News Plastech
The Polish Association of Tire Recyclers has elected a new president. The position was taken over by Andrzej Kubik, long associated with the tire and plastics recycling sector, who announces strengthening the recyclers' voice in regulatory discussions.
The rapid growth of the new energy market is increasing demand for specialized plastics and rubbers. These materials are becoming a key element in photovoltaics, wind power, hydrogen technologies and advanced processing technologies.
Maricell, an Italian producer of core materials for composites, has confirmed its participation in JEC World 2026 in Paris. The company will present updated mechanical parameters and new applications of the MYcell structural foam in high-performance sports.
At IFAT Munich 2026, Lindner will present new solutions in plant engineering and shredding technology, including the latest Urraco Evo, Merak 2800 and fourth-generation Micromat series, complemented by the Nexus service platform.
Stadler has completed the reconstruction of the Sortierkontor Nord plant in Bremen after two fires in 2022. The modernised lightweight packaging sorting facility offers enhanced fire safety, a higher level of automation and readiness for automated battery extraction.
Dassault Systèmes has introduced Virtual Companions, a new category of AI experts on the 3DExperience platform. The solution is intended to support industry in designing, testing and validating innovations and operations in the era of the generative economy.
Following the retirement of Colin Tirel, on 1 December 2025 Steve Thomson, who has worked in the plastics industry since 1991, became managing director of Arburg Ltd. in Warwick. The new head is to support the development of the company's activities in the UK and Irish markets.
At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, Barmag will present solutions for the production of industrial filament yarns for automotive and geotextile applications, focusing on safety, durability and process efficiency.
Mondi and Prymat are implementing an ultra-high barrier paper packaging based on FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate, designed to reduce carbon footprint and enable recycling while maintaining protection of aromatic spices.
Nova Chemicals secured first place in Mastio & Company's polyethylene Customer Value and Loyalty survey, receiving the PE Customer Value & Loyalty Benchmarking Award for quality and overall performance.
Swoboda CZ in Jihlava has commissioned a fully automated cell with a Wittmann vertical injection molding machine for the production of switchbox housings, doubling production capacity and improving process stability in the manufacture of complex metal–plastic assemblies.
Petcore Europe has opened registration for the Thermoforms 2026 conference, to be held on 18–19 June 2026 in Valencia, focusing on practical aspects of PET tray recycling and compliance with PPWR requirements.
As of 1 January 2026, Ben Mechelmans becomes managing director of the Belgian company Arburg N.V. His goal is to further strengthen the company's market position, with a focus on automation, turnkey solutions and digitalisation.
PAGEV and Certiloop have signed a strategic cooperation protocol aimed at ensuring that Turkish plastic packaging producers comply with the PPWR, reducing costs related to the plastic tax and strengthening export competitiveness in EU markets.
Hubergroup Chemicals is expanding its portfolio with the new high-performance additive brand Elara, designed for paints, coatings and adhesives. The range includes dispersing and wetting agents for water-based, solvent-based, solvent-free and radiation-curable systems.
Exel Composites will participate in JEC World 2026 in Paris, presenting advanced solutions in continuous composite manufacturing, including pultrusion and pull-winding technologies for high-volume and performance-critical applications.
Tria has announced that the Fakuma trade fair will not be included in its exhibition programme for 2026. The decision stems from a change in its trade fair communication strategy, based on greater involvement of foreign subsidiaries and a focus on key industry events.
In fiscal year 2025, the technotrans Group significantly improved its profitability, increasing the EBIT margin to 7.1% and achieving an ROCE of 16.8%, above the forecast range.
Emirates Biotech, in cooperation with Heriot-Watt University and UAEU, has concluded a competition for the design of its new headquarters. The winning concept emphasizes a sustainable approach, efficient use of daylight and circular economy principles.
Biesterfeld has appointed Joe Read as Managing Director in the United Kingdom and Ireland, effective 1 March 2026. He will succeed Guy Payne, who will assume the role of long-term advisor.
At Refresco's Bruchsal plant, Sidel's EvoBlow Laser technology has enabled a significant reduction in PET bottle weight while maintaining strength and process stability, especially for high rPET contents.
The SKZ Plastics Center and the Institute of Psychology at the University of Würzburg have completed the OFHarmonie research project on the impact of plastic component surface structures on color perception. The results indicate the need for combined analysis of color, brightness, gloss and surface parameters.
The global PET market enters 2026 with weak demand, volatile freight costs and increasing import competition. Seasonality and speculative factors in many regions prevail over supply-demand fundamentals.
Husky is developing integrated Hylectric and Hypersync packaging molding platforms that combine injection molding machines, hot runners and mold control into one plastics processing system. These solutions target high productivity, energy efficiency and the processing of recyclates and bio-based materials.
Coveris has signed an agreement to sell its Paper Packaging Division, comprising label and board activities, to US private equity fund Kingswood Capital Management. After completion of the transaction, the company will focus on flexible packaging in the EMEA region.
Britannia Industries has implemented its first-ever aseptic filling line in PET bottles for Winkin’ Cow dairy drinks at its Ranjangaon plant, based on Sidel’s integrated Aseptic Combi Predis system.
The Antwerp Declaration Community, representing more than 1,300 entities across Europe, is calling on EU leaders to take decisive corrective action for industrial competitiveness and jobs, with concrete effects visible in 2026.
The third edition of RePlast Eurasia, dedicated to plastics and fiber recycling, will be held on 26–28 March 2026 in Istanbul. The event will focus on recycling technologies, the circular economy and sustainable solutions for the industry.
NO.EL, a manufacturer of pre-stretch and special application machines for stretch film converting, is developing integrated palletizing systems based on Colines extrusion lines. The aim is to eliminate waste and increase the efficiency of film packaging and converting processes.
Dassault Systèmes reported 1% revenue growth in Q4 2025 and 4% for full-year 2025, with an improvement in operating margin and earnings per share. The company also presented preliminary financial guidance for 2026 and announced the introduction of Annual Run Rate reporting.
The organisers of the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026 have announced the shortlist of finalists in seven categories. The winners will be honoured on 6 May during the Plastics Recycling Show Europe in Amsterdam.
At Chinaplas 2026 in Shanghai, the Wittmann Group will present for the first time in Asia the all-electric EcoPrimus injection molding machine produced at its Kunshan plant. The company will also showcase LSR solutions, micro molding, automation and auxiliary equipment for plastics processing.
At the FINAT European Label Forum 2025, label industry experts discussed how artificial intelligence, the convergence of narrow- and wide-web technologies, and expansion into flexible packaging are shaping new business models for label printers.
Südpack has improved its EcoVadis rating to 85 out of 100 points, placing the film manufacturer among the top 5% of companies worldwide and earning a Gold distinction. The score reflects the company’s progress in environmental, social and ethical management as well as in sustainable procurement.
At MD&M West 2026, SABIC presented medical thermoplastics, including new polycarbonate copolymers and biocompatible Siltem HU materials as potential fluoropolymer replacements in medical tubing, as well as support for rapid application development.
Growing regulatory requirements and consumer expectations are accelerating the development of sustainable packaging in the cosmetics industry. Interpack 2026 will showcase how packaging, machinery and material manufacturers are translating these challenges into concrete market solutions.