Extrusion International 4-2026

45 Extrusion International 4/2026 Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026 – Winners Revealed T he winners of the Plastics Re- cycling Awards Europe 2026 were unveiled at the 10th anniver- sary Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRSE) in Amsterdam. From high- performing recycled-content appli- cations to next-generation recycling machinery and game-changing in- dividuals, this year’s recipients dem- onstrate how Europe’s plastics recy- cling value chain keeps advancing circularity in the region. “This year’s winners highlight how innovation is essential in the plastics recycling industry,” said Ton Emans, President of Plastics Recyclers Europe. “Particularly at this critical moment for the Euro- pean plastics recycling value chain, the progress we see reects how far the industry has come since these awards were launched and underscores the vital role plastics recycling plays in building a resil- ient and competitive European economy.” Beatriz Santos, Editor of Sus- tainable Plastics and Awards jury chair, said, “It’s been a privilege to see the breadth and quality of this year’s submissions rst-hand. We congratulate all this year’s - nalists, 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. took top honours. Judges praised the entry as a standout, real-world example of using recyclates in a demanding, complex product, proving recyclate integration can succeed at scale in the market. The „Building & Construction Product of the Year“ award went to Neular Unlimited T&G Board 32×138 Co-extrusion Pro le by Neular OÜ. The judges highlighted its market relevance, showcasing how recycled plastics can deliver performance in high-demand con- struction applications. The „Household & Leisure Prod- uct of the Year“ award was won by the L-Boxx Contractor by Rob- ert Bosch Power Tools GmbH and LyondellBasell. Judges recognised the use of high PCR content, bring- ing recycled plastics into a robust, everyday product with clear cus- tomer 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 judges highlighted the solu- tion as a highly relevant packaging innovation in the light of upcom- ing legislative requirements, dem- onstrating how higher recycled content can be delivered in a real, mainstream application. Winning „Product Technology Innovation of the Year“ was the Milsani Topi rPS Dairy Cup by ALDI Nord, ALDI SOUTH & HOFER with Fernholz and ZOTT. Judges recog- nised it as a timely, high-impact demonstration of innovation as PPWR targets come into force later this year. The „Recycling Machinery In- novation of the Year“ category awarded VOLEX by EREMA Engi- neering Recycling Maschinen und Anlagen GmbH, was recognised by the judges for excellent innovation. It delivers strong degassing perfor- mance, lower VOC content and re- duced fogging. This year, two winners were named in the agship „Plastics Re - cycling Ambassador of the Year„ category. Mattias Philipsson, CEO, Svensk Plaståtervinning Site Zero, and Ansgar Thees Ovelgönne, Managing Director, THEES Kunst- stoffverarbeitung GmbH were rec- ognised for their outstanding work moving the European plastics recy- cling sector forward. All winners received a trophy fea- turing a 3D-printed base made from 100% recycled ABS plastic car dash- boards, and a multi-colour top that is laser-cut from compressed HDPE beach clean-up bottle caps. The Plastics Recycling Awards Europe are organised jointly by Plastics Recyclers Europe and Crain Communications, the team be- hind the Plastics Recycling Show Europe, the region’s leading exhi- bition and conference for plastics recycling. www.prseventeurope.com