PRSE 2026: Optimism, Pressure and a Talent Market in Transition

The 10th anniversary edition of the brought together the full plastics recycling ecosystem at a pivotal moment for the industry. From AI-driven sorting systems to increasingly urgent conversations around competitiveness, regulation and workforce capability, PRSE2026 felt less like a traditional trade show and more like a reality check for the sector.

From a recruitment perspective at Astrantia Talent, the event highlighted three clear themes shaping the future of plastics recycling and circular manufacturing:

• The industry remains highly innovative and resilient

• Businesses are under growing operational and commercial pressure

• The war for specialist talent is intensifying

  
  

Here’s our recruiter’s recap of the biggest positives, challenges and industry updates coming out of PRSE2026.

Close-up view of recycled plastic pellets in a container

The Positives: Innovation and Momentum Are Still Strong

Despite the economic headwinds discussed across the conference, there was a strong sense that the industry continues to evolve at pace.

One of the standout themes this year was the growing role of AI and automation across recycling operations. PRSE2026 introduced an AI Innovation Hub showcasing technologies focused on smarter sorting, traceability and material analysis. Demonstrations included AI-powered robotic sorting systems and real-time PET bale analysis tools designed to improve throughput and material quality.

For employers, this signals a major shift in hiring priorities. Companies are no longer only looking for operational recycling expertise — they increasingly need professionals who understand:

• Automation and robotics

• Data-led manufacturing

• AI-enabled process optimisation

• Digital traceability systems

• Advanced materials science

  
  

At the same time, the sector’s commitment to circularity remains strong. The event continued to showcase innovation in:

• Mechanical recycling technologies

• Polymer processing

• Odour reduction and material quality improvement

• Packaging recyclability

• Feedstock recovery systems

  
  

There was also encouraging collaboration between recyclers, OEMs, packaging manufacturers and policymakers, reinforcing the idea that solving circular economy challenges requires joined-up supply chain thinking.

From a talent perspective, this cross-functional collaboration is creating growing demand for commercially minded technical professionals who can operate across engineering, operations and sustainability functions.

The Challenges: Cost Pressures and Competitiveness

While optimism around innovation was evident, the dominant conversation throughout PRSE2026 centred on economic pressure.

Industry leaders repeatedly highlighted:

• Rising energy costs

• Volatile feedstock availability

• Margin pressure

• Competition from lower-cost virgin polymers

• Regulatory uncertainty across Europe

The conference keynote itself focused on “rebuilding competitiveness” within the European plastics recycling industry.

For recruitment teams and hiring managers, this creates a difficult balancing act:

• Businesses still need to invest in growth and innovation

• But many are simultaneously under pressure to reduce operational costs

As a result, hiring strategies are changing.

We’re seeing more businesses prioritise:

• High-impact hires over volume recruitment

• Multi-skilled technical leaders

• Candidates with transformation experience

• Professionals who can improve efficiency and reduce waste

• Commercially aware engineering talent

  
  

The message from PRSE2026 was clear: companies are becoming more selective, but the need for strong talent has not disappeared.

In fact, the opposite may be true.

Eye-level view of polymer pellets being fed into an industrial extruder

The Talent Story: Skills Gaps Are Becoming More Visible

One of the most important takeaways from this year’s event was the growing concern around skills shortages across advanced manufacturing and recycling technology.

As recycling facilities become more automated and data-driven, businesses increasingly require professionals with hybrid skill sets:

• Mechanical and process engineering

• Automation and controls

• AI and digital systems

• Sustainability and compliance knowledge

• Commercial awareness

  
  

This challenge is not isolated to plastics recycling. Across the wider European electronics, semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors, employers are facing increasing competition for technically specialised professionals.

At related industry events across Europe and the UK, workforce capability and technical skills development are becoming central themes.

From our perspective at Astrantia Talent, this reinforces a wider trend we’ve been discussing with clients for some time:

The best candidates are no longer actively applying for roles — they are being strategically approached.

That means companies need to move faster, communicate opportunities more effectively and offer clearer long-term career development if they want to secure top talent.

Key Industry Updates from PRSE2026

Several important industry developments stood out during the event:

AI Is Moving Into Mainstream Recycling Operations

AI-enabled sorting and traceability technologies were among the biggest talking points of the exhibition floor. The focus is shifting from experimental innovation to scalable deployment.

Regulatory Pressure Continues to Shape Strategy

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) remained a major discussion point, particularly around implementation and commercial feasibility.

Traceability and Verification Are Becoming Critical

Digital product passports, recycled-content verification and supply-chain transparency are rapidly moving up the priority list for manufacturers and recyclers alike.

Investment Is Following Infrastructure and Resilience

Across broader manufacturing and electronics sectors, investment is increasingly linked to energy resilience, automation and AI infrastructure.

Sustainability Hiring Is Evolving

Companies are increasingly seeking candidates who can bridge sustainability goals with operational delivery — not just policy or reporting functions.

Final Thoughts from Astrantia Talent

PRSE2026 showed an industry that is simultaneously under pressure and full of opportunity.

The challenges are real:

• Cost inflation

• Competitive pressure

• Regulatory complexity

• Skills shortages

  
  

But the pace of innovation across recycling technology, AI integration and circular manufacturing also demonstrates that the sector is adapting rapidly.

For employers, success over the next 12–24 months will depend heavily on attracting and retaining the right people to drive that transformation.

And for candidates, the market increasingly favours professionals who combine technical expertise with adaptability, commercial awareness and a forward-thinking mindset.

We left PRSE2026 with one clear conclusion:

The companies investing in talent today will be the ones best positioned to lead the circular economy tomorrow.