Following another successful year, Packaging World's Packaging Recycling Summit (PRS) returns June 15-17, 2026, to Rosemont, Ill. The Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel will host the event, bringing together CPG brands, material suppliers, reprocessors, MRFs, retailers and policymakers with a shared mission: advancing packaging circularity through practical, actionable solutions.

Over 600 packaging professionals registered for the 2025 Packaging Recycling Summit in person and online. Attendee feedback consistently underscored the value of bringing multiple stakeholders under one roof to address the specific challenges of creating truly recyclable packaging.

"With PRS, we're creating a space where cross-functional collaboration drives real progress on recyclability goals," explained Matt Reynolds, editor for Packaging World. "By bringing together every segment of the packaging ecosystem, from designers to recyclers to policymakers, we enable the kind of knowledge exchange that moves the entire industry forward."

Call for speakers

The Packaging Recycling Summit is now accepting speaker proposals for the 2026 program. The event will focus on the theme Designing the Circular Future: Policy, Innovation, and the Business Case for Recyclable Packaging. Industry experts with compelling case studies, innovative solutions, or specialized expertise are encouraged to submit proposals addressing key topics including package design for recyclability, materials innovations and PCR integration, consumer behavior, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy and compliance, and MRF and reprocessor collaborations.

Selected speakers will showcase their expertise to more than 600 decision-makers actively implementing recyclability solutions, position themselves as thought leaders and connect with key stakeholders through structured networking opportunities including 1:1 meetings and interactive roundtables.

Speaker proposals can be submitted here. The call for speakers closes Jan. 30.

The Packaging Recycling Summit is produced with the expertise of Packaging World editors and an advisory board. This year's program addresses ongoing and trending issues such as sustainable package design, incorporating PCR, fine-tuning design through MRF collaboration, navigating EPR mandates, advancing sorting technologies, and creating end markets for recycled content.

"The packaging industry is at a critical juncture," Reynolds sad. "EPR mandates are expanding, PCR targets are becoming more ambitious, and recycling infrastructure needs reinvention.

"PRS 2026 will provide the focused, actionable content needed to bridge the gap between packaging design and end-of-life reality. We expect our Rosemont event will bring together dedicated professionals intent on creating more resilient and sustainable supply chains to benefit both their bottom line and the planet."

Registration is open for the 2026 Packaging Recycling Summit. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Source: PMMI