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 EU Circular Economy Act and Europe’s Competitiveness
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
The polyolefin paradox: War‑driven tightness versus structural oversupply
11.45 Plastics Recyclers Europe & RecyClass | Fabrizio Di Gregorio, Technical Director
The recyclability paradox: ‘Design for Recycling’ or ‘Recycled at Scale’?
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
12.30 HIPAC Spa | Alberto Buffoli, R&D Manager
Making every resource count: new strategies for more sustainable stretch film
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 CCPE | 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
Discover Food Engineering at Politecnico di Milano
15.00 Aliplast - Gruppo Herambiente | Riccardo Zanini, Sales Key Account and Development
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 Whitelab | Giovanni Andreetta, Consultant - Food Contact Expert
Compliance of materials with the PPWR – Art. 5: current limits and analytical techniques
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.
16.30 Nestlé | Marta Schiraldi, Head of SHE & Sustainability Nestlé Group Italy and Malta
Driving packaging transformation: Nestlé’s collaborative approach to innovation
16.45 Acqua Sant’Anna | Marco Balbiano, Plant Director & CIO
PET bottles: circularity starts with collection (and DRS schemes)
17.00 Granterre | Marco Alberti, Packaging Manager
Road to Food Packaging 2030: the challenge of packaging sustainability and the new PPWR regulation
Q&A
17.15 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.
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.
Sales Key Account and Development
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.
Zanini’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.
Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Guest speaker
Patronage
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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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