Recycling and Packaging Themes
Advanced Pyrolysis for Chemical Recycling:
Latest advancements in pyrolysis technologies, focusing on efficiency, scalability, and environmental impact. How pyrolysis is being used to tackle plastic waste and produce new raw materials for industry.
Sustainable Packaging Innovations:
With the increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions, this theme highlights the latest innovations in sustainable packaging; biodegradable materials, bio-based polymers, and intelligent packaging technologies that reduce environmental impact while maintaining functionality.
Mechanical Recycling Techniques for High-Performance Plastics
Innovations in mechanical recycling, with a focus on improving the efficiency and performance of recycled plastics in relevance to high-performance sorting, shredding, and separation technologies that ensure recycled materials meet the quality standards required for industrial applications.
Nanotechnology in Packaging
Use of nano-coatings, antimicrobial properties, and enhanced barrier protection in packaging materials, offering improved functionality and longer product shelf life while minimizing environmental impact.
AI and Automation in Recycling Operations
AI-driven technologies are transforming recycling operations by enhancing sorting accuracy, reducing contamination, and improving overall efficiency. Explore the role of automation and AI in optimizing recycling processes, from predictive maintenance to real-time analytics that enhance decision-making and operational performance.
Closed-Loop Recycling Systems
As the world moves toward a more circular economy, closed-loop recycling systems are becoming increasingly important. Industry leaders share strategies for designing, implementing, and scaling closed-loop systems that ensure plastic products are reused, recycled, and repurposed in a continuous cycle, reducing the need for virgin materials.
Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging Materials
Latest advances in materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and other biodegradable polymers that offer environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics.
Sustainable Design for Packaging
Sustainable design is at the forefront of reducing plastic waste with the aim of; designed for recyclability, reusability, and minimal environmental impact. Attendees will discover strategies for integrating sustainability into the design process, from material selection to end-of-life considerations.
SATURDAY 10 JANUARY 2026
Recycling Conference Agenda
Packaging Conference Agenda
12:00 - 12:15
Opening Keynote
The Role of Plastics Recycling in MENA’s Circular Future
Plastics recycling serves as a foundational pillar for sustainable economic growth in the region, aligning with global climate goals and regional development priorities. Aimed at highlighting Egypt’s leadership in advancing cutting-edge recycling technologies, including chemical recycling systems that make previously unrecyclable plastics reusable, setting a benchmark for innovation. It will also explore how manufacturers and recyclers are addressing the growing demand for high-quality secondary materials by incorporating recycled resins into production processes. Furthermore, examining the collaborative efforts of governments and private industries in scaling recycling networks, fostering innovation, and creates both economic and environmental value. By addressing these critical elements, the session will explore how plastics recycling is shaping the MENA region’s transition to a circular economy—unlocking new revenue streams, boosting employment, and reducing environmental impact.
Attendee Insights: Learn how Egypt and MENA industries are unlocking the economic and environmental value of plastics through advanced recycling systems, addressing both material demand and circularity goals.
12:15 - 13:00
Panel Discussion
Accelerating Demand and Adoption of Recycled Plastics
In response to growing calls for sustainable practices, manufacturers are increasingly incorporating recycled polymers into their products, balancing performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Egypt is playing a key role in this transition, with companies actively testing and utilising high-quality recycled plastics to meet the needs of diverse sectors, from packaging to consumer goods. The momentum is driven by industry-led initiatives that prioritise product redesign, improved recyclability, and high-performance recycled resins. At the same time, businesses are overcoming barriers such as material quality, market pricing, and scaling supply chains by fostering collaborations with recyclers and technology providers.
Attendee Insights: Gain valuable insights into the strategies manufacturers are using to incorporate recycled plastics across industries, transforming production practices and building market resilience.
13:00 - 13:45
Panel Discussion
Innovations in Plastics Recycling – Scaling Chemical and Mechanical Solutions
The plastics industry is undergoing rapid transformation as stakeholders embrace innovations that enhance recycling efficiency and capacity. Egypt is spearheading investments in advanced technologies, including mechanical recycling solutions that recover high-quality resins and chemical processes that convert hard-to-recycle plastics into virgin-equivalent feedstocks. These innovations are unlocking new opportunities for industries that require premium recycled materials, such as food-grade packaging and durable goods. Such collaborations with global technology providers is ensuring regional plants are equipped to meet evolving quality standards and sustainability targets. By scaling both chemical and mechanical recycling methods, the region is reinforcing the long-term relevance of plastics while driving circular growth.
