Solutions Across the Entire Packaging Lifecycle
The two events, held simultaneously, clearly demonstrated how closely environmental technologies, recycling practices, material quality, and regulatory requirements are now interconnected. Both trade fairs provided valuable opportunities for discussions with customers, partners, and other market participants on current developments and future demands within the circular economy.
For RIGK, the focus was on economically viable solutions covering the entire packaging lifecycle – from the take-back of used packaging and plastics to sorting, recycling, material transparency, compliance documentation, and recyclate marketing. Among the solutions presented were RIGK’s EPR systems, including the RIGK-SYSTEM, the RIGK-G-SYSTEM or RIGK-PICKUP, as well as industry-specific best-practice initiatives for agriculture such as ERDE, PAMIRA or the PRE-SYSTEM. Together with its subsidiaries plastship GmbH, Hannawald Plastik GmbH, PACKLIANCE GmbH and the PlastCert unit, RIGK demonstrated how the individual building blocks of the circular economy can work together seamlessly across the entire value chain.
PRSE: Collaboration Across the Value Chain
At PRSE, the main focus was on topics such as Design for Recycling, material quality, the use of recyclates, and marketability. Many discussions highlighted that requirements at the intersection of regulation, technical feasibility, and economic implementation continue to increase.
Jan Bauer, Managing Director of RIGK, summarised: “PRSE once again demonstrated how important collaboration across the entire value chain is – from Design for Recycling all the way to recyclate marketing.”
IFAT: Practical Solutions at the Centre of Attention
At IFAT, the emphasis was likewise placed on concrete solutions for industry, commerce, and agriculture.
Markus Dambeck, Chairman of the Management Board, concluded: “The discussions at IFAT clearly showed that companies today are primarily looking for solutions that combine ecological requirements with economic viability. Especially in areas such as the use of recyclates, reusable systems, and packaging take-back schemes, it has become evident how important practical and reliably implementable systems have become for day-to-day business operations.”
Regulatory Requirements Are Shaping the Market
A key topic at both trade fairs was the increasing impact of European regulatory requirements arising from the PPWR. Many companies are currently seeking guidance and practical ways to integrate regulatory obligations into existing processes at an early stage. As a result, there was considerable interest in consulting and support services that combine compliance with practical implementation.
Maria Hentze, PACKLIANCE, explained during discussions at the RIGK stand at IFAT how the new consulting company provides support precisely in this area.
Topics such as certification, material transparency, and quality assurance are also becoming increasingly important. Particularly in an increasingly regulated market environment, the demand for transparent standards and reliable documentation throughout the supply chain continues to grow.
During an interview at IFAT, Markus Dambeck also explained, how RIGK and its network contribute to strengthening the plastics circular economy across the entire value chain.
Positive Conclusion Following IFAT and PRSE 2026
Overall, the review of both trade fairs was highly positive. Both IFAT and PRSE demonstrated that the need for dialogue, guidance, and implementable, efficient solutions within the industry remains strong. At the same time, it became clear that many companies no longer view the circular economy merely as a long-term objective, but as an immediate and concrete task.
The numerous discussions and impulses gathered in Munich and Amsterdam underline the importance of reliable partnerships, practical systems, and collaborative approaches for the continued development of a functioning circular economy.
Further Information
Mirco Gattinger
Marketing und Social Media Manager, RIGK GmbH
+49 172 1369 774
gattinger(at)rigk.de
