Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRS Europe) will return to RAI Amsterdam in the Netherlands on 5-6 May 2026. The event, described by the organisers as the world’s largest gathering dedicated to plastics recycling, will be held as an exhibition and conference. The 10th edition is expected to bring together the global plastics recycling value chain, with the exhibition set to occupy two halls of the venue, 1 and 5. More than 500 exhibitors from Europe and other regions worldwide have been announced. The organisers indicate that the event profile covers the full market, from machinery suppliers and recyclers to waste management companies, material producers, compounders, brand owners and industry associations, with the aim of presenting innovations and exchanging practices and business contacts.
The conference will open with a keynote address by Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and Ton Emans, President of Plastics Recyclers Europe. Their session titled From Crisis to Competitiveness: Re-Building the European Plastics Recycling Industry is intended to set the direction for discussions throughout the event. The conference programme is planned to run in parallel across two theatres and to include more than 70 speakers, featuring keynote sessions, panel discussions and technical presentations on public policy, innovation and market developments.
Against the backdrop of market conditions, the organisers cite the position of a representative of the recycling sector. "Market pressures and policy uncertainty are putting the entire European plastics recycling value chain under heavy strain," says Ton Emans, President of Plastics Recyclers Europe. "In times like these, collaboration and unity are essential. PRS Europe is where our industry comes together to confront these obstacles, share practical solutions, and strengthen the partnerships needed to make plastics truly circular. This year’s gathering is more vital than ever."
The 10th edition of PRS Europe is also intended to reflect a decade of rapid change in the sector. "What began as a focused industry gathering has grown into the world’s largest plastics recycling event, while retaining its original focus. That is a testament to the innovation and commitment driving this sector forward," says Matt Barber, Global Events Director at Crain Communications.
AI Innovation Hub and technology demonstrations
One of the key elements of this year’s edition is expected to be the AI Innovation Hub, dedicated to applications of artificial intelligence in plastics recycling. According to the announcement, it will present solutions across the value chain, from feedstock streams and product design, through collection and processing, to material sourcing.
The programme includes live demonstrations, including swarm-robot sorting technology from Antfarm. A presentation of the Swarm Alpha fleet and the next-generation Beta system has been announced, which is intended to enable significantly higher throughput through rapid individual object sorting. Visitors are also expected to be able to interact with Safi’s phone-based AI material analysis tool designed to scan and analyse baled recycled PET in real time.
Awards and event organisation
During PRS Europe, the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026 will be presented again. The awards are intended to recognise innovation across seven categories, with the winners scheduled to be announced on 6 May, the second day of the event.
PRS Europe is jointly organised by Crain Communications and Plastics Recyclers Europe. Visitor registration is to be handled via the event website.
