director & CIO
Innovation in materials for bottles and reduction of environmental impact.
17.15 Granterre | Marco Alberti, Packaging Manager
Packaging for fresh products: balancing sustainability, safety and shelf life.
Q&A
17.30 Conclusion
Speakers
Guest speakers
Chief Operating Officer Acqua Sant'Anna
PET bottles: circularity starts with collection (and DRS schemes)
PET bottles represent one of the most advanced examples of the circular economy in the beverage sector, but collection remains the limiting factor: in Europe, around 60% of the material is recovered, whilst in countries with deposit-return scheme (DRS), recovery rates consistently exceed 90%. These models enable the production of PET of a quality suitable for ‘bottle-to-bottle’ recycling. In this context, companies such as Acqua Sant’Anna are focusing on increasingly efficient use of polymers, with lighter packaging, the incorporation of recycled PET and the development of solutions that promote recyclability and the closing of the loop.
Direttore dello stabilimento CircularPET Coca-Cola HBC
A European center of excellence for PET recycling
In Gaglianico, in the province of Biella, Coca-Cola HBC has developed a European center of excellence for PET recycling, the result of an investment of over €30 million. The facility manages the entire cycle: from post-consumer plastic flakes to the production of food-grade resin and preforms, thanks to innovative purification and liquid material processing. With a capacity of up to 30,000 tons of PET processed annually, the site produces 100% recycled PET for plastic bottles for the company’s entire beverage portfolio in Italy, concretely supporting the circular economy.
Senior Public Affairs Manager Europen
The EU Circular Economy Act and Europe’s Competitiveness
The EU Circular Economy Act can bridge the gap between sustainability and competitiveness by addressing the structural barriers that hinder Europe’s recycling industry. This intervention emphasises the need for harmonised waste management rules to support a functioning Single Market for secondary raw materials. Such alignment is crucial not only to advance Europe’s competitiveness and resilience, but also for effectively delivering Europe’s circular economy goals, and for complying with the mandatory requirements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
R&D Packaging Manager Granterre
Road to Food Packaging 2030: the challenge of packaging sustainability and the new PPWR regulation
The PPWR marks a structural change, with the introduction of binding and harmonized design obligations and criteria to make all packaging on the European market more sustainable and circular. The main challenges include regulatory harmonization, cost management, and material innovation. Packaging must now meet stringent requirements to reduce waste and optimize the life cycle of materials. GranTerre adopts a systemic approach, involving all players in the supply chain, to overcome obstacles and encourage the spread of innovative solutions on the market, while ensuring both economic and environmental sustainability.
Research Department Advanced Recycling Fraunhofer CCPE
Dissolution recycling and innovation at industrial scale
The PPWR marks a structural change, with the introduction of binding and harmonized design obligations and criteria to make all packaging on the European market more sustainable and circular. The main challenges include regulatory harmonization, cost management, and material innovation. Packaging must now meet stringent requirements to reduce waste and optimize the life cycle of materials. GranTerre adopts a systemic approach, involving all players in the supply chain, to overcome obstacles and encourage the spread of innovative solutions on the market, while ensuring both economic and environmental sustainability.
PhD Senior Analyst ICIS
The polyolefin paradox: War‑driven tightness versus structural oversupply
The outbreak of the US-Iran conflict has reshaped the global polyolefins market. But will it accelerate industry rationalization, or keep markets sufficiently tight to ease pressure from global oversupply? In this presentation, I will explore this question by examining the current market landscape and the key impacts of the conflict on global polyolefins trade flows, supply-demand balances, and operating rates. I will then discuss the ICIS outlook for both virgin and recycled polyolefins, highlighting the implications for market participants in the months and years ahead.
Partner KPMG Advisory
Corporate Sustainability, Circular Economy and Packaging: Market Outlook and Emerging Trends
Recent regulatory and market developments in the sustainability landscape are driving significant transformations across the packaging sector. This session will provide an overview of the key regulatory updates, with a particular focus on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), highlighting its operational implications, associated risks, and business opportunities across the entire value chain.
