The winners of the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026 were unveiled 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鈥檚 recipients demonstrate how Europe鈥檚 plastics recycling value chain keeps advancing circularity in the region.
鈥淭his year鈥檚 winners highlight how innovation is essential in the plastics recycling industry,鈥� said Ton Emans, President of Plastics Recyclers Europe. 鈥淧articularly 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.鈥�
Beatriz Santos, Editor of Sustainable Plastics and Awards jury chair, said, 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a privilege to see the breadth and quality of this year鈥檚 submissions first-hand. We congratulate all this year鈥檚 finalists, the selection process across all seven categories has been truly challenging.鈥�
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 honors. 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脳138 Co-extrusion Profile by Neular O脺. 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 recognized 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 recognized 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 Yearcategory. Mattias Philipsson, CEO, Svensk Plast氓tervinning Site Zero, and Ansgar Thees Ovelg枚nne, Managing Director, THEES Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH were recognized 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.