News Plastech
After interpack 2026, the organisers published an event summary together with comments from company and industry association representatives. The statements focused mainly on automation, materials, digitalisation, the PPWR and the raw materials situation.
Gentlebrand presented its SmartWeighting concept using the MINERA still water bottle as an example. The solution is intended to reduce material use while maintaining functional performance, packaging aesthetics and brand positioning.
This year's edition of interpack brought together 2,804 exhibitors from 65 countries and visitors from 161 nations. The trade fair in Düsseldorf showed that the transformation of the processing and packaging industry is already being implemented in technologies, materials and processes.
Amcor has expanded its offering for the beverage market with a 38 mm handle for PET containers. The solution is intended for packaging up to 10 litres for water and other non-carbonated beverages.
The organisers of Plast 2026 have presented the event's conference programme. The agenda covers industrial competitiveness, the circular economy, recycling, processing, regulations and digitalisation.
KHS is developing a holistic line strategy for the beverage and food industries, addressing cost pressure, the shortage of skilled workers and growing regulatory requirements. The company emphasizes flexibility, automation and solutions that reduce material consumption.
Mondi and Dreco have developed laundry detergent powder packaging with a 50% share of post-consumer recycled content. The solution is designed to provide moisture protection, recyclability and alignment with future PPWR requirements.
Henkel Adhesive Technologies has inaugurated its modernized Packaging Competence Center in Düsseldorf. The facility is intended to enable testing of adhesive and coating solutions under conditions matching modern industrial production.
The anniversary edition of Plastpol, to be held on 19-22 May 2026 in Kielce, will focus on production digitalisation, recycling, energy efficiency and new materials. The event will be accompanied by debates and presentations on the competitiveness of the European plastics industry.
Kiefel is presenting a new double-dip wet molding process for natural fiber packaging. The solution is designed to provide a grease and oil barrier without an additional plastic coating.
KHS has expanded the functions of its ConnectApp Guide application supporting machine servicing and maintenance in beverage plants. The new features include dynamic, usage-based maintenance intervals and the integration of bills of materials.
Krones started 2026 with a 5.3% increase in order intake to EUR 1.512 billion and confirmed its full-year financial targets. The company maintained an improved EBITDA margin despite lower reported revenue due to currency translation effects.
Carlsberg, DS Smith and KHS have launched a cardboard multipack with rounded corners based on Arcwise technology. First introduced in Poland, the solution is intended to combine stronger shelf impact, lower material use and production on existing machines.
Sumitomo Demag has announced its participation in Fakuma 2026. At a joint stand with partners, the company will present two fully electric IntElect injection moulding machines for consumer and packaging applications.
R-Cycle and Tilisco will present the PPWR Compliance Compass at Interpack. The SaaS tool uses artificial intelligence for packaging data aggregation, gap analysis and preparation of declarations of conformity with PPWR requirements.
Tomra Recycling has unveiled a breakthrough AI-native platform from PolyPerception and introduced three new deep learning applications for its award-winning GAINnext technology. The innovations were presented at IFAT 2026 in Munich and PRSE in Amsterdam, highlighting the company’s continued focus on advancing AI driven sorting solutions.
At Equiplast 2026, ENGEL Spain is presenting four integrated injection moulding applications for the Spanish market, covering the production of decorated parts, caps, thin-wall packaging and large mouldings. The exhibits are accompanied by a presentation of digital process support systems and AI-based tools.
KHS has expanded the Innopack Kisters Advanced series with the BottleClip Carrier solution, enabling stable multipacks of PET bottles with a cardboard carrying handle. The new option is intended to increase packaging flexibility, reduce energy consumption and address growing regulatory requirements.
The winners of the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026 were announced during the Plastics Recycling Show Europe in Amsterdam. Awards were presented in seven categories covering products, recycling technologies and individuals supporting the development of plastics circularity.
The winners of the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026 were announced during Plastics Recycling Show Europe in Amsterdam. Product solutions, recycling technologies and individuals supporting the development of Europe’s plastics recycling value chain were recognised.
Interpack 2026 announces the continuation and expansion of the interpack TV Live format, produced in the trade fair TV studio and online. The programme is set to include talks, analyses and panels on market developments, regulation and technological solutions for the processing and packaging industry.
At the 30th Plastpol trade fair in Targi Kielce, premieres of reports, debates on the sector’s development directions and the international Connect Plast B2B matchmaking are planned. The event will be accompanied by five conferences and industry meetings.
Kraiburg TPE will appear at Interplas 2026 under its own brand for the first time. The company highlights its long-term commitment to the UK market and the expansion of KRAIBURG TPE UK Ltd.
BMT introduces Material DNA, a process development service focused on defining, validating and transferring process windows before production starts. The solution aims to reduce scale-up risk and shorten line start-up through offline validation and the THERMOSCAN sensor.
On 5-6 May 2026, the 10th edition of Plastics Recycling Show Europe will take place at RAI Amsterdam. The programme includes a conference with more than 70 speakers, over 500 exhibitors, and an AI Innovation Hub featuring live demonstrations.
Lindner Washtech has appointed Marcel Willberg as Managing Director alongside Georg Krenn. Willberg will primarily be responsible for global sales, and the decision reflects the company’s strategy of developing top management from within the organisation.
Coveris has received approval from the Science Based Targets initiative for its near-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. The company declares reductions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 versus a 2023 base year by 2033.
The circular economy is influencing the design of transport packaging, with growing importance of reusable solutions and those made from recyclate. Eurotec Move is a container developed to meet requirements for automation, identification and a long service life.
Amcor is launching a new flexographic printing line for industrial film packaging at its Hardenberg plant in the Netherlands. The investment is intended to increase capacity and improve responsiveness to industrial and agricultural markets in Europe.
Mondi will present its packaging solutions at Interpack 2026 through collaborations with 15 OEMs. The company’s materials and applications will be showcased on partners’ stands, including live machine demonstrations.
At Plast 2026 in Fiera Milano (9–12 June), the 3D Plast area will be transformed into 3DPlastLab, a format featuring a continuous programme of talks and presentations focused on additive manufacturing. The organisers announce four thematic areas and awards for the most innovative projects.
During an open house at Smurfit Westrock’s plant in Ibi (Alicante), a new generation of Reifenhäuser EVO Ultra die heads for barrier blown film was presented. The live demonstration reported an output of over 1,000 kg/h at 70 µm thickness and profile accuracy better than ±3% (2σ).
On 13 May at interpack 2026, the Young Talents Day will be held for pupils, students and young professionals interested in careers in the packaging industry. The programme includes the Young Talents Tour, Career Tour, the SPOTLIGHT Forum and the VDMA Technology Lounge.
Rising virgin polymer prices and mandatory recycled-content targets for packaging by 2030 are increasing pressure on processors. Gneuss outlines retrofit concepts intended to enable stable processing of recyclates on existing extrusion lines.
Sidel is launching the Evofill PET filler for water and still beverages. The company highlights up to a 20% increase in filling speed, capacity up to 90,000 bottles per hour, hygiene-focused features and a more compact machine design.
Bekum Group announces the presentation of extrusion blow molding solutions at interpack, Chinaplas and Saudi Plastics & Petrochem. The company emphasizes applications for regulated markets, PET handle bottles and industrial packaging with elevated requirements.