< PreviousEven a small amount of the wrong pol- ymer in the granules reduces strength, worsens appearance, and complicates further processing. High-quality re- granulate ensures stable mechanical properties and aesthetic consistency, but it also enables real replacement of virgin material, reduces oil consump- tion, and lowers the carbon footprint. The better the regranulate, the fewer compromises manufacturers must make. I Optical sorting: the key to quality regranulate Every unwanted fragment in a batch lowers the value of the final material. Even a tiny bit of PE in a PET stream changes how it processes and reduces quality. Sorting accuracy is therefore more than a technical parameter. It’s an economic and environmental factor that determines the material’s worth and its potential for reuse. Optical sorting acts as the “artificial eye” of recycling. NIR cameras detect subtle differences between polymers that are nearly invisible to the human eye. The system checks each piece and uses air jets to move it to the correct channel in milliseconds. I Improving sorting accuracy Precision in recycling begins where human vision ends. MEYER opti- cal sorters combine physics, AI and a touch of engineering finesse to dis- tinguish one polymer from another al- most flawlessly. MEYER equipment is equipped with Maglev air ejectors, which do not touch the material, yet can move it with almost surgical precision. Thanks to their levitating design, each pulse of air is perfectly aimed and instan- taneous. The whole process re- sembles a carefully choreographed dance: thousands of small pieces separate from the stream at exactly the right moment, landing in the cor- rect channel. Behind the scenes, Thinker and Mas- ter systems work quietly: Thinker col- lects and analyses data, while Master enables remote operation and sends alerts before minor issues become downtime. This intelligent layer en- sures operators do not need to be experts in optics or mechatronics. The machine guides and monitors the pro- cess largely autonomously. It’s important to remember that even the most advanced algorithms and ejectors cannot compensate for poor- ly prepared material. Preceding steps: shredding, washing, and drying, re- main critical. A clean, well prepared feed material is the foundation that allows MEYER technology to perform at its best. Together, all stages form an ecosystem with a single goal: produc- ing regranulate so clean it can confi- dently replace raw material. Sorting accuracy determines whether regranulate becomes a valuable raw material or a product with limited ap- plications. The future of recycling lies in faster cameras, more advanced al- gorithms, and mechanisms capable of handling increasingly complex materi- als. Accurate sorting is the key to re- sponsible plastic use. • The impact of optical sorting accuracy on polymer regranulate quality MEYER Europe s.r.o. Nam. L. Novomeskeho 1 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia +421 948 209 976 sales@meyer-corp.eu www.meyer-corp.eu Hall 12 / D18 Plastic is everywhere in our daily lives, from bottles to keyboards and eyeglass lenses. Its pres- ence is so common that it’s easy to forget how quickly it becomes waste. The problem starts when different types of plastic do not go into the right recycling streams. PET mixes with PE, PP hides among PS, and added chemicals make the process even more complicated Plast Echo50The plastics processing industry – more specifically plastic recycling – is the main focus of this family-owned company, which works in close collab- oration with its customers. Plasmaq’s innovative, easy-to-operate and effi- cient solutions are recognised world- wide for the satisfaction they deliver to customers. This year’s edition of the K trade fair will undoubtedly, though unfortu- nately, be unique due to the ongoing military conflicts and the deep crisis affecting the plastics industry, par- ticularly recycling. The autumn event will provide an excellent opportunity for industry leaders to speak out in a factual, decisive and specific way, especially regarding the challenges facing the recycling sector. Naturally, the Portuguese company will not miss the 8-day exhibition, whose motto this year is: “It all starts at K! The power of plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible”. In this spirit, together with more than 3,000 exhibitors, Plasmaq will empha- sise 3 key points. First, the urgency of implementing the circular economy as effectively as possible to create new PCR-based materials with virgin-like quality, easy and safe to use for any plastics converter. Second, the pro- motion of digitalisation as a driver of technological change and strategic adaptation, since integrating informa- tion and communication technologies boosts efficiency, flexibility and qual- ity. Third, the company will highlight that human well-being is at the centre of the plastics and rubber industry’s efforts – both socially, through the promotion and development of tal- ent, and literally, because there are Plasmaq at K 2025 – getting plastics value back on the right track In October 2025, the capital city of North Rhine-Westphalia will once again host K, the world’s largest trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, held every 3 years. The Portuguese company Plasmaq will take advantage of the hospitable spaces