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Plastics processing - this is where innovation plays a key role. The latest technologies and solutions are presented at the Plastpol Expo;  a multitude of expo stands feature injection moulding machines, plastic extruders and granulates. Every year, the number of expo stands increases; thus there is the greater number of companies presenting recycling machines and secondary raw materials for plastic processing. Plastpol expo has also become an increasingly important place for discussions on circular economy in the plastics industry.

The future of the plastics processing industry - recycling

The draft regulation on packaging and packaging waste was discussed at the conference "Recycling of plastics - one goal, many possibilities" organised by the PlasticsEurope Polska Foundation at the Plastpol expo in Kielce. The new scheme envisages revolutionary changes that will affect both the industry and clients.

In the coming years, EU requirements will come into force; the content of recycled materials in plastic packaging is described in the regulations. From 2025 on, each new PET bottle will have to contain a minimum of 25 percent recyclate.

Magdalena Dziczek, director and member of the management board of the Association of Employers of the Packaging and Packaging Industry EKO-PAK, presented facts and figures at the Kielce Plastpol. 2040 is the deadline - plastic packaging for food and cosmetics will have to contain 50 percent recycled materials.

Disposable SUP (single-use plastic) beverage bottles and other plastic packaging will have to contain 65 percent of recyclates. All these regulations and guidelines will ultimately be determined by the PPWR, i.e. the draft of the new EU packaging laws. These regulations will also indicate changes for residents.

The development of the plastics processing industry discussed at the Plastpol expo in Kielce

Many actions are needed to achieve these ambitious goals;  experts indicated these at the PlasticsEurope Polska Foundation conference in Kielce. The measures range include consumer education, high standards of selective waste recovery, high-quality of sorting procedures, a properly functioning extended producer responsibility system, investments in sorting and recycling technologies, and introducing innovations throughout the product life cycle, starting with eco-design, which increases recyclability. Improving the regranulates and recyclates quality, standardisation and quality certification, statutory definition of mandatory levels of recyclates use in products, support for the management of the recycled materials and raw materials stream for production purposes - all these measures are necessary to achieve recycling goals.

Anna Kozera-Szałkowska, Managing Director of the PlasticsEurope Polska Foundation, emphasised that chemical recycling is key to raw material recovery (activated carbon) from waste that is currently not processed.

The Plastpol Kielce returns - 21-24 May 2024. Plastpol is the discussion forum as well as a place for presenting innovative technologies and solutions that can help achieve goals.

Companies can now book expo space on... targikielce.pl/plastpol

/MŚ/