Extrusion International 4-2026

13 Extrusion International 4/2026 PLASTPOL 2026 – The Plastics Industry Once Again Convened in the Heart of Europe 15,000 visitors from Europe, Asia, and Africa, 660 exhibi- tors from 36 countries, hundreds of live-running machines, multi-million contracts, and a spectacular 30th anniversary celebration – the International Fair of Plastics and Rubber Processing PLASTPOL once again con rmed its position as the largest plastics industry event in Central Europe and one of the key meeting points for the global market. For four days, Kielce (Poland) became a centre of international business, technology and industrial premieres. For many international companies, PLASTPOL remains the most important gateway to the Central and Eastern Euro- pean markets. The trade fair brought together manufactur- ers and technology suppliers from across the globe – from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to North and South America. Visitors from all corners of the world representing a wide range of industries attended the event, including medical, packaging, food processing, automotive, electron- ics, household appliances, logistics, and defence sectors. Thanks to its strategic location and rapidly growing indus- trial sector, Poland once again demonstrated its role as the industrial heart of this part of Europe. The exhibition halls of Targi Kielce showcased the world’s latest technologies for plastics processing. Live demonstra- tions featured injection moulding machines, extrusion sys- tems, industrial robots, fully automated production lines, and advanced recycling technologies in operation. Among the products manufactured on-site were insulin pen caps, medical autoinjector components, lunchboxes, technical industrial parts, and products made from recyclates and natural materials. Contracts and Investments in Kielce Despite a Slowdown in the Plastics Market This year’s PLASTPOL trade fair once again demonstrated that, despite a slowdown in the European plastics market, companies continue to invest in automation, energy-ef- cient technologies, and advanced production solutions. During the event, contracts were signed for machinery, pro- duction lines, and rawmaterials worth millions of euros. 30 years of PLASTPOL – the industry celebration The anniversary expo was of a unique character. During the Platinum Plast Gala, companies were honoured that have shaped PLASTPOL's history and contributed to the development of the plastics industry since its very rst edi - tions. A particularly memorable moment of the gala was the recognition of Kamil Perz, Director of the PLASTPOL trade fair, who has co-created and developed the event for 30 years. The management of Targi Kielce presented him with a symbolic statuette of Atlas carrying the globe as a tribute to his contribution to the development of one of Europe’s most important plastics industry events. Knowledge, regulations and the future of the plastics market Conferences and technical seminars addressing the sec- tor’s long-term future are an integral pillar of the exhibition. The European premiere of the Plastics Europe report on the circular economy, along with conferences on recycling, en- ergy ef ciency, and new EU regulations for the packaging market, generated considerable interest. A new feature of this year’s edition was the international event “Italian Polymers, Compounds & Masterbatch Solu- tions – Expertise Driving Innovation in Automotive”, or- ganised jointly with Con ndustria Polonia. Italian compa - nies presented cutting-edge solutions for the automotive sector, underscoring PLASTPOL's growing importance as a platform for international industrial cooperation. At the PLASTPOL trade fair, representatives of exhibiting companies were also recognised in the OMNIPLAST com- petition for their specialist knowledge and industry exper- tise. The winner of this year’s edition was Monika Zuber from Sierosławski Group. Tomasz Pyrek, representing DRP Group, was the runner-up, and third place was awarded to Justyna Przęczek from Polimer Projekt. PLASTPOL 2027 in the Targi Kielce’s new expo hall Preparations are already underway for the next PLAST- POL trade fair, scheduled for 18–21 May 2027 - the organis- ers look forward to meeting you at the expo. For the rst time, exhibitors will also showcase their products in the new exhibition hall at Targi Kielce, one of the largest and most modern trade fair facilities currently under construction in Central Europe. Designed to enhance exhibitor comfort, in- novative product presentation, and overall trade fair ef - ciency, the new expo hall will offer more than 15,500 square metres of exhibition space and a height of 15 metres. “Thanks to the new hall, we will be able to offer exhi- bition opportunities at an even higher, truly global stan- dard,” emphasises Kamil Perz, Project Director. Targi Kielce S.A. www.targikielce.pl