Extrusion International 4-2026

10 Extrusion International 4/2026 INDUSTRY NEWS www.extrusion-global.com NPE2027 Builds Momentum as West Hall Sells Out As the industry prepares for its re- turn to Orlando, Florida, NPE2027: The Plastics Show®, produced by the Plastics Industry Association (PLAS- TICS), continues to build momentum, with West Hall exhibit space now completely sold out. This milestone brings the total oor space sold to 87% and includes commitments from more than 300 new exhibiting com- panies participating in the largest plastics trade show in the Americas. "This level of early commitment and the strong pace of exhibit sales re- ect the excitement building around NPE2027 and the importance com- panies place on being a part of the plastics industry's leading event in the Americas,” said Matt Seaholm, Presi- dent and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS). “From long- time industry leaders to rst-time ex - hibitors, businesses are securing their place now because they know NPE is where the global plastics community comes together to do business, show- case innovation, and help shape the future of our industry." Taking place May 3 to 7, 2027, NPE2027 is expected towelcomemore than 51,000 attendees and 2,200 ex- hibitors from over 130 countries. The triennial event will showcase cutting- edge technologies, equipment, ma- terials, and services spanning the full plastics value chain, including recy- cling and sustainability, packaging, automotive, medical, consumer prod- ucts, building and construction, and manufacturing. Companies that have not yet secured exhibit space are encouraged to apply now. Opportunities remain available in the South Hall, including space within the ve Technology Zones, and the Tangerine Ballroom, which will feature the new Sustainability Park – an im- mersive destination spotlighting real- world solutions shaping the future of sustainable plastics. Companies interested in exhibiting at NPE2027 can learn more and sub- mit an application at: https://npe.org/ become-an-exhibitor/. For additional information about NPE2027: www.npe.org PPWR) in a legally compliant manner. From a technological perspective, the focus is on the challenge of ‘tightness’ – howmono-materials can maintain maximum barrier perfor- mance and seal strength despite reduced complexity. Europe’s Pouch experts meet in Barcelona The conference will be held in English and will be simul- taneously translated into several languages, creating the ideal conditions for the international exchange of knowl- edge, experience and best practice. Exclusive insights into the HP Digital Pouch Factory A particular highlight is the tour of the HP Digital Pouch Factory at the Sant Cugat del Vallès site. Participants will gain an insight into modern digital printing and production processes for exible packaging and experience innovative pouch technologies in an industrial application. Networking for the packagings of tomorrow In addition to the expert presentations, INNO-Pouch offers a wide range of opportunities for personal interac- tion. Manufacturers, brand owners, converters, machinery manufacturers and technology providers use the event to share experiences, make new contacts and develop joint solutions to the challenges facing the packaging industry. Julian Thielen, Co-CEO of Innoform Coaching GmbH: „The future of exible packaging lies at the intersection of material innovation, digitalisation and sustainability. With INNO-Pouch, we are creating an international platform where experts from across Europe can share their knowl- edge and work together on the packaging solutions of to- morrow.“ innoform-coaching.de/en/tagung/ inno-pouch-smart-pouches-2026?tab=agenda&day=2