The discussion will explore the impacts on product design, packaging development, and supply chain management, while outlining the strategic actions organizations can take to turn regulatory compliance requirements into drivers of innovation, resource efficiency, and competitive advantage.
Head of SHE & Sustainability Nestlé Italy and Malta
Driving packaging transformation: Nestlé’s collaborative approach to innovation
Packaging transformation is a key challenge on the path to sustainability. Nestlé addresses it through an integrated approach based on innovation and collaboration across the value chain. In an evolving context, still characterized by areas of uncertainty, working together becomes essential. Nestlé will share how partnerships and co-creation can accelerate the development of effective and scalable circular systems.
Technical Director Plastics Recyclers Europe
The recyclability paradox: ‘Design for Recycling’ or ‘Recycled at Scale’?
Recyclability has become a key parameter in packaging design and will become mandatory from 2030 to place a consumer product on the European market. However, the PPWR requires “recycled at scale” from 2035 onwards, establishing a minimum threshold of 55% by material and by category (f.e. LDPE, HDPE, PP, PET, PS). The target is not national but European, and packaging that fails to achieve the minimum 55% could be downgraded or banned from the market. It is therefore essential that the design for recycling rules, mandatory from 2030, are defined in a way that supports the development of the recycling industry over the next ten years.
Ph.D. Politecnico di Milano and INSTM Local Unit - Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering “G. Natta”
Discover Food Engineering at Politecnico di Milano
The presentation will introduce the Master’s Degree in Food Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, highlighting its interdisciplinary approach combining chemical and management engineering skills to address food industry challenges. It will outline the theoretical and practical competencies students develop in food packaging, including packaging materials, technologies, sustainability and innovation. The talk will also present collaboration opportunities between the degree programme and companies operating in the food packaging sector.
Relatori sponsor
Consultant – Food Contact Expert
White Lab
Compliance of materials with the PPWR – Art. 5: current limits and analytical techniques
With the introduction of the new PPWR regulation, in addition to heavy metal testing, all food contact packaging must comply with limits for Total Fluorine and PFAS, which must be verified by an accredited laboratory.
Manufacturers face new challenges as they seek to permanently phase out PFAS, and the key to achieving compliance with the PPWR regulation is synergy between laboratories and manufacturing companies.
Marketing & Product Development Manager
SACMI Rigid Packaging Technologies BU
Close the Circle with PURECAP From foodgrade rHDPE to finished closure
R&D Manager
HIPAC Spa
Making every resource count: new strategies for more sustainable stretch film
La disponibilità di materiale riciclato ad alte prestazioni, idoneo alla produzione di imballaggi tecnici a basso spessore, sarà sufficiente a sostenere gli ambiziosi obiettivi previsti dal regolamento sugli imballaggi e i rifiuti di imballaggio (PPWR)? In un mercato in cui la domanda di plastica riciclata post-consumo (PCR) è destinata a crescere rapidamente, la disponibilità delle risorse diventerà uno dei temi centrali per tutta la filiera. Il film estensibile, protagonista tanto “silenzioso” quanto indispensabile della logistica industriale, offre un interessante punto di osservazione per affrontare questa sfida. Ridurre il consumo di materia, aumentare l’efficienza e utilizzare in modo responsabile risorse vergini e riciclate sono leve complementari che, insieme, possono contribuire a costruire un modello di packaging sostenibile e competitivo.
R&D MANAGER
FRILVAM GROUP
INNOVATION IN ADDITIVES FOR RECYCLED PLASTICS
Frilvam, a company specialized in the coloration and additive solutions for thermoplastic polymers, has developed a dedicated range of additives for the processing of recycled plastics. The use of recycled materials can significantly affect processability, technical performance, and the aesthetic quality of the finished product. For this reason, we offer targeted solutions to improve the compatibility of different polymers, absorb excess moisture and unwanted odors, and optimize processing efficiency. At Frilvam Group, turning our customers’ challenges into opportunities for innovation has always been the driving force behind our Research & Development activities.