of Messe Düsseldorf to present its range of recycling machines produced in Leiria Hall 9 / E39 Plast Echo52Plasmaq-Maq.Equip.P/ Ind. Plasticos, Lda. Zona Industrial da Barosa Lt 8 Carreia de Agua 2400-016 Leiria, Portugal +48 505 348 946 comercial.pl@plasmaq.pt www.plasmaq.pt areas where plastic is irreplaceable. Plastics improve everyday life and, in many cases, help save health and lives. Basic medical equipment such as sy- ringes, IV catheters, infusion sets and drips are prime examples. These are not only indispensable but, if properly sorted, some components can even be safely recycled. The use of plas- tic in medicine remains an irrefutable counterargument to manipulative an- ti-plastic slogans, which have unfairly damaged the material’s reputation and contributed to the ongoing crisis. As a supplier of complete technologi- cal concepts for mechanical recycling, Plasmaq implements circular economy principles by reintegrating materials into the production cycle, reducing landfill waste and limiting the need for virgin raw materials. Plasmaq lines are known for their high energy efficiency and technological flexibility, enabling them to adapt to difficult and chang- ing market conditions. In doing so, the Portuguese manufacturer addresses 3increasingly important needs of companies operating in today’s un- certain and volatile global context: the pursuit of energy efficiency to remain competitive, the flexibility to rapidly reconvert production systems, and the automation and simplification of tasks to ensure business continuity. At this year’s edition, Plasmaq will showcase its flagship Plascompact screw press at Hall 9, stand E39. The unique design of these machines en- sures that the mechanical properties of the processed material are pre- served, resulting in high-quality recy- cling and maximum process efficiency. The model on display will represent the latest generation of Plascompact, incorporating technological improve- ments that increase efficiency in stretch film processing. Although it is considered Plasmaq’s flagship device, it is only a small part of the company’s wide portfolio of recycling equipment, which also covers bale opening, prepa- ration, shredding, washing, drying and storage. • International Edition – K 2025 53Plast EchoTOP SUPPLIERS YEARSANNIVERSARY|1999-2024 25 Bagsik Sp. z o.o. Toruńska 8 44-100 Gliwice, Poland +48 32 334 00 00 office@bagsik.net www.bagsik.net Company Bagsik offers highly efficient continuous process, rotary screen changers as well as plate screen changers. Pressure and temperature sen- sors for the extrusion process, filter screens for each screen changer and spare parts for most of extruders on market. battenfeld-cincinnati Germany GmbH Grüner Weg 9 32547 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany +49 5731/242-0 welcome@battenfeld-cincinnati.com www.battenfeld-cincinnati.com battenfeld-cincinnati produces energy-efficient extrusion solutions for pipes, profiles, sheets, and pellets. With sites in Germany, Austria, China and USA, it is part of Davis-Standard Corporation and stands for global quality and sustainability. DRP Group Chemiczna 6 42-520 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland +48 32 261 31 90 biuro@drp.pl www.drp.pl Producer of advanced polymer compounds formulated on primary and secondary polymers (ABS, PA, PBT, PC, POM, PP, SAN), designed for applications across sustainability-oriented industries, including automotive, agricultural ma- chinery, electrotechnical, household appliances, construction and tooling sectors. Ecopolplast Sp. z o.o. Chwaszczyńska 151E 81-571 Gdynia, Poland +48 730 030 311 info@ecopolplast.pl www.ecoplastomer.eu Ecoplastomer is a circular thermoplastic material made 100% from recycled plastic and rubber. It reduces CO₂ emissions by 69% and saves produc- tion costs by up to 30% without compromising quality. Product passport and customisation avail- able. Contact us! Ekochem Sp. z o.o. Akacjowa 1, Głogowo 87-123 Dobrzejewice, Poland +48 56 674 20 05 biuro@wwekochem.com www.wwekochem.com Ekochem – Thermoplastic Elastomer Specialist with modern R&D laboratory. •TPE & TPV Regranulates – high-quality, sustainable •Impact Modifier – enhances mechanical resistance of final products •Moisture Absorber – eliminating drying •Black Masterbatch – deep black colour with precise matching GM Color Sp. z o.o. Wojska Polskiego 65A 85-825 Bydgoszcz, Poland +48 52 515 35 35 office@gmcolor.pl www.gmcolor.pl Specialist solutions provider to the plastics processing industry: Color-Pro (colour master- batches), Addi-Pro (additives for the plastics pro- cessing industry), Powder-Pro (powders applied in the rotational moulding technology). In addition, we offer fire resistant thermoplastic compounds and material tests using modern laboratory equipment. Grupa Azoty Polyolefins S.A. Kuźnicka 1 72-010 Police, Poland +48 785 131 555 commercial@grupaazoty.com www.gryfilen.com The company offers a portfolio of Gryfilen poly- propylene, a high-quality thermoplastic material designed for a wide range of applications. A new state-of-the-art integrated PDH-PP complex in Poland, produces 437 kt/a PP, in 3 types: homopolymers, impact and random copolymers. Plast Echo54Malplast Recycling Sp. z o.o. Obwodowa 38 23-200 Kraśnik, Poland +48 607 287 377 info@malplast.com www.malplast.com The Malplast company was