SRR 2026 expands as Spain’s recycling sector faces mounting EU targets

The upcoming International Trade Fair for Recovery and Recycling (SRR) 2026 is said to be attracting strong industry interest as Spain’s recycling sector tackles increasingly demanding European targets.

During the latest organising committee meeting, held by IFEMA Madrid, industry representatives reviewed the sector’s current challenges while confirming solid growth for the exhibition.

Organisers report that 16 000 m² of exhibition space has been allocated, ‘a notable increase’ compared to 2024. There are 100 confirmed exhibitors, a 31.6% increase.

Forty companies are taking part for the first time, accounting for a significant share of the booked exhibition space. Meanwhile, many returning exhibitors have expanded their stands, reflecting continued investment and confidence in the sector. International participation remains stable, with 15 overseas exhibitors confirmed.

The event will take place from 9–11 June 2026 in Madrid.

Under pressure to deliver

The growing interest in SRR comes as Spain’s recycling sector is under pressure to scale up operations and comply with EU circular economy targets.

According to the Spanish Federation of Recovery and Recycling, the country’s recycling industry now includes more than 5 000 companies and supports more than 33 000 direct jobs. The sector generated over EUR 15 billion in turnover in 2025, equivalent to roughly 1% of Spain’s GDP.

Materials processed during the year include over six million tonnes of ferrous scrap, 1.18 million tonnes of post-consumer plastics, and more than 416 000 tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The sector also handled 610 278 end-of-life vehicles and 149 000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres.

Such figures underline the industry’s growing role as a supplier of secondary raw materials and a contributor to green employment and industrial innovation.

Spotlight on EPR

This year’s exhibition will also highlight the role of collective extended producer responsibility schemes, commonly known as SCRAPs in Spain. These organisations coordinate the collection and treatment of specific waste streams on behalf of producers, allowing companies to meet legal obligations without directly managing waste operations themselves.

SRR 2026 will once again run alongside several other industry gatherings, including the International Urban Planning and Environment Fair, the Global Mobility Call and Sociocare, a new event focused on care and social welfare services.

The organisers say the co-location is designed to create new partnerships across sustainability, mobility and urban development.