Extrusion International 4-2025

12 Extrusion International 4/2025 INDUSTRY NEWS Equiplast – The Growing Trade Fair Will Showcase the Plastics Sector’s Sustainable Commitment Equiplast 2026 is expanding and set to become the leading showcase for the sustainable transformation of the plastics and rubber industry. Organised by Fira de Barcelona, the event has already booked 80% of its planned exhibition space one year ahead of its open- ing, confirming strong interest from companies keen to present more circular, innovative, and efficient solu - tions. The event will run alongside Expoquimia, the in - ternational meeting point for the chemical and process industries. From 2 to 5 June 2026, Equiplast will host more than 400 exhibiting companies in Hall 3 of the Gran Via venue – 12% more than in 2023, with nearly one-third com - ing from abroad – reaffirming its status as the leading plastics and rubber industry trade fair in the Iberian Pen- insula and one of the most relevant events in Southern Europe. This growth reflects both high exhibitor loyalty from the 2023 edition and the addition of new firms. International participation is also growing steadily. Af- ter Spain, the countries contributing the most exhibitors to date include Germany, Portugal, Austria, China, Italy, and France. A key new feature of Equiplast 2026 is the introduc- tion of a reorganised exhibition layout designed to re- flect the entire plastics and rubber value chain in a more integrated and qualitative manner. This segmentation will streamline the experience for professional visitors and enhance business opportuni- ties across various segments. Equi- plast 2026 will maintain its tradi- tion of attracting a highly qualified audience with purchasing power – 46% of the top 50 Spanish plastics processors and recyclers by turn- over attended the 2023 edition. The most represented sectors currently include plastics process- ing machinery; automation equip- ment and systems; peripherals, parts, and components; raw mate - rials and additives; and moulds and dies. Notably, the environmental and recycling segment is experiencing significant growth, underscoring the industry’s increas - ing commitment to more sustainable and circular pro- duction models. This area will be strengthened by the presence of recyclers, waste management companies, extrusion and recovery machinery manufacturers, start- ups, and environmental consultancies, among other key players who are redefining the lifecycle of plastics. Rounding out the show’s scope are semi-finished and finished plastic products, specialised hardware and soft - ware, industrial safety and outsourcing services, and re - search and technology transfer centres. Xavier Pascual, Director of Equiplast 2026, states: “As the leading trade fair in the sector in Spain, our mission is to highlight the innovation and circularity within the plastics and rubber industries, providing a valuable plat - form where businesses and professionals can connect, exchange knowledge, and showcase success stories and cutting-edge solutions that push the sector towards a more circular, competitive, and innovative future.” Equiplast 2026 will also see a major upgrade in its programme of activities with the evolution of the Re- thinking Plastics space, which will serve as a hub for the latest trends and innovations in applied plastics across multiple industries. For the first time, this initiative will include an area dedicated to presenting success stories of sustainable plastics use in sectors such as packaging, automotive, and construction. It will also fea- ture conferences, industry round - tables, and networking sessions. Equiplast 2026, in partnership with the Spanish Plastics Centre (CEP) and other Spanish indus- try associations, will also present an expanded new edition of the plastics sector report. This com- prehensive study will offer an updated overview of the plastics industry in Spain, based on data from over 3,700 companies. For the first time, it will include comparative insights with the European context, providing a key tool to assess the real impact of the plastics sector and support its com- petitiveness. Once again, Equiplast will run concurrently with Ex - poquimia, the international event for the chemical and process industries, which will present innovative and sustainable chemical solutions for improving manu- facturing processes across various sectors – including plastics. Together, the two shows will feature over 800 companies and nearly 21,000 professionals, fostering a powerful synergy between two core industrial sectors that are closely aligned in areas such as new materials, chemical recycling, and sustainable transformation. www.equiplast.com/en/