Highlights
APIP showcases the Portuguese plastics industry at CIPE 2026 in China
October 29 & 30, 2026
APIP participated in the China International Plastics Exhibition (CIPE 2026) in Nanjing at the invitation of the China Plastics Processing Industry Association (CPPIA). Its presence at the trade show provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the Portuguese plastics sector, strengthen institutional relationships, and explore opportunities for international cooperation.
The Association was represented by Pedro Paes do Amaral, Executive Vice President, and Cátia Morais, Communications Manager, accompanied by Bernard Merkx, Executive Director of the World Union of Plastics Associations (WUPA). Pedro Paes do Amaral, Executive Vice President of APIP, participated in the official opening ceremony as an international guest of the organization.
One of the highlights of the event was Pedro Paes do Amaral’s presentation at the 5th Science and Technology Conference of the Chinese Plastics Industry, which brought together more than 700 participants. APIP was the only foreign organization represented among the session’s speakers. The presentation provided an overview of the structure, main areas of activity, and degree of internationalization of the Portuguese plastics industry. In his capacity as Vice President of European Plastics Converters (EuPC), Pedro Paes do Amaral also presented the key indicators for the European sector and discussed its challenges regarding competitiveness, innovation, and circularity.
At the welcome dinner hosted by CPPIA, APIP’s Executive Vice President was one of four guests to speak. Under the theme “Better USe. Better Future.,” he advocated for a science-based approach that balances competitiveness, innovation, circularity, digitalization, and decarbonization. He emphasized the importance of choosing the right material for each application and preserving the value of resources for as long as possible.
The second day was devoted to visiting the trade show and holding meetings with companies and organizations in the sector. Several participants expressed interest in the Portuguese market and in strengthening ties with the national industry. Over the course of the two days, APIP also highlighted WUPA’s work in fostering cooperation among industry associations and presented the Plastics Summit – Global Event as a forum for dialogue and knowledge sharing, with a view to the next edition, scheduled for 2028 in Porto.