Extrusion International 1-2026

31 Extrusion International 1/2026 EQUIPLAST 2026 – INTERVIEW EPS product is outstanding, with equal physical properties to those of new products. Moreover, the process is superior to others with markedly lower airborne emissions, as well as a significant reduction in wastewater production. “Using Coperion twin screw ex- truders, we have the ability to manufacture specialized products for various applications. Thanks to the excellent collaboration and process-technical support, we were able to realize new and environ- mentally friendly processes to- gether for EPS manufacturing. This allows us to be true to our values of customer focus, innovation and sustainability”, said Michael Hays, President of Integreon, parent company of NexKemia. Coperion GmbH Theodorstraße 10, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany www.coperion.com With the Coperion ZSK twin screw extruder efficient production of EPS microbeads is possible on a single machine "Plastic circularity is an unstoppable reality already underway" An interview with Bernd Roegele, presidente del Comité Organizador de Equiplast 2026 The plastics sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by regulatory pressure, the commitment to a circular economy, and the digitalization of processes. In this context, Bernd Roegele, President of the Organizing Committee of Equiplast 2026, analyzes the current state of an industry moving toward more sustainable, collaborative, and technologically advanced models. All of this will be showcased at Equiplast, the leading trade fair for the Spanish sector, which will take place from June 2 to 5 at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue. How would you describe the current situation in the plastics industry? We are living through a period of change. Plastics are under strong regulatory and social pressure, but they also represent an open field for innovation. Our indus - try understands that its future depends on designing more sustainable materials and processes, investing in the circular economy, and communicating the value of plastics as a material essential for manufacturing count- less products. What’s interesting is that the transition is already underway: today we see circular solutions that seemed impossible a decade ago.
 What progress would you highlight in terms of circularity? The growing incorporation of recycled plastics into new products demonstrates a real commitment to the circular economy, which is here to stay. At the same