As the global push toward sustainability intensifies, 2026 promises to be a pivotal year for the plastic recycling industry. Conferences worldwide are bringing together innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders to accelerate the transition to a circular economy and combat plastic waste. Here are the essential events that will shape the future of plastic recycling in 2026.
1. PolyNext Conference Dubai 2026
Date: November 4-5, 2026
Venue: Dubai, UAE
Website: www.polynextconf.com
Building on the remarkable success of the 2025 edition, PolyNext Conference Dubai 2026 returns as the flagship event for plastic recycling innovation in the Middle East. This premier gathering will feature cutting-edge workshops, technology exhibitions, and the prestigious PolyNext Awards celebrating breakthrough achievements in sustainability. The conference serves as a crucial platform for networking with global experts and policymakers driving transformative change in plastic waste management. Registration is now open for delegates seeking to be part of the next wave of circular economy solutions.
2. Plastics Recycling Conference 2026
Date: February 23-25, 2026
Venue: San Diego, California, USA
Website: www.plasticsrecycling.com
For the first time ever, this groundbreaking event unites the Plastics Recycling Conference, Resource Recycling Conference, and Textiles Recovery Summit under one roof. The 2026 edition will spotlight critical industry challenges including minimum PCR mandates and compliance, extended producer responsibility (EPR) evolution, and chemical recycling advancements. With over 3,000 attendees and 250+ exhibitors across an 80,000 square foot exhibition hall, this event offers unparalleled networking and learning opportunities.
3. Plastics Recycling Show Europe 2026
Date: May 5-6, 2026
Venue: RAI Amsterdam, Netherlands
Website: www.prseventeurope.com
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, this leading European exhibition and conference covers the complete plastic recycling supply chain from design to final product incorporation. The event will feature the prestigious Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026, honoring innovations across seven categories including automotive applications, packaging products, and recycling machinery. Key industry figures will address the latest opportunities and regulatory challenges facing Europe’s transition to circular plastics.
4. Plastics Recycling Show Asia 2026
Date: November 3-5, 2026
Venue: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, China
Website: prseventasia.com
This free-to-attend three-day exhibition and conference is the only event in Asia dedicated exclusively to plastics recycling. The show will connect delegates with the latest technology developments and bring together thought leaders, innovators, and technology providers. International experts will address key themes including circular economy models, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies shaping the Asian plastics recycling landscape.
5. Plastics Recycling LATAM 2026
Date: May 19-20, 2026
Venue: Hotel Sheraton María Isabel, Mexico City, Mexico
Website: www.plasticsrecyclinglatam.com
As the leading event in Latin America for circular economy and plastics recycling, this summit brings together key industry experts to foster innovation and establish strategic alliances. The conference promotes sustainable solutions that transform the future of plastics in the region, with a focus on increasing acceptance of 100% recycled materials among brand owners.
6. Future of Chemical Recycling Europe 2026
Date: January 28-29, 2026
Venue: Düsseldorf, Germany
Website: www.wplgroup.com/aci/event/future-of-chemical-recycling
This flagship event will showcase the latest technological advancements in chemical recycling, featuring cutting-edge technologies and innovations addressing plastic recycling complexities. The 2026 edition introduces speed networking sessions to enhance collaboration among delegates. With participation from industry leaders like Shell, Sabic, and Ineos, the conference provides actionable insights for scaling chemical recycling operations.
7. Plastics Recycling World Expo 2026
Date: September 23-24, 2026
Venue: Messe Frankfurt, Germany
Website: recyclinginside.com/events/plastics-recycling-world-expo-2026
This premier event unites global industry leaders in a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the latest advancements in plastics recycling. Co-located with the Plastics Extrusion World Expo and Compounding World Expo, the event features dedicated conference theatres and specialized zones including a Chemical Recycling Zone and Start-Up Zone. Frankfurt’s excellent transport connections make it easily accessible from major European industrial hubs.
8. 5th ASEAN Circular Plastics Summit 2026
Date: To be announced
Venue: Southeast Asia (location TBA)
Website: eco-business.com/events/5th-asean-circular-plastics-summit-2026
This summit will analyze global trends in mechanical and chemical recycling while exploring EPR’s transformative effects on regional plastic recycling. Key topics include food-contact-approved PET recycling systems, advanced sorting technologies, and regulatory trends shaping the future of plastic waste management in Southeast Asia.
9. Sustainable Plastics Europe 2026
Date: To be announced
Venue: Europe (location TBA)
Website: www.europe.sustainable-plastics-conference.com
This exclusive forum showcases the latest advances in bio-based and recyclable plastics. Industry leaders will present innovations in materials, packaging, and manufacturing technologies to combat global plastic pollution. The conference addresses emerging trends in sustainable plastics, advanced materials for reducing plastic pollution, and eco-conscious products made using recycled materials.
10. Go Circular Summit 2026
Date: March 24-26, 2026
Venue: Messe Frankfurt, Germany
Website: recyclinginside.com/events/go-circular-2026
This business-focused event addresses core challenges in plastic recycling across the entire circular value chain. With major regulatory shifts including the Global Plastics Treaty and Circular Economy Act, the summit provides crucial networking opportunities and regulatory updates for industry professionals.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Plastic Recycling
The 2026 conference calendar reflects the industry’s commitment to accelerating the transition toward circular economy models. These events will address critical challenges including regulatory compliance, technological innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. From Dubai’s leadership in regional sustainability initiatives to Europe’s regulatory frameworks and Asia’s manufacturing prowess, these conferences represent a global movement toward sustainable plastic waste management.
As demonstrated by events like PolyNext Conference and the European Recycling Shows, the path to meaningful change requires continuous collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technological advancement. Register early for these transformative events to secure your place in shaping the future of plastic recycling and contributing to a more sustainable, circular world.
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