Europe’s Best in Plastics Recycling: Finalists Announced for 2025 Awards

The Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2025 finalists have been announced, highlighting the continent's most innovative contributions to sustainable plastics recycling. The winners will be revealed on 2 April at the Plastics Recycling Show Europe in Amsterdam, where all finalists will also be showcased.

Ton Emans, President of Plastics Recyclers Europe, commended the finalists, stating that each shortlisted product and project reflects effective collaboration and significant investment across the entire plastics value chain in Europe. He emphasised the necessity of continued efforts to meet ambitious legislative targets. Matt Barber, Global Events Director at Crain Communications, organiser of PRS Europe, added that the progress observed since the awards' inception is a testament to ongoing innovation in the circular use of plastics across Europe.

The finalists are categorised as follows:

Automotive, Electrical or Electronic Product of the Year

This category recognises plastic parts used in automotive and electrical products that incorporate recycled material. Finalists include:

• ABRACADABRA TRAY by Next Design Innovation

• CirculenRecover 350 PA6 HV H 8001 by LyondellBasell

• CirculenRecover PPC EKC 2545L W92607 by LyondellBasell

• Coloured PP Recycled Material Interior Trim Parts for Ford Transit and Ford Truck Vehicles by Ford Otomotiv Sanayi

• Condor Cartex ALLOA by Condor Group and Tide Ocean

• Polypropylene compound with 50% recycled plastic - RXP58AH829 by Repsol

• Seculene® Polypropylene by Ecobat Resources Germany

Building & Construction Product of the Year

This category honours interior and exterior construction products of all types. The finalists are:

• Garden Companion by IVE LABS

• NOMAD by ECOPIXEL and Roger Cos

• Pretty Plastic 'Second High' panel by Pretty Plastic

Household & Leisure Product of the Year

Covering all types of domestic and leisure goods with recycled content, the finalists include:

• aquaplus re. by C. Josef Lamy and HolyPoly

• ECODUR PRO / Repsol Reciclex® 85RX55050 by Durplastics and Repsol

• NUKE STOOL kit 279/A with ECO MEPLEN C by MEPOL and BRADO

• PeacePoti by PeacePoti and bage plastics

• Soother Monster Sand Moulds by Mapa and HolyPoly

Plastic Packaging Product of the Year

Judged on design innovation with recycled content and design for recycling, the finalists are:

• Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate tablet packaging by Mondelez International

• Coca-Cola Crate made from recycled tulip nets by Schoeller Allibert, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Netherlands, and Healix

• EpiOtic by Virbac

• Exclusive Stick Refill by Berry Global

• Kaufland K-Classic WC-Reiniger by PreZero, Kaufland, and McBride

• kp 100% Tray2Tray® PET 100% CIRCULAR by Klöckner Pentaplast

• L’Oréal Paris Men Expert Hydra Energetic Extreme Sport by L'Oréal

• My Multipack Revoloop by RKW SE including Dow Europe

• Rani Hygiene Bag - 100% PCR by Ab Rani Plast Oy

• Repsol Lubricants Containers and Repsol Reciclex® by REPSOL

Product Technology Innovation of the Year

This category focuses on improving the recyclability of plastic products or incorporating recycled materials in product production. The finalists are:

• Label solutions for HDPE by Avery Dennison

• CleanStream® by Berry Global

• ELVALOY™ AC Acrylate Copolymers for ABS