Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026: Winners Revealed in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam, February 12, 2026 – Finalists have been announced for the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026, recognizing innovation and progress within the European plastics recycling industry.
- The announcement comes at a critical juncture for the sector, as it faces what organizers describe as a “deep crisis.” Despite these challenges, the finalists demonstrate the potential...
- Matt Barber, Global Events Director at Crain Communications, the organizer of PRS Europe, emphasized the high standard of entries received this year.
Amsterdam, – Finalists have been announced for the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026, recognizing innovation and progress within the European plastics recycling industry. The winners will be revealed on at the Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRS Europe) in Amsterdam, where all shortlisted projects will be showcased.
The announcement comes at a critical juncture for the sector, as it faces what organizers describe as a “deep crisis.” Despite these challenges, the finalists demonstrate the potential of collaboration, investment, and dedication to advance plastics circularity, according to Ton Emans, President of Plastics Recyclers Europe. “This year’s finalists embody the ingenuity and innovation driving the plastics recycling value chain, all the more remarkably given the deep crisis we are facing,” Emans said in a statement. “They demonstrate how collaboration, dedication and long-term investment can advance plastics circularity and show that with the right support the plastics recycling sector can position Europe for a more competitive and resilient future.”
Matt Barber, Global Events Director at Crain Communications, the organizer of PRS Europe, emphasized the high standard of entries received this year. “Reaching finalist status at the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe is a significant achievement in itself. The standard of entries was exceptionally high, and those shortlisted represent the very best in recycling technology, product design and business leadership in Europe,” Barber stated. “We look forward to celebrating their achievements and revealing the winners at the 10th anniversary edition of PRS Europe in Amsterdam.”
Automotive, Electrical and Electronic Innovations Lead the Field
A significant number of finalists are focused on incorporating recycled plastics into automotive, electrical, and electronic products. Borealis GmbH has secured multiple nominations, with its ME7153SY, Borcycle GE2331SY, and Borcycle™ MD2550SY-9502 all shortlisted in the Automotive, Electrical or Electronic Product of the Year category. These materials represent advancements in the use of recycled content in demanding applications.
Skytech SLP S.A.’s Aesthetic Skylonitrile ABS is also competing for the same award, highlighting the growing use of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) – a common thermoplastic – incorporating recycled materials. De’ Longhi Appliances S.r.l., in partnership with Sirmax S.p.A., is also a finalist in this category for its De’ Longhi Coffee Machine, demonstrating the integration of recycled plastics into consumer appliances.
Beyond Automotive: Diverse Applications of Recycled Plastics
The awards also recognize innovation across a broader range of applications. Finalists include Plastic Studio with their ‘Alma’ project and SIIM AND CO., S.L. T/A Scent with ‘CARPERFUME’. Details regarding these projects were limited in the available information, but their inclusion underscores the expanding scope of recycled plastic applications beyond traditional sectors.
Significance for European Circular Economy Goals
The Plastics Recycling Awards Europe are particularly significant in the context of the European Union’s ambitious circular economy goals. The EU’s strategy for plastics, outlined in its European Green Deal, aims to reduce plastic waste, increase recycling rates, and promote the use of recycled content in new products. These awards highlight companies actively contributing to these objectives.
The European plastics industry has faced increasing pressure to address concerns about plastic pollution and its environmental impact. The awards serve as a platform to showcase solutions and encourage further investment in recycling technologies and infrastructure. The focus on automotive and electronics is particularly noteworthy, as these sectors often rely on complex plastic components that are difficult to recycle.
PRS Europe: A Key Industry Event
The Plastics Recycling Show Europe, where the awards will be presented, is a major event for the plastics recycling industry. It brings together recyclers, manufacturers, brand owners, and policymakers to discuss the latest trends and challenges in plastics recycling. The 10th anniversary edition of the show in Amsterdam is expected to draw significant attention, particularly given the current focus on sustainability and circular economy principles.
The announcement of the finalists comes shortly after the announcement of the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2025 winners, which took place at the PRS Europe event in Amsterdam. The 2025 awards recognized innovations such as Colored PP Recycled Material Interior Trim Parts for Ford vehicles by Ford Otomotiv Sanayi A.S., and Pretty Plastic’s ‘Second High’ panel wall cladding, demonstrating the progress already made in utilizing recycled plastics in various applications. Judges noted the increasing quality of submissions and the significant advancements in recycling technology over the past eight years.
The awards are intended to not only recognize achievement but also to inspire further innovation and collaboration within the European plastics recycling sector. As the industry navigates ongoing challenges, the focus on circularity and sustainable practices will be crucial for its long-term viability and contribution to a more sustainable future.