Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026: Winners Revealed

Mattias Philipsson and Ansgar Thees Ovelgönne announced as Plastics Recycling Ambassadors of the Year

The winners of the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026 were unveiled today at the 10th anniversary Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRSE) in Amsterdam. From high-performing recycled-content applications to next-generation recycling machinery and game-changing individuals, this year’s recipients demonstrate how Europe’s plastics recycling 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 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 Awards jury chair, said, “It’s been a privilege to see the breadth and quality of this year’s submissions first-hand. We congratulate all 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. 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 Profile by Neular OÜ. The judges highlighted its market relevance, showcasing how recycled plastics can deliver performance in high-demand construction applications.

The Household & Leisure Product of the Year award was won by the L-Boxx Contractor by Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH and LyondellBasell. Judges recognised the use of high PCR content, bringing recycled plastics into a robust, everyday product with clear customer 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 solution as a highly relevant packaging innovation in the light of upcoming legislative requirements, demonstrating 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 recognised it as a timely, high-impact demonstration of innovation as PPWR targets come into force later this year.

The Recycling Machinery Innovation of the Year category awarded VOLEX by EREMA Engineering Recycling Maschinen und Anlagen GmbH, was recognised by the judges for excellent innovation. It delivers strong degassing performance, lower VOC content and reduced fogging.

This year, two winners were named in the flagship Plastics Recycling Ambassador of the Year category. Mattias Philipsson, CEO, Svensk Plaståtervinning Site Zero, and Ansgar Thees Ovelgönne, Managing Director, THEES Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH were recognised for their outstanding work moving the European plastics recycling sector forward.

All winners received a trophy featuring a 3D-printed base made from 100% recycled ABS plastic car dashboards, 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 behind the Plastics Recycling Show Europe, the region’s leading exhibition and conference for plastics recycling.

Plastic Recycling Show Event Calendar 2026

Plastics Recycling Show Europe in Amsterdam, 5-6 May 2026

Plastics Recycling Show India in Mumbai 31 Aug - 2 Sep 2026

Plastics Recycling Show Middle East & Africa in Dubai 28-30 September 2026

Plastics Recycling Show Asia (China & South East Asia) in Shanghai, 3-5 November 2026

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