Technical Sales Manager
SMC Group
MWD: the microwave technology redefining plastic drying
The efficiency of plastic processing depends on the quality of material treatment. MWD, the new system developed by SMC Group, introduces a patented microwave technology that redefines the traditional approach to plastic drying, delivering fast and uniform treatment, consistently low residual moisture levels, and reduced energy consumption. The presentation will explain the operating principles of the technology and highlight its key application benefits.
CEO Aliplast Spa
Gruppo Herambiente
Who's afraid of recycled plastics? – From regulatory burden to competitive advantage
Recycled plastics should not be viewed as a threat by European industry, but rather as a strategic resource. Against a backdrop of increasing regulatory pressure, international competition and volatility in the prices of virgin raw materials, high-quality mechanical recycling of plastics represents a tangible advantage: it ensures production continuity, cost control and industrial resilience. However, this is only possible through secure, traceable European supply chains that are fully compliant with national and EU regulations.
Petrone’s speech will illustrate how companies working with reliable European recycling partners – who support certified and measurable circular models – can turn a regulatory obligation into a competitive advantage, combining sustainability with industrial performance.
Export Sales Manager
VIBA S.p.A.
Recycling & Masterbatches
At the Packaging and Recycling conference, we will be presenting our range of innovative masterbatches designed with sustainability in mind for the food sector. Key highlights of our presentation will include:
1. An introduction to sustainability in packaging: the importance of adopting environmentally friendly solutions that comply with current regulations.
2. Coloured masterbatches for food packaging: presentation of our masterbatches compliant with the new PPWR and Regulation 10/2011, highlighting their technical characteristics and benefits for food safety.
3. PFAS-free solutions: illustration of our PFAS-free additive masterbatches, emphasising the added value for manufacturers and consumers.
4. Environmental impact and recycling: discussion on how our products contribute to a more sustainable and easily recyclable packaging life cycle.
5. Case studies and testimonials: presentation of concrete examples of how our masterbatches are used in the market, highlighting tangible results and positive feedback where available.
This conference will provide an opportunity to explore how we can work together to tackle the challenges of sustainable packaging and contribute to a greener future.
Relatori sponsor
Responsabile Commerciale Italia
Cimbria
Il Riciclo diventa Eccellenza: innovativo impianto Cimbria per purificazione e selezione di R-PET presso Coexpan
A conferma dell’impegno da sempre votato a sostegno dell’economia circolare, Cimbria ha recentemente installato un’innovativa linea di selezione presso Coexpan.
L’impianto rappresenta una novità tecnologica nel processo di recupero di R-PET per l’azienda leader mondiale nell’estrusione di plastiche per termoformatura.
L’industria plastica richiede standard qualitativi sempre più elevati e l’impianto Cimbria è concepito per massimizzare l’efficacia operativa, con una sequenza di macchinari all’avanguardia nel comparto.
C.O.I.M.
Adesivi compatibili con i processi di riciclo delle poliolefine
Il regolamento PPWR, orienta la transizione verso l’economia circolare, riducendo l’impatto ambientale degli imballaggi plastici.Una delle azioni chiave riguarda lo sviluppo di materiali riciclabili. COIM collabora con RecyClass per definire standard e protocolli di riciclo, essenziali per l’industria degli imballaggi flessibili. Il risultato di tale collaborazione è mostrato attraverso un case history riguardante lo sviluppo di adesivi poliuretanici per flexible packaging, certificati da Recyclass come compatibili con il riciclo meccanico delle poliolefine.
