5th International Recycling Forum 2027

5th International Recycling Forum 2027 is a two-day international plastics recycling and circular economy conference taking place from 26 to 27 April 2027 at the Dorint Pallas Wiesbaden in Wiesbaden, Germany. The event brings together 130+ participants from 15+ countries and 30+ experts, including plastics recyclers, manufacturers, take-back schemes, technology providers, trade associations, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders across the plastics circular economy.

Purpose and Objectives

The forum aims to provide an international platform for discussing the regulatory, market and technological developments shaping plastics recycling. It focuses on how new requirements, changing recycled material markets, technological innovation and effective take-back systems can support the development of functioning circular plastics systems.

Key Activities

The two-day programme combines expert presentations, panel discussions, networking, an exhibition and practical discussions. Day one focuses on regulation, EPR, recycled materials and circular packaging, while day two covers recycling technology, digitalisation, international circular systems and agricultural plastics. An evening networking event takes place at Villa im Tal after the first day.

You’ll explore

• PPWR, the Circular Economy Act and EPR
• Recycled materials and circular packaging
• Plastics collection, sorting and recycling technologies
• Digitalisation, traceability, digital product passports and AI
• International take-back and circulating systems
• Agricultural plastics and circular economy solutions

Speakers

• Gian De Belder - Technical Director, R&D Packaging Sustainability, P&G
• Joachim Quoden - Managing Director, EXPRA
• Ton Emans - President, Plastics Recyclers Europe
• Clemens Kitzberger - Business Development Manager, EREMA Group

Significance

The forum is significant because it brings together the different parts of the plastics recycling value chain in a focused international setting. Its combination of regulation, EPR, recycled material markets, technology, digitalisation and international best practices provides a practical perspective on the challenges of scaling circular plastics systems.

Expected Outcomes

Participants can expect insights into regulatory developments, recycling markets, emerging technologies, digital solutions and international best practices. The event is designed to support knowledge exchange, professional networking, technology discovery, partnerships and collaboration across the plastics circular economy.