Rapid News Group has launched the call for papers for the Interplas Insights Conference 2026, which will take place during Interplas 2026, the long-established UK plastics exhibition. The three-day conference is scheduled for 2–4 June at the NEC Birmingham and will be located in hall 10 at the centre of the show. Organisers are inviting contributions from researchers, engineers, manufacturers, policymakers and other stakeholders across the plastics value chain, with particular emphasis on diverse perspectives and non-promotional content. The conference will explore how the plastics industry is responding to sustainability requirements, circular economy approaches, digitalisation and changing policy and regulatory frameworks, as well as how collaboration along supply chains is shaping future developments in the UK market.
Programme structure and thematic priorities
The Interplas Insights Conference 2026 programme will consist of approximately 20-minute research and development presentations, technical case studies and in-depth panel discussions. According to the organiser, the intention is to avoid promotional talks or sales pitches and instead focus on independent, content-led contributions. Submissions are welcomed across a wide thematic range that reflects current technical, environmental and economic challenges for plastics producers, processors and users.
Core topics outlined in the call include sustainability and circular economy models, plastics pollution and climate protection, as well as digitalisation and the use of artificial intelligence. Robotics and automation, together with Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 concepts, are also identified as focus areas, underlining the importance of advanced manufacturing and process optimisation in plastics processing. Additive manufacturing is represented through a dedicated track on 3D printing in plastics.
The conference will also address policy, regulations and compliance, the government's industrial strategy and its alignment with industry, and forms of collaboration across supply chains. Additional priority themes relate to renewable energy, sorting and waste management practices, energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction, and materials development and new technology. The call highlights recycling innovations, skills and training, diversity and inclusion, and the broader outlook for the future of the UK plastics industry as further areas where submissions are encouraged. The list of topics is described as non-exhaustive and is intended as a guideline rather than a restriction for prospective speakers.
Submission deadlines and application requirements
The submission deadline for proposals is 15 January 2026. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by confirmation email on 31 March 2026. Prospective speakers are asked to follow the application requirements set out on the conference website at: https://interplasuk.com/newfront/page/conference. The organiser requests a concise and clear presentation title, an abstract of up to 200 words and a speaker biography of up to 100 words. A high-resolution headshot should also be attached as part of the submission.
In addition to the online form, submissions can be sent by email with the same set of information to giulia.daniele@rapidnews.com. The open call invites contributions from established and emerging voices across the sector, with a specific emphasis on including a broad range of experience and viewpoints.
Speaker benefits and participation conditions
Selected speakers will receive a complimentary VIP conference and exhibition pass, which includes access to the VIP lounge. They will also be promoted as official speakers in relevant marketing materials across Rapid News Group media channels and other industry titles. The organiser positions the conference as a platform for sharing market knowledge and initiating new discussions with stakeholders from different segments of the plastics value chain. With over 500 exhibitors and 12,000 attendees expected, the event is presented as an opportunity for networking with fellow speakers, customers, suppliers and other conference participants.
Speakers are responsible for arranging their own hotel and travel. Interplas does not remunerate speakers for participating in the conference programme and does not cover travel costs or accommodation. These conditions apply to all speakers selected through the call for papers process.
Review criteria and role of the advisory board
The organiser states that Interplas aims to provide a transparent speaker selection process. Submissions that demonstrate that the proposed speaker can act as a catalyst for innovation and change in the plastics industry are described as the most competitive. The selection will be based on several criteria, including concise objectives with actionable takeaways for attendees and a distinctive perspective on the latest technology trends that can both inspire and educate the audience. A diverse voice and point of view, together with visible engagement, mobilisation and enthusiasm for the topic, are also part of the evaluation framework.
The Interplas Advisory Board supports Rapid News Group on the strategic direction of the conference programme, speaker recommendations and content themes. It also provides insight into the needs and priorities of the wider community around the exhibition and conference. The organiser notes that speakers for the 2023 event were independently selected based on their areas of expertise, indicating a continued focus on subject-matter knowledge and relevance for the upcoming 2026 edition.