Business Development Manager
Dukane
Saldatura ad Ultrasuoni per Packaging Sostenibile: Il Sistema Brevettato Quadro™ per Materiali Mono-layer e Riciclabili
La tecnologia ultrasonica Dukane rivoluziona il packaging sostenibile eliminando il calore e gli adesivi. Il nuovo sistema brevettato Quadro™ consente saldature ermetiche ad alta velocità per macchine VFFS, HFFS e Doy Pouch, lavorando con materiali riciclati, riciclabili e monomateriali PP/PE. Case history: implementazione su linea produttiva con riduzione degli scarti, eliminazione totale degli adesivi cold-seal e miglioramento della riciclabilità del packaging. Risultati: sigillatura perfetta, minor consumo energetico, compatibilità con economia circolare.
Sales Manager Recycling Division
Maag
MAAG E I DIFFERENTI INNOVATIVI PROCESSI DI RICICLO
I sistemi del Gruppo MAAG svolgono un ruolo fondamentale nell’industria fornendo soluzioni che coprono l’intera catena produttiva della plastica e contribuiscono a reintrodurre la MATERIA PRIMA SECONDA in prodotti di alta qualità. I nostri sistemi forniscono soluzioni per trattare i flussi più complessi nell’ambito del riciclaggio sia CHIMICO che MECCANICO, contribuendo così in modo attivo all’economia circolare anche per le più complesse applicazioni del “FOOD CONTACT PACKAGING”. Il riciclaggio chimico può essere utilizzato per trattare i rifiuti plastici che non sono meccanicamente riciclabili per motivi tecnologici, economici o ecologici.
Ingegnere Meccanico
Maintech
Massima efficienza nella purificazione dei polimeri e attrezzature accessorie per linee di riciclaggio
Sistema innovativo di deodorizzazione a due stadi per materiali plastici post-consumo, basato su riscaldamento monitorato ed estrazione in fase liquida tramite reattore. Rimuove inquinanti volatili, liquidi e solidi, con abbattimento fino al 99% dei composti clorurati e tempi ridotti. Il polimero risulta poi purificato e pronto per cicli produttivi anche esigenti. Completano l’offerta soluzioni accessorie quali: stoccaggio e alimentazione di materiali in foglia, dosaggio volumetrico/gravimetrico, controlli di produzione e silos miscelatori.
Direttore Commerciale Divisione Plastica
Meyer Italy
Il ruolo dell'Intelligenza Artificiale nella selezione ottica in una linea ibrida PET Bottle e Trays
L’Intelligenza Artificiale sta rivoluzionando la selezione ottica nei processi di riciclo. Illustreremo il suo impatto in una linea ibrida per bottiglie PET e vaschette, mostrando come l’IA migliori l’accuratezza nel riconoscimento dei materiali, riduca gli scarti e ottimizzi l’efficienza della linea. Attraverso esempi concreti, si evidenzierà il valore aggiunto dell’IA in scenari complessi dove flessibilità e precisione sono fondamentali.
Area Manager
Moretto
Moretto, tecnologia d’avanguardia per una produzione ottimizzata e sostenibile
Il mondo dell’imballaggio è soggetto a un’evoluzione continua e a un orientamento sempre più marcato verso pratiche sostenibili. Le aziende che operano nel settore sono impegnate in un’attività di ricerca costante di soluzioni che consentano di migliorare la qualità del processo produttivo, riducendo l’impiego di materiali e i pesi relativi, così da ottimizzare anche la carbon footprint.
Contrex, brand del gruppo Moretto, è da oltre 40 anni il partner di riferimento per i produttori di packaging rigido e flessibile. L’azienda è specializzata nella progettazione e realizzazione di automazioni d’avanguardia in grado di interagire con il contesto produttivo, regolando in tempo reale le variabili di processo. Questo passaggio assicura che le diverse fasi siano sotto controllo, a garanzia di un prodotto finale ottimale, privo di difetti, e, di conseguenza, intrinsecamente sostenibile.