established in 2013. In the early days, it traded raw materials in the plastics industry and beyond. In 2018, we launched our own washing and plastic granulation lines. Since then, we have steadily increased our production, thus acquiring new satisfied custom- ers mainly involved in PP processing. Mapro Polska S.A. Legionów 94N 42-202 Częstochowa, Poland +48 887 040 045 mapropolska@mapro.pl www.mapro.pl Mapro is the authorised distributor and service provider of Haitian International injection mould- ing machines in Poland. We offer hydraulic, electric, and hybrid solutions tailored to diverse industries, with full technical support, spare parts, and training. Meyer Europe s.r.o. Nam. L. Novomeskeho 1 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia +421 948 209 976 sales@meyer-corp.eu www.meyer-corp.eu At Meyer, we provide optical sorting systems, X-Ray detectors, and analysers that support recycling and food companies across Europe. Our reputation is built on engineering expertise, consistent quality, and long term trust earned with every installation. ML Foil Sp. z o.o. Sp. k. Zachodnia 7 62-060 Stęszew, Poland +48 600 472 446 biuro@mlfoil.pl www.mlfoil.pl ML Foil is a Polish family-owned company special- ising in the production of thermoformed plastic films PS and PP. The enterprise operates based on modern film extrusion technologies using the cast film method. The product is characterised by the following technical parameters: thickness range: 0.2 mm to 2.8 mm; width: up to 1200 mm. Muehsam Rozwiązania Dla Przemysłu Sp. j. Pińczowska 11, Dębska Wola 26-026 Morawica, Poland +48 41 343 51 32 info@muehsam.pl www.muehsam.pl Founded in 2006, our company provides modern technological and machinery solutions for the plastics industry. Today, we operate globally, supporting companies in automation, boosting precision, efficiency, and sustainable growth. Plasmaq-Maq.Equip.P/ Ind. Plasticos, Lda. Zona Industrial da Barosa Lt 8 Carreia de Água 2400–016 Leiria, Portugal +48 505 348 946 comercial.pl@plasmaq.pt www.plasmaq.pt •Tailor-made recycling plants •Preparation lines •Shredders & granulators •Plascompact screw presses – capacity up to 2t/h, < 5% output moisture •Vertical & friction washers, DeepWashR for intensive cleaning •Sink float separation tubs •Storage Sawa Electronic Sp. z o.o. Sp. k. Ignacego Mościckiego 45 06-461 Regimin, Poland +48 603 178 178 biuro@sawaelectronic.pl www.sawaelectronic.pl Sawa Electronic – your partner in regeneration and production of plasticising systems. Screws, barrels, extruders – precision and durability trusted by plastics, rubber and food industries across Europe. International Edition 09.202455 Plast EchoWhere the plastics industry meets Poland Poland with its central location, strong processing sector and growing recycling investments is one of the most dynamic plastics markets in Europe. Thousands of converters, packaging producers and recyclers operate here, supported by global machinery and material suppliers. For interna- tional companies, Poland is a strategic entry point to Central and Eastern Europe For more than 2 decades, Plastech.pl has been among the most influential industry portals in Poland. It attracts tens of thousands of monthly visitors: from decision-makers and plant man- agers to engineers and purchasing spe- cialists. A unique strength of the portal lies in its dedicated B2B marketplace, which alone generates nearly half of all traffic. This section enables suppliers and distributors to present technolo- gies, products, and offers directly to potential clients actively searching for solutions. In other words, Plastech is not just a source of news – it is a plat- form for business opportunities. Complementing the online presence is Plast Echo, a modern trade magazine published in both print and digital for- mats. Since its launch in 2020, it has become a trusted source of knowl- edge and analysis for the Polish plas- tics sector. Each issue includes expert articles, interviews with industry lead- ers, and reports from major events. Im- portantly, once a year an international English edition is published and dis- tributed at the most prominent Euro- pean trade fairs – a copy of which you are now reading. The synergy of both platforms creates a powerful combination. A campaign on Plastech.pl ensures instant on- line visibility, measurable in real time, while an advertisement in "Plast Echo" builds long-term brand awareness and prestige. Together, they allow adver- tisers to cover the entire spectrum of communication – daily online engage- ment and in-depth editorial presence in print. Plastics industry media I Plast Echo – printed magazine A print run of 2,000 copies is delivered directly to subscribers, with additional copies actively distributed at major in- dustry events. I Publishing Plan 2026 IssueDistribution Editorial deadline 1/20262,000 copies – postal delivery to subscribers23.01.2026 International 2026 2,000 copies – major trade fair distribution06.03.2026 2/2026 2,000 copies – postal delivery to subscribers 300 copies – Plastpol distribution 17.04.2026 3/20262,000 copies – postal delivery to subscribers04.09.2026 4/20262,000 copies – postal delivery to subscribers06.11.2026 I Plastech.pl – online Key statistics of portal 17/09/2024 – 16/09/2025 Pageviews: 2,700,904 Unique users: 520,216 The most popular 3 sections (% of