According to Plastics Recyclers Europe, this year’s awards reflected ongoing efforts to expand plastics recycling and support circular material flows in Europe.
The jury reviewed entries across seven categories covering products, technologies and individual achievements.
Recycled plastics in consumer products
The Automotive, Electrical or Electronic Product of the Year award went to the Eletta Ultra coffee machine developed by De’ Longhi Appliances and Sirmax. The project demonstrated the integration of recycled plastics into a technically complex consumer product.
The Building & Construction Product of the Year award was presented to the Neular Unlimited T&G Board 32×138 co-extrusion profile from Neular. The product uses recycled plastics in construction applications designed for high material performance.
The Household & Leisure Product of the Year category was won by the L-Boxx Contractor developed by Robert Bosch Power Tools and LyondellBasell. The product incorporates a high proportion of post-consumer recycled plastics in a durable transport and storage solution.
Packaging and technology awards
The Plastic Packaging Product of the Year award went to the 50% rPET white opaque bottle for ultra-high-temperature milk developed by Parmalat. The project addressed increasing recycled-content requirements for plastic packaging.
The Product Technology Innovation of the Year award was presented to the Milsani Topi rPS dairy cup developed by Aldi Nord, Aldi South, Hofer, Fernholz and Zott. The project focused on the use of recycled polystyrene in dairy packaging ahead of new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation requirements.
The Recycling Machinery Innovation of the Year award went to the VOLEX system developed by EREMA Engineering Recycling Maschinen und Anlagen. The technology was recognised for degassing performance and reduced volatile organic compound emissions.
Ambassador awards
Two individuals received the Plastics Recycling Ambassador of the Year award in 2026.
Mattias Philipsson, chief executive officer of Svensk Plaståtervinning Site Zero, and Ansgar Thees Ovelgönne, managing director of THEES Kunststoffverarbeitung, were recognised for their contributions to the development of plastics recycling in Europe.
Recycled materials used for trophies
The award trophies included a 3D-printed base produced from recycled ABS plastic sourced from automotive dashboards. The upper section was manufactured from compressed HDPE bottle caps collected during beach clean-up activities.
The Plastics Recycling Awards Europe are organised jointly by Plastics Recyclers Europe and Crain Communications, organiser of the Plastics Recycling Show Europe.