Sales Director
Proplast
STRUMENTI EFFICACI
Per misurare, progettare e comunicare la Sostenibilità
La sostenibilità non è solo un obiettivo, ma un vantaggio competitivo.
Proplast propone un approccio collaudato scientifico e operativo, mostrando gli strumenti più efficaci per supportare le imprese nelle sfide del riciclo e della sostenibilità.
In anteprima, un caso studio applicato a una filiera non tradizionale dimostra come trasformare rifiuti complessi in risorse valorizzabili.
Innovare si può, se si parte dai dati.
Product Manager
SETA Polymers
Nuovo metodo per riciclare l’EVA, il PE ed il PU espansi e reticolati
SETA Polymers è nata per produrre ausiliari per plastica, specializzandosi poi in compound speciali e masterbatch per riciclo. Negli ultimi due anni ha sviluppato un metodo per riciclare EVA, PE e PU espansi e reticolati. La reticolazione serve per migliorare le proprietà meccaniche, rendendo però quasi impossibile il loro riciclo perché non più fusibili (non lavorabili con i normali processi). Con REVERSEVA, il processo sviluppato e brevettato, si ottiene un compound con max 50-60% di scarto termoindurente in matrice termoplastica, utilizzabile nelle stesse applicazioni iniziali e che presenta proprietà meccaniche simili al vergine.
Area Segment Manager Plastic South Europe
Tomra
Come TOMRA eleva il riciclo dei materiali plastici per una vera economia circolare
TOMRA, leader globale nelle soluzioni di selezione automatica basata su sensori, grazie a tecnologie che combinano NIR, sistemi di visione avanzata e intelligenza artificiale, è in grado di fornire selettori capaci di identificare e separare con precisione anche le plastiche più complesse, inclusi materiali Food Grade come PET, PE e PP.
Le tecnologie TOMRA permettono di trattare un’ampia gamma di materiali, dalla raccolta differenziata fino a granulati plastici eterogenei, rendendo ogni flusso idoneo al riciclo, con l’obiettivo concreto di attuare i principi dell’economia circolare e trasformare i rifiuti in nuove risorse.
Sales Manager
Union
Verso un futuro più sostenibile del packaging
Nel mondo del packaging, la sostenibilità non è più una opzione, ma una necessità.
Tecnologie avanzate nel mondo dell’estrusione sia a testa piana per soluzioni rigide e per film in bolla per imballaggi flessibili, aprono la strada per un futuro più responsabile.
L’utilizzo di materiali innovativi e ottimizzazione dei processi produttivi a ‘’close loop’’ consentono una significativa riduzione dell’impatto ambientali, dove il packaging si trasforma da semplice contenitore a parte di un’economia circolare capace di rinnovarsi .
Direttore Vendite & MKT
VIBA
ECO-FRIENDLY BUSINESS
In un panorama aziendale globalizzato, caratterizzato da un’accelerazione delle innovazioni tecnologiche e da una crescente sensibilizzazione riguardo alle questioni ambientali e sociali, la sostenibilità economica emerge come indispensabile per orientare le aziende verso un futuro prospero e resiliente.
Fin dalla sua nascita VIBA persegue doverosamente un giusto equilibrio tra sostenibilità e business, equilibrio mirato alla sempre più necessaria tutela dell’ambiente in cui viviamo.
Questo ha portato l’Azienda ad avvalersi di fornitori certificati e a eliminare dal ciclo produttivo quelle sostanze che possono avere implicazioni negative sulla salute umana e sull’ambiente.
Area Sales Manager Retrofit
WINDMÖLLER & HÖLSCHER
Soluzioni innovative per un futuro più “leggero”
Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Guest speaker
Patronage
WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE 2025 EDITION
Contacts
For information on
sponsoring the event
Paolo Spinelli - Plast Magazine editorial team
[email protected]
Tel +39 02 818301 268
Luca Di Munno - Commercial Director
[email protected]
Tel +39 02 81830413
Mob 334.6218422
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