Plastics Recycling Show Europe 2026: AI Innovations in Focus

At the Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRS Europe), taking place on 5–6 May 2026 in Amsterdam, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in plastics recycling will be a central theme. A dedicated “AI Innovation Hub” will showcase current AI-based solutions across the entire value chain – from raw material and product design through collection and sorting to processing and material procurement.

Within the Innovation Hub, practical demonstrations will be presented. One highlight is a swarm robotics solution from the company Antfarm, in which six to ten autonomous robots sort real waste streams such as bottles, cans, and beverage cartons. The system on display, “Swarm Alpha,” represents a further development of robot-assisted sorting. In addition, Antfarm will introduce “Antfarm Beta,” a new system designed to achieve up to ten times higher sorting speeds. Unlike previous approaches, the robots collect individual objects and place them into integrated containers, enabling higher throughput. AI-based image recognition allows real-time material identification, while performance data such as sorting volumes, cycle rates, and revenue indicators are visualized live.

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Another demonstration will be presented by the company Safi. Here, visitors can use a smartphone to perform an AI-supported analysis of a bale of recycled PET. The application immediately shows how the system identifies and evaluates materials.

In parallel, the exhibition will explain how AI technologies are transforming recycling processes overall: improving sorting accuracy, reducing manual labor, optimizing plant performance, and supporting data-driven decisions in material evaluation and pricing. In combination with digital platforms and blockchain technologies, AI is also expected to enhance traceability and transparency throughout the recycling chain.

PRS Europe is an annual trade fair and conference for the plastics recycling industry. Organized by Crain Communications and Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE), it brings together stakeholders from the plastics industry and recycling sector. PRE represents European plastics recyclers that process plastic waste into high-quality recyclates, making a significant contribution to the circular economy. According to PRE, the European plastics recycling industry represents a market volume of more than €8.6 billion, with an installed recycling capacity of around 13.5 million tonnes, approximately 850 facilities, and over 30,000 employees.

More information: www.prseventeurope.com

Plastics Recyclers Europe, Brussels, Belgium

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