“At Polusolidos 2026, we will place special emphasis on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), whose emissions are beginning to receive greater attention due to their impact on environmental pollution.”
As CEO of Testori and President of Polusolidos, Miguel Pizarro is deeply familiar with the challenges, needs, and innovations that shape the present and future of solid, dry, and suspended materials processing. As head of the fair’s Organizing Committee, he is working to ensure that the next edition of Polusolidos—from February 10 to 12, 2026—will be more representative, more technologically advanced, and more useful for industry professionals.
From his dual perspective as a global company executive and as president of one of the industry’s most important events in Europe, Pizarro analyzes in this interview the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, the growing role of technological innovation and artificial intelligence, and the key factors that will shape the 2026 edition of Polusolidos, which aims to be the most ambitious to date.
Mr. Pizarro, Polusolidos has become one of the leading trade fairs for the solids sector. What makes it so important, and what value does it bring to the industry?
Indeed, Polusolidos, which will celebrate its fifth edition after ten years of experience—along with Exposolidos (12 editions) and Expofluidos (3 editions)—has established itself as an industrial benchmark for companies specializing in dust collection and environmental protection. Fortunately, Europe is one of the regions with the greatest development in environmental protection, and that’s why Polusolidos is the meeting point for any company involved in the collection of dust, whether polluting or not, into the environment. It’s a fair where, in just three days, one can meet with a wide variety of companies and make decisions about their environmental emissions management.
With less than a year to go until the next edition, how are registrations going and what are your expectations in terms of participation and growth?
The trend at each edition is one of sustained growth in the number of exhibitors. This is due, on the one hand, to rapid technological advancement, which has incorporated new technical aspects into the collection of solids that were previously not a priority. On the other hand, to the boost provided by both environmental regulations and new industrial processes, which foster greater awareness of sustainability and the efficient use of resources. This allows more companies to find a place at the fair with increasingly innovative solutions.
Shortly before the 2024 edition, you told us: “The goal is to grow, but without losing sight of the quality of the visitor or exhibitor experience.” Mission accomplished? New goals for the next edition in 2026?
We have undoubtedly more than met our objective. The committee, made up of high-level professionals in the field of industrial dust collection, pays special attention to selecting companies that represent the best in the sector. The goal is to ensure that visitors find real, quality solutions. I know that both the Exposolidos and Expofluidos committees and the event organizers share this vision and are constantly working to maintain this standard. For the next edition, we already have increased demand for space. We are already considering options for expanding the available space for the 2028 edition and beyond.
Hydrogen, battery recycling, and CO2 capture and storage, as an alternative to reducing industrial emissions, were some of the main focuses of Polusolidos 2024. What new developments or highlights will be seen from February 10 to 12, 2026, at La Farga de l’Hospitalet?
In 2024, we already addressed highly topical topics such as hydrogen, battery recycling, and CO₂ capture and storage, which generated great interest among attendees. Companies like Repsol shared their R&D experience, serving as an example for other smaller companies or companies in different sectors. For the 2026 edition, we will continue to focus on high-impact topics such as industrial decarbonization and will also place special emphasis on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), whose emissions are beginning to receive greater attention due to their impact on environmental pollution.
The Polusolidos Organizing Committee plays a key role in event planning. How do the Committee members work to ensure the event remains a benchmark?
We are a committee made up of top executives from the companies that have been part of the event since its inception. The role of my colleagues is fundamental in ensuring the event is as professional and beneficial as possible for both visitors and exhibitors. As executives of companies in the sector, we are aware of the demands of visitors and exhibitors when preparing for the event. We meet several times during the two years prior to each edition to evaluate areas for improvement and define clear objectives for the next edition. Each member does an excellent job and contributes valuable insight that contributes to the professionalization of the event. Without the work of the committee I represent, the fair would not have reached the level it has reached.
For a professional who hasn’t yet attended the fair, what reasons would you give them to not miss it in 2026? And for a regular visitor?
Polusolidos is a must-attend event for any professional who wants to learn firsthand about the most innovative solutions in dust collection and environmental protection. It brings together the industry’s leading companies in a single space, saving time and providing a comprehensive view of the market. Furthermore, by being held in conjunction with Exposolidos and Expofluidos, the exhibition’s offerings are expanded to include the comprehensive management of solids and fluids, thus covering a large part of industrial processes. It is a must-attend event for both first-time attendees and regular attendees.
What kind of companies will find Polusolidos an ideal environment for doing business and discovering new solutions?
Any industrial company looking to optimize its dust filtration processes, improve particle capture in its production lines, or advance its sustainability goals will find at Polusolidos an ideal environment to discover solutions, establish strategic contacts, and learn about the technological evolution of the sector.
From the perspective of an exhibitor and a visitor, what are their typical goals at the trade fair, and how can they make the most of it ?
The organizing committees make a constant effort to ensure the quality of both visitors and exhibitors. We don’t seek quantity, but rather relevance. In fact, we have observed that more and more visitors arrive with very specific objectives and are looking for concrete solutions. For their part, exhibitors value the opportunity to interact with decision-making professionals. This creates an ideal environment for knowledge exchange and closing deals.
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the world. What impact is it already having, and what do you think it will have on solids processing and management in the coming years? Are we facing a disruptive change?
Artificial intelligence is still in its early stages within the solids processing sector, but its potential is enormous. Currently, its most useful application lies in the simulation of complex processes and data management, which allows for predicting results, avoiding errors, and optimizing investments without resorting to trial and error. In the medium term, we are confident that AI will enable the automation and improvement of many industrial processes, making them faster, more efficient, and more sustainable, and significantly reducing the likelihood of human error.
Let’s talk about the results now. What has 2024 been like for the sector? What challenges and opportunities have marked the year?
2024 has been a positive year for the sector, driven primarily by European environmental regulations, which require industries to modernize and adapt their facilities. Although some sectors, such as the automotive industry, are going through difficult times, the overall balance is one of growth. The committee is optimistic: sustainability is no longer an option; it’s a responsibility, and industrial companies are increasingly committed to reducing their carbon footprint and helping to minimize their impact on global warming.
What trends do you think will define the market? Are you expecting growth, transformation, or adaptation to new challenges?
From the organizing committee and in coordination with associations such as Techsolids, we foresee continued growth in the sector over the coming years. Companies that want to remain competitive must commit to sustainability and environmental responsibility. In this context, solids collection and emissions control will cease to be an added value and become a strategic obligation for any industry committed to the future.