all pageviews): •B2B Offers: 39.6% •Business Directory: 14.4% •News: 12.4% EXPLORE ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Plast Echo56The international edition of “Plast Echo” is a great opportunity to bring closer to foreign readers the phe- nomenon of the Polish economy, which since 1989 has recorded sig- nificant GDP growth almost every year. In Europe, it ranks first in terms of cumulative growth, and globally it is among the leaders. This extraor- dinary rise has transformed Poland – from an economy ruined and ex- hausted by communist management – into a G20 member by the end of 2025, with a GDP reaching 1 trillion dollars. The President of the United States has acknowledged this success by inviting Poland’s new president to the upcoming G20 summit in Miami. Exhausted by more than 4 decades of Soviet occupation, the government of the People’s Republic of Poland was in fact imposed by Moscow, and by 1989 the economy was collapsing. Its picture was tragic: outdated technologies, low labour productivity, market shortages, unpaid foreign debt, and, on top of that, social protests demanding demo- cratic reforms. With the victory of Solidarność began an extremely difficult and socially costly process of transfor- mation, which – through privatisation, strengthening of the national currency, and unleashing Polish entrepreneurship – led to success. However, it came at a high price: countless families thrown to the brink of poverty due to nightmarish unemployment, and later mass emigration of people born in the 1970s and 1980s, who, after Poland’s accession to the EU (2004), decided to work abroad. Today, however, the Polish economy represents a healthy organism whose diversification has allowed it to avoid problems that plagued other countries during recent eco- nomic crises. On the one hand, the country attracts for- eign investors, for whom a large market (around 40 million population), with educated workers, many returning from EU emigration, and productivity growth outpacing the US and Western Europe, provides an excellent base for further expansion in the prospering region of Central and Eastern Europe. On the other hand, there are Polish enterprises that have been built from scratch over the last 30 years and have already become investors in Western Europe, where they rescue declining companies, inject new energy, and save local jobs. At the same time, compared with the entire Eastern Euro- pean region, Poland is the undisputed number one: its GDP is comparable to the combined GDP of Estonia, Latvia, Lith- uania, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, and Bulgaria, despite having only half their total population. Poland has also become a key hub for the new technologies sector, par- ticularly after the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine, when IT sectors from Ukraine and Belarus massively relo- cated to Warsaw and other Polish cities, transferring their business activity here and strengthening the local market. Perhaps the best proof of Poland’s contribution to this field is the fact that until recently, 4 Poles belonged to the core group of people with the greatest influence on the develop- ment of OpenAI – the hottest tech company in the world. This is just one of many examples of the transformation the Polish economy has undergone since 1989, when access to Western electronic devices was still tightly restricted by the Iron Curtain. Today, Polish scientists help shape the devel- opment of the most advanced technologies that are meant to keep the West as the global economic leader. Poland today is also a place where, in the face of increas- ingly palpable global tensions and recent supply chain prob- lems, the production of components that supply Western European factories is being relocated. A sensible migration policy has ensured that Poland attracts workers from East- ern Europe, the majority of whom are active and contribute substantially to the labour market. This applies not only to factory and unskilled service workers but also to doctors and nurses, who strengthen the healthcare system. At the same time, rapid infrastructure development – anyone who has recently visited Polish airports or travelled on Polish highways knows what I mean – along with improved se- curity (2024 data shows a decline in crimes such as thefts, rapes, and homicides) has made Poland increasingly attrac- tive to migrants from… Western Europe. Of course, for many observers of this part of Europe, the biggest question is the future of the region in the context of Russia’s aggressive policy. Yet even here, Poland stands out as a leader, having the highest defence spending rela- tive to GDP (4.7%) in NATO. Already now, Poland has the largest armoured forces of the Alliance in Europe, and the implementation of multi-billion-dollar contracts continues, making Poland the first line of defence against Russia’s path to Western Europe. The time gained by Russia’s engage- ment in Ukraine allows Poland to rapidly rebuild its military potential, ensuring that the threat from Moscow will be neutralised within a few years. So, in response to the question in the title – “What about Poland?” – I answer: everything’s fine. It’s worth coming here to see how hard work translates into real success. • Krzysztof Nowosielski ML Polyolefins What about Poland? Plast Echo58Next >