Extrusion International 1-2026

32 Extrusion International 1/2026 EQUIPLAST 2026 – INTERVIEW time, mechanical and chemical recycling technologies have been developed that allow complex plastics to be recovered with high quality, making it easier to reuse them in value-added applications. Added to this is a strong focus on eco-design – products conceived from the outset to be easy to recycle and reuse – and the pro- motion of bio-based, biodegradable, or compostable materials, which reduce dependence on fossil raw ma- terials and help lower the sector’s carbon footprint.
 What structural challenges does the plastics industry face today? There are major challenges: technological innovation must remain constant; there is an urgent need to at- tract young, qualified talent; and the social perception of plastics is still largely negative. On top of that comes efficient raw material management and adaptation to an increasingly demanding regulatory environment. But above all, the biggest challenge is collaboration: no company can tackle the transformation toward sustain- ability alone. That’s why trade fairs like Equiplast play a key role – providing a space to connect, cooperate, and put solutions into practice.
 What role does digitalization play in this green transition? It is absolutely crucial. Digitalization makes it possible to control and automate all processes for producing, transforming, and recycling plastics, minimize energy consumption, improve traceability, reduce errors, and en- sure quality and proper use of recycled materials. Thanks to these tools, factories can be more efficient and pro - ductive – in other words, produce “made-to-order” plas- tics that are sustainable and aligned with real demand.
 Do you think the social perception of plastics is changing? Plastics have been unfairly demonized. And we have a lot of work to do to change that perception. For years, the debate has focused on waste, not on possibilities. Our role as an industry must be to demonstrate with facts that plastics are not the enemy, but a material with a life cycle that, when properly managed, can deliver great value. As I said earlier, the key lies in the circular economy: designing recyclable products, promoting re- use, and investing in mechanical and chemical recycling technologies. In Spain, recycling figures are already sig - nificant, showing that the sector is committed. Equiplast will be an opportunity to show that plastics are part of the solution, not the problem.
 How is the Spanish plastics industry adapting to new European regulatory requirements, especially regarding recycled plastics and microplastics? The industry is in an advanced stage of adaptation and has the technology to comply with increasingly strict regulations. It’s a process being carried out re- sponsibly, although not all companies move at the same pace and not all value chains yet have sufficient volumes of traceable recycled material. For recycled plastics, the challenge is scaling up while ensuring quality and trace- ability; for microplastics, closing operational and control gaps throughout the logistics chain to prevent losses. It’s a process that requires significant effort, but it posi - tions the Spanish plastics industry very well to become more sustainable.
 What role does Equiplast play in this context of change? Equiplast is the meeting point where this entire inno- vation ecosystem comes to life. At the 2026 edition, we want to present a complete picture of where the plas- tics industry is heading: more circular, more digital, and more interconnected. We want participating companies and professionals not only to see innovative technolo- gies and materials but also models of collaboration and real commitment to sustainability.
 What can we expect from the next edition of the trade fair? Equiplast has been strengthened: it will feature more than 400 exhibiting companies – a 12% increase com- pared to 2023 – and nearly one-third will come from abroad, reinforcing its international character. In addi- tion, we’ve redesigned spaces for activities with a prac- tical focus: round tables, showcases of sustainable solu- tions, and technical conferences – all aimed at driving real innovation and applied knowledge.
 How is the “Rethinking Plastics” initiative evolving for Equiplast 2026? It will be consolidated as an open space for knowl- edge and debate. We want to show, with facts, that plastics can have multiple lives. There will be a show- room of products made with sustainable plastics, from which we’ll select the winners of the “Rethinking Plas- tics” awards. And as a new feature, we’re introducing a program of conferences on best practices and innova- tive projects in the sector, among other topics of inter- est to industry professionals.
 Looking ahead, how do you envision the plastics industry in the next decade? It will be a regenerative industry, where every piece of waste becomes rawmaterial. Innovation will remain the driving force: smart materials, chemical and physical re- cycling, and processes with a neutral carbon footprint. But there will be another equally important factor: col- laboration between companies, technology centers, and public administrations. The future of plastics de- pends not only on technology but also on a shared vi- sion of sustainability among all stakeholders.