Today only a third of plastics is recycled in Europe, highlighting the need to revamp the current waste management systems. The whole plastic value chain must engage in the transformation of plastic production, manufacture and disposal.
Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRSE) and Plastics Recycling Awards Europe (PRAE) are in an ideal position to aid the industry in the transition towards circular economy by bringing together key players and by recognising innovation and technological developments of the industry.
PRSE was launched in 2017 as the first show dedicated solely to plastics recycling in Europe. Since the launch the show has gained immense importance and attracted much interest, with a 70% increase in the footfall during the second edition of the show, reaching as many as 3,000 visitors and seeing a 64% increase in the number of exhibitors, reaching 111 of them.
Plastics Recycling Awards Europe in Amsterdam. Image: PRS Europe
Over the two days, the show incorporates a free exhibition and a conference, gathering under one roof major industry players such as machine manufacturers, brand owners, waste management companies, legislators and academics, in addition to the recyclers. The exhibition opens doors to the whole value chain while the conference addresses the latest trends and developments in plastics recycling.
In 2018 Cyrill Gutsch, the founder of Parley for the Oceans, was one of the key speakers of the PRSE conference. This year representatives of major brands like IKEA, Henkel, Procter & Gamble, HP and Philips will also be featured. These brands will share their views as well as their contribution to the changing landscape of plastics production and waste management. The show and the conference will be officially opened by Kestutis Sadauskas, Director Circular Economy and Green Growth at the DG Environment, European Commission, on April 10.
Given the success of the PRSE launch, the organisers introduced the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe in October 2017. The awards aim to recognise and celebrate achievements, as well as technological advancements in plastics recycling. For this year, 40 entries across seven categories have been recognised as finalists highlighting innovation in automotive, electrical and electronic, building & construction and packaging sectors among others. Additionally, the awards recognise individuals, plastics recycling ambassadors, with outstanding contributions to the European market. The quality and the variety of the entries are a testament to the expansion and improvements in this sector.
Going forward, securing an environment with sound and sustainable management of plastics production, consumption, as well as disposal, will depend on simultaneous improvements across all the steps within the value chain. Consequently, the collaboration of these actors is the starting point for this transition. PRSE and PRAE present the perfect opportunity to instigate just that, offering a unique opportunity to concur and at the same time highlight the continued improvements in the sector.
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