During the 10th edition of the Plastics Recycling Show Europe in Amsterdam, the winners of the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026 were announced. The awards cover recycled-content applications, technological innovations and recycling machinery, as well as individual distinctions. This year's winners illustrate the development paths of the European plastics recycling value chain and the growing importance of solutions supporting the circular economy.
Ton Emans, President of Plastics Recyclers Europe, said that "this year's winners show how essential innovation is in the plastics recycling industry". He also added that "particularly at this critical moment for the European plastics recycling value chain, the progress we see reflects how far the industry has come since these awards were launched and underscores the vital role plastics recycling plays in building a resilient and competitive European economy". Beatriz Santos, Editor of Sustainable Plastics and chair of the jury, said: "It has been a privilege to see first-hand the breadth and quality of this year's submissions. We congratulate all of this year's finalists, the selection process across all seven categories has been truly challenging".
In the Automotive, Electrical or Electronic Product of the Year category, the Eletta Ultra Coffee Machine by De' Longhi Appliances S.r.l. and Sirmax S.p.A. won. The judges indicated that it is a standout, practical example of using recyclates in a demanding and complex product, confirming that secondary raw materials can be successfully integrated at market scale.
The Building and Construction Product of the Year award went to the Neular Unlimited T&G Board 32×138 co-extrusion profile by Neular OÜ. The jury pointed to the market relevance of this solution, stressing that recycled plastics can provide suitable performance in demanding construction applications.
In the Household and Leisure Product of the Year category, L-Boxx Contractor by Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH and LyondellBasell won. The judges recognised the high PCR content, which enabled recyclates to be used in a durable everyday product with clear user value.
The Plastic Packaging Product of the Year trophy went to the 50% rPET white opaque bottle for UHT milk by Parmalat S.p.A. The jury considered the solution a significant packaging innovation in the context of upcoming legislative requirements, indicating that a higher share of recycled material can be implemented in real, mainstream applications.
The Product Technology Innovation of the Year award went to the Milsani Topi rPS Dairy Cup developed by ALDI Nord, ALDI South and Hofer together with Fernholz and Zott. The judges assessed the project as a timely and high-impact example of innovation as the PPWR targets come into force later this year.
In the Recycling Machinery Innovation of the Year category, the award went to Volex by Erema Engineering Recycling Maschinen und Anlagen GmbH. According to the jury, the technology stands out for its high level of innovation, delivering effective degassing, lower volatile organic compound content and reduced fogging.
In the flagship Plastics Recycling Ambassador of the Year category, two distinctions were awarded. They went to Mattias Philipsson, CEO of Svensk Plaståtervinning Site Zero, and Ansgar Thees Ovelgönne, Managing Director of Thees Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH, for their outstanding contribution to advancing the European plastics recycling sector.
Awards presented during PRSE
All winners received a trophy with a base 3D printed entirely from recycled ABS sourced from car dashboards. The upper multicolour part was laser-cut from compressed HDPE bottle caps collected during beach clean-up actions.
The Plastics Recycling Awards Europe are jointly organised by Plastics Recyclers Europe and Crain Communications, the team behind the Plastics Recycling Show Europe, described as the region's leading exhibition and conference dedicated to plastics recycling.
The winners of the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026 were announced today at the Plastics Recycling Show in Amsterdam