Attendee Insights : Hear the latest technological breakthroughs in mechanical processes delivering high-purity outputs to chemical innovations redefining material recovery potential.
13:45 - 14:30
Panel Discussion
Advancing the Circular Economy Through Collaborative Partnerships
The transition to a circular plastics economy in MENA is driven by the need for collaboration across the entire value chain. From material producers and recyclers to manufacturers and policymakers, all stakeholders are coming together to integrate recycling systems into production workflows, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality recycled materials. Through strong partnerships, industries are collaborating with technology innovators and regulators to streamline material flows, address supply chain bottlenecks, and enhance the traceability of recycled content. This collective effort is not only improving the efficiency of recycling processes but also fostering the development of globally aligned standards for material quality and processing methods. As a result, MENA industries are staying competitive on the global stage, increasing exports while contributing to a more sustainable future.
Attendee Insights: Explore how key partnerships in MENA’s plastics ecosystem are driving meaningful outcomes for recycling and circularity, fostering collaborations that improve material recovery and support a resilient, sustainable regional economy.
14:30 - 14:45
Opening Keynote
The Future of Plastics in Packaging – Balancing Performance and Sustainability
Plastics remain irreplaceable in modern packaging, offering unmatched durability, versatility, and resource efficiency. In MENA, including Egypt, the packaging industry is evolving rapidly as manufacturers embrace innovations that enhance sustainability without compromising performance. From lightweight packaging solutions that reduce resource use to bio-based plastics that lower carbon footprints, businesses are transforming their production processes to meet shifting consumer demands and sustainability requirements. Hence, it is critical to explore how plastics continue to play a critical role in packaging, enabling industries to deliver cost-effective, sustainable solutions that address both regional and global needs.
Attendee Insights:Discover how the sector is pioneering innovative solutions to deliver high-performance packaging while upholding sustainable practices.
14:45 - 15:30
Panel Discussion
Enhancing Packaging Recyclability and Reusability
Manufacturers and brands globally are redesigning packaging systems to incorporate circular principles, reducing reliance on virgin materials while enhancing recyclability and reusability. In Egypt, businesses are rolling out smart packaging solutions that optimise resource use, improve recyclability, and extend shelf life. From adopting mono-material packaging to investing in refillable and returnable models, companies are delivering systems that combine sustainability with operational efficiency. At the same time, advances in polymer technology and design innovation are enabling the production of packaging solutions that are both lightweight and durable, minimising environmental impact while improving logistics and cost savings.
Attendee Insights: Uncover packaging solutions currently transforming recyclability and reusability to meet growing customer demands and help combat climate change, environmental concerns and pollution.
15:30 - 16:15
Panel Discussion
Smart Packaging Technologies for Efficiency, Innovation, and Traceability
Technological advancements are redefining the role of plastics in packaging, allowing businesses to achieve greater traceability, sustainability, and efficiency. Organisations are now implementing digital tools such as smart sensors, QR codes, and blockchain-integrated systems to monitor packaging lifecycles, track materials, and reduce waste across supply chains. Lightweight, high-strength polymers are enhancing performance while lowering resource usage, particularly in sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. By combining innovation with practical design, manufacturers are addressing regional challenges and capturing opportunities for growth in sustainable packaging markets.
Attendee Insights: Learn how manufacturers are leveraging smart technologies to optimise packaging systems, improve transparency, and build efficiency across supply chains.
16:15 - 17:00
Panel Discussion
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape for Sustainable Packaging
Regulatory frameworks around plastics packaging are evolving globally and MENA markets are aligning with these standards to remain competitive. Mandatory recycling content targets, single-use plastic bags, and eco-labelling regulatory requirements are driving businesses to rethink packaging designs and material sourcing. Whilst leading manufacturers are adapting operations to meet both local regulations and international benchmarks, ensuring long-term compliance while capturing new market opportunities. By prioritising innovation, transparency, and collaboration, companies are actively shaping the future of sustainable packaging in the region.
Attendee Insights: Understand how Egypt’s packaging industry is navigating current regulations and standards, ensuring competitiveness while delivering practical and sustainable solutions.
