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The European plastics industry is facing its biggest transformation in decades. Growing regulatory requirements, competitive pressure from non-European markets, high energy costs, and the need to implement a circular economy mean that the industry needs not only new technologies but, above all, a common direction of action. The answer to these challenges is the new industry series Circular Plastics Compass, organised by Plastics Europe Polska.

The project inauguration will take place on 19 May 2026 during the 30th International Fair of Plastics and Rubber Processing Plastpol in Targi Kielce. The first part of the series – Circular Plastics Compass Starter – will begin at 12 noon in capsule 502 in hall 5.

The new Plastics Europe Polska project was created to support circular transformation and strengthen the competitiveness of the European plastics system, based on specific data, market experience, and dialogue across the entire value chain. The series will include meetings, workshops, and webinars devoted to practical solutions for the circular economy.

Data as a starting point for change

The substantive foundation of the Circular Plastics Compass is based on the latest Plastics Europe report published every two years – “THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR PLASTICS – A European Overview”. The document is one of the most important sources of knowledge about the current state of the European plastics industry, the level of recycling, the use of recyclates and the progress of the circular transformation.  The data will be presented shortly before, during the opening conference of the Plastpol trade fair, at 10:30.  

During the Circular Plastics Compass Starter session, participants are offered the possibility to analyse the report’s findings in detail and discuss how the European plastics sector can remain competitive while achieving ambitious environmental goals.

The organisers emphasise that today circularity is no longer just a political direction, but is becoming a condition for the further development of European industry.  Investments in recycling and low-emission technologies, as well as the creation of stable market conditions for the use of recyclates, are of key importance.

Plastpol - the centre of debate on the future of the industry

Circular Plastics Compass Starter is part of a broader debate held at the 30th-anniversary edition of the Plastpol trade fair. During the opening conference at 10:30 in capsule 502, the most important data on the situation of the Polish plastics industry in Europe will be presented -  

The experts will discuss the current results of industry reports, Central Statistical Office data and challenges related to EU legislation on plastics, the competitiveness of European industry and the transformation towards a circular economy. Particular attention will be paid to regulations such as the PPWR and the Circular Economy Act, which will significantly impact the sector's operations in the coming years.

Specific solutions instead of general declarations

The Circular Plastics Compass Starter program focuses on the practical aspects of transformation.   And the topics list will include, inter alia:

• analysis of data from the THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR PLASTICS – A European Overview report 
• the impact of PPWR regulations on the plastics industry,
• eco-design of plastic products,
• challenges related to the monomaterial nature of packaging,
• the role of business in the context of climate change and sustainable development.

Click and check out the whole agenda at plasticseurope.org

 The discussions will be attended by representatives of industry organisations, businesses, sustainable development experts, and companies developing modern solutions for the plastics market.

 European industry looking for a new model of competitiveness

The circular transformation of the European plastics industry is increasingly linked to the industry’s future in Europe. Industry organisations point out that without stable regulations, investment support, and the protection of competitiveness, the European sector may lose ground to producers outside the EU.

The Circular Plastics Compass is a platform that brings together producers, processors, recyclers, experts, government, and the financial sector around the shared goal of building an effective, competitive circular economy for plastics.

Circular Plastics Compass Starter is an event open to participants of the XXX Plastpol 2026 Trade Fair. 

Read also: 

• No world without plastics – the Plastech Info expert seminar at Plastpol
• International B2B Matchmaking Meetings within the scope of the PLASTPOL 2026 Trade Fair
• 2026 Plastics Industry Meeting at Targi Kielce.  Strategic industry debate ahead of the Plastpol trade fair - register now
• PPWR: time for action  the first industry debate at the Plastpol trade fair

The 30th International Fair of Plastics and Rubber Processing PLASTPOL will take place from 19 to 22 May 2026 at Targi Kielce.  Tickets available at - plastpol.com

/MŚ/