Central Europe’s plastics industry gathers at Plastpol 2026 this May

The International Fair of Plastics and Rubber Processing Plastpol will take place from 19 to 22 May 2026 at Targi Kielce in Poland. Now in its 30th year, the event will bring together representatives from 600 companies spanning 31 countries, with visitors expected from dozens of nations. The fair will cover sectors ranging from packaging and medicine to electronics, household appliances, and heavy industry.

A new matchmaking tool makes its debut

For the first time in the fair´s history, Plastpol will host Connect Plast, an international B2B matchmaking programme organised by Targi Kielce and the Tworzywa.pl website. The event will be held on 22 May, the final day of the fair. It will facilitate structured, short-format business meetings designed to help exhibitors and visitors identify partners, conduct preliminary negotiations, and assess cooperation potential within a few hours. Registration is open until 15 May at connectplast-en.targikielce.pl.

Industry debates will open the week on 18 May

The day before the fair opens, the Plastics Industry Meeting 2026 will take place at Targi Kielce. Organised by the PlasticsEurope Polska Foundation and the Polish Association of Plastics Converters, the conference will address the competitiveness of the European industry, regulatory changes, and the future of the circular economy. Representatives from producers, processors, industry organisations, and public institutions will take part. Those wishing to attend can register by contacting [email protected].

Fresh market data to be released on opening day

On 19 May, the first day of Plastpol, two sessions will be held in capsule 502 in Expo Hall 5. The Opening Conference will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed at noon by the Circular Plastics Compass Starter session. Both will present the latest figures and trends from the plastics market, including the premiere of a new PlasticsEurope report titled "Plastics in a closed loop – analysis of the situation in Europe". This year´s edition of the report will, for the first time, include data on trade flows of fossil-based and circular plastics, offering a broader view of material movement across Europe. The sessions will also be available via online broadcast.

Technical knowledge on day two

The Plastech Info Seminar, arranged by Tworzywa.pl, will be held on 20 May in capsule 502 in Expo Hall 5. The programme will focus on the technical side of plastics processing, covering new materials, process optimisation, energy efficiency, and the integration of production systems. Engineers, technologists, and solution providers will present approaches that manufacturing companies can put into practice in the short term.

Packaging regulations in focus on day three

On 21 May, eplastics.PL Portal will host a conference dedicated to the PPWR regulation, also in capsule 502. The session will examine new requirements related to packaging design, recycling targets, producer obligations, and the broader effect of the regulation on business operations. The conference is intended to help companies understand and prepare for the legislative changes ahead.

A structured programme built around business outcomes

Taken together, the fair´s programme will give participants access to current market data, insight into regulatory developments, direct evaluation of technologies, and the opportunity to establish new business relationships. The combination of matchmaking, conferences, and technical seminars positions Plastpol 2026 as a practical resource for companies operating in the plastics and rubber sector across Europe and beyond.