The QT-AIT.Circularity provides a fast and cost-efficient method to simulate the impact of multiple mechanical recycling loops on PET recyclate quality. The test supports early-stage evaluation of packaging concepts and complements EPBP's existing tools for assessing PET bottle circularity.

Haelixa's DNA marker is applied directly to post-industrial and post-consumer waste, before shredding, staying intact through New Focus Textiles' mechanical recycling process. The non-toxic DNA marker, which is derived from Swiss mountain herbs, is a permanent tag, and cannot be removed or copied, remaining embedded throughout spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing.

Coordinated by Aalborg University (Denmark), the project brings together 19 partners from 12 countries to develop novel circular value chains that convert non-recyclable plastic waste into highly recyclable and non-persistent packaging materials.

"Many of this year's shortlisted entries showcase innovations in plastics recycling that, just eight years ago, would have been considered unattainable," said Ton Emans, Plastics Recyclers Europe's President. "This demonstrates just how far the industry has progressed since the inception of these awards and underscores the critical value that plastic recycling plays for the future of European industry."

With more than three decades of experience in the design, construction and operation of e-waste recycling plants, weeeSwiss Technology focuses on process engineering, system integration and plant optimisation across the entire WEEE value chain. The company observes that regulatory developments, changing material compositions and increasing safety requirements are redefining plant design and operation.

Europe is in the midst of a profound transformation, which is characterized by the le-gally enshrined path to climate neutrality. The current report "Trends and Projections in Europe 2025" by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows significant pro-gress, but also critical gaps that require a rapid change of course.

The ecological triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution is developing into a global systemic crisis. The OECD report "Environmental Outlook on the Triple Planetary Crisis" shows that these developments are closely intertwined and reinforced by common drivers such as grow-ing resource consumption, land use change and fossil energy systems. Under current policies, all three problem areas continue to exacerbate, while policy responses often remain isolated.