MeetingPack 2026 presents in Valencia the shopping basket of the future, aligned with European regulation

The way we shop is about to change. With the entry into force in August 2026 of the first measures of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), everyday actions such as picking up a tray of packaged fruit or taking away ready meals in single-use plastic containers will give way to more sustainable alternatives in European supermarkets. In this context, AIMPLAS and AINIA have held MeetingPack 2026 in Valencia, the benchmark event for barrier materials and packaging, where the sector has showcased what this new model will look like through innovative solutions aligned with the PPWR.

The congress focused on real alternatives that are already ready to reach the market: recyclable, compostable, reusable packaging or packaging developed from post-consumer materials that will replace many of today’s solutions, as demonstrated in applications such as trays, tubs and bottles.

The new European regulation will bring visible changes to consumers’ daily lives. Among other measures, single-use plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables under 1.5 kg will be restricted, deposit return systems will be promoted, and the use of reusable solutions in ready-to-eat products will be encouraged. In this scenario, MeetingPack has demonstrated that the sector is already working on viable alternatives that maintain packaging functionality—such as food protection and shelf life—while reducing environmental impact.

From lab to shelf: solutions ready for the market

One of the key messages of the congress was that the transition is already underway. Faced with the phase-out of many current solutions, such as single-use plastic trays or unnecessary packaging, the sector is developing proposals based on recyclable monomaterial structures, recycled materials, compostable solutions, materials from natural sources, or reusable systems that enable compliance with the new regulation.

Innovation to reconcile sustainability and functionality

The opening session highlighted the scale of the challenge facing the sector. The CEO of AINIA, Cristina Del Campo, pointed out that the new European regulatory framework is redefining the rules of the game and requires progress towards circular models “where recyclability, reuse and waste reduction become central pillars, without compromising key aspects such as food safety or product shelf life.” In the same vein, the Director of AIMPLAS, José Antonio Costa, stressed that “events such as MeetingPack aim to bring clarity in an environment of uncertainty and help companies make decisions in the face of a model shift that is already imminent.”

For his part, Regional Secretary for Industry, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Felipe Carrasco Torres, stated that MeetingPack 2026 takes place at a time of profound industrial transition that is forcing companies to rethink how they produce, innovate and compete “and in this scenario—added Felipe Carrasco—the role of technology centres is key not only as strategic partners but also as a bridge between scientific research and the industrial market.”

Felipe Carrasco also reaffirmed the commitment of the Regional Ministry of Industry, through Ivace+i, to the 11 technology centres in the region, while highlighting that in 2025 the Valencian Institute for Business Competitiveness and Innovation allocated nearly €14 million to AINIA and AIMPLAS for research projects, representing just over 30% of their income.

Likewise, the Director General of FIAB, Mauricio García de Quevedo, opened the programme with the keynote ‘Feeding the future: sustainable packaging for a responsible industry’, in which he emphasised the need for companies to “integrate sustainability into their business strategy” in response to regulatory pressure and new recycling and reuse targets.

Materials and processes already shaping the future

The first technical session, focused on innovative materials and processes for the production of sustainable packaging and moderated by Global Technical Director at SM RESINAS, Eduardo Gómez, brought together industry experts who presented concrete advances in this field. Clelia Cazzola (ITP-TPL) introduced new extrusion technologies to develop lighter, high-performance films and highlighted that “redesigning flexible packaging is no longer an option, but a necessity driven by regulation, market demands and environmental responsibility.”

Meanwhile, Fabio Barca (Mitsubishi Chemical Group) addressed recyclability and performance in frozen food preservation, noting that “the use of barrier materials helps extend shelf life, reduce waste (both food and packaging) and facilitate recycling, aligning with circular economy strategies.”

In addition, Pere Becerra (COMEXI) presented efficient industrial solutions for applying barrier coatings and explained the operation of inline machinery, while emphasising that investment in such equipment is high, recommending companies to start by leveraging their existing machinery.

A key meeting point for the industry

Throughout the rest of the day, the programme continued with sessions dedicated to sustainability in flexible and rigid barrier packaging, as well as a round table focused on strategies required to meet 2030 targets.

With more than 200 attendees from 90 companies, MeetingPack 2026 consolidates its position as a strategic forum to connect the entire packaging and food value chain and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy. Over 21 and 22 April, the event aims to demonstrate that the future of packaging is not only about regulatory compliance, but about redefining how we consume, shop and manage waste.