AIMPLAS, the plastics technology centre, has announced its training programme for the first half of 2026, delivered through the Plastics Academy platform. It includes more than 70 training activities in various formats, such as online courses, face-to-face training and masterclasses. A key element of the offer is the set of professional titles, which together provide around 800 hours of training. A new feature in the coming year is the Professional Expert in Legislation in the Plastics Sector, developed in response to increasing regulatory requirements for the plastics industry.
The new programme has been designed to address one of the sector’s main challenges, namely understanding and practically applying the regulations affecting plastic materials throughout the entire value chain. The thematic scope covers an up-to-date overview of European and national legislation in areas such as food contact materials, packaging, sustainability, recycling, the circular economy and chemical safety. The training combines theoretical content with analysis of case studies to enable participants to anticipate regulatory changes and ensure legal compliance of processes and products in companies.
With this initiative, AIMPLAS strengthens its specialised training offer focused on increasing business competitiveness by improving preparedness for legal requirements. The training programme is diversified in terms of both format and content. Online courses are available, which, thanks to the use of artificial intelligence tools, can be provided in multiple languages, as well as tailor-made courses adapted to the needs of specific companies.
Thematic scope of the AIMPLAS training programme
The AIMPLAS training offer for 2026 covers topics dedicated to individual application sectors for plastics, such as packaging, construction and mobility. In parallel, cross-cutting subjects related to technologies and processing are developed, including extrusion, injection moulding, additives and so-called scientific moulding. The programme also includes training on quality and raw materials, covering issues such as material ageing, REACH regulations, material characterisation, compounding, biodegradable products, testing methods, legislation, additives and PVC.
Training courses focused on the circular economy remain a permanent part of the offer. For the first half of 2026, 24 training activities are planned, focusing on recycling technologies, the use of recycled plastics in food contact applications, energy efficiency, the requirements arising from Spanish Royal Decree 1055/2022, end-of-waste status, bioplastics, microplastics and the so-called Greenwashing Directive. These topics reflect the growing importance of environmental and regulatory aspects in the design and use of plastic products.
Events and training formats complementing the courses
In addition to courses and training sessions, AIMPLAS has scheduled a series of events for the first half of 2026 to support the development of technical and business competencies. The programme includes a free workshop on R&D&I financing instruments, aimed at presenting available support tools for projects in the plastics sector. In addition, the ninth edition of the International Seminar on Biopolymers and Sustainable Composites will be held, focusing on materials with reduced environmental impact and their applications.
A free session on FUNDAE training grants is also planned, targeting companies interested in using available mechanisms to co-finance employee skills development. Another event will be the seventh edition of MeetingPack, dedicated to packaging-related topics, including solutions in the field of sustainability and new regulatory requirements for packaging systems.
All training activities and events are available on the Plastics Academy platform, where users can search for relevant content by topic. In addition, the entire offer can be delivered as customised training tailored to the specific needs of companies, which allows the programme to be focused on particular processes, products or regulatory requirements of a given enterprise.
