Interplas 2026: Innovation, Investment, and Industry Confidence
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As the doors close on Interplas 2026 (2-4 June 2026, Birmingham NEC), the UK's flagship plastics exhibition once again demonstrated why it remains one of the most important events in the manufacturing calendar with over 500 exhibitors presenting on the show floor.
Over three days at the NEC Birmingham, the event brought together manufacturers, processors, recyclers, machinery suppliers, material innovators, brand owners, and industry stakeholders from across the UK and beyond. With a packed programme of technical presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, Interplas provided a valuable snapshot of an industry navigating significant change while continuing to invest in its future.
The show was colocated with a number of shows including...
This led to a number of visitors coming to the BPF stand from other shows, many of which requested information on BPF members.
During the show the BPF handed out over 300 member directories - an incredibly popular annual publication which features information and contact details on all 600+ BPF Members.
"For the BPF, Interplas is a unique opportunity that comes around only once every three years to meet so many members, prospective members, customers and key stakeholders in such a short space of time. The team has been incredibly positive about the show and, since the doors opened on Tuesday, the conversations never stopped.
The event also provides a valuable opportunity to take the pulse of a sector facing growing economic, regulatory and geopolitical pressures. Despite these challenges, it has been encouraging to hear, time and again, stories of increasing sales, continued investment and resilience across the supply chain. While businesses remain stretched in many areas, the industry appears to be adapting and responding remarkably well to the challenges it faces."
Stephen Hunt, Membership Services Director, British Plastics Federation (BPF)
BPF at Interplas 2026
The BPF was delighted to engage with members, partners and visitors throughout the event.
The BPF stand welcomed 100's of visitors, providing an opportunity to discuss the latest industry developments, share information on federation activities, and gather feedback on the issues most important to members.
A highlight of this year's event was our handing out of our new Polymer Playing Cards which proved very popular amongst visitors with a number of companies taking them to hand out to local schools stating that they would prove a valuable tool to engage with the next generation of industry leaders.
Throughout the event, BPF representatives contributed to conference sessions and industry discussions covering topics including sustainability, productivity, regulation, and the future of UK manufacturing. The exhibition also provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and establish invaluable new connections across the plastics value chain.
The BPF's Deon Nzou hosts the "Workforce & Skills" panel discussion at Interplas featuring Diane Aston (Head of Education and Professional Development, IOM3 Polymer Group), Charlotte Blant (CEO & Founder, Tiro Training Ltd), Richard Brown (Chief Technology Officer, Sierra 57 Consult Ltd)
Knowledge Sharing and Industry Collaboration
Alongside the exhibition itself, the conference programme delivered valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. One presentation was delivered by BPF's own Membership Services Director, Stephen Hunt, who spoke on “The UK Plastics Industry At a Glance.”
His session looked back at 75 years of progress since the first British Plastics Exhibition and explored how new technologies, including AI, are helping shape the future of UK manufacturing. Stephen also shared how the BPF has used AI to analyse more than 500,000 words of technical guidance on industrial energy management, turning large amounts of information into practical recommendations in minutes. A service that will be launched exclusively to members in the next two weeks.
Whether discussing sustainability, workforce development, or competitiveness, speakers across the three days of Interplas repeatedly highlighted the importance of strengthening connections across the supply chain. Supporting this objective, the BPF has recently refreshed its Find a Supplier service with an improved user experience - making it easier for manufacturers, brand owners, and buyers to connect with UK plastics companies and specialist suppliers in BPF Membership.
Many of these themes that dominated discussions at Interplas (including circularity, recycled content, policy development and sustainable product design) will continue at the upcoming (free to attend) Plastics Recycling and Sustainability (PRAS) conference. Hosted by the BPF on 9th July, the event will provide a dedicated platform for industry and academia to share insights and develop practical solutions for a more sustainable plastics value chain.
Sustainability Moves from Ambition to Implementation
Some previous editions of Interplas focused on sustainability commitments, this year's event demonstrated a growing emphasis on delivery. Across the exhibition floor, exhibitors showcased practical solutions aimed at improving resource efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing the use of recycled content.
Examples included:
- Advanced recycling technologies
- Improved material traceability systems
- Energy-efficient processing equipment
- Design-for-recycling innovations
- Solutions supporting recycled and bio-based polymers
The industry's sustainability journey remains complex, but discussions throughout the event suggested a growing maturity in how businesses approach the challenge. Rather than focusing solely on material substitution, many speakers emphasised the importance of whole-system thinking - including product design, collection infrastructure, sorting capability, manufacturing efficiency, and end-of-life management. If the role of reusable plastics is something you're interested in learning more about, the BPF's expert-led Reuse Seminar takes place in a few weeks.
This reflects a broader industry recognition that achieving circularity requires collaboration across the entire value chain.
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Looking Ahead
Interplas 2026 demonstrated an industry that continues to innovate, invest, and adapt.
While challenges remain - from regulation and skills shortages to public perception and global competition - the exhibition highlighted the expertise, creativity, and determination that characterise the UK plastics sector. Most importantly, it reinforced the value of bringing the industry together.
In an increasingly complex operating environment, opportunities to share knowledge, showcase innovation, and build relationships remain more important than ever. The conversations that began at Interplas this week are likely to continue long after the exhibition halls have closed, helping to shape the future direction of the UK plastics industry for years to come.
A strong industry needs a strong trade show and the BPF would like to thank the organisers, members, exhibitors and visitors who contributed to another successful Interplas, and we look forward to continuing these conversations across the industry in the months ahead.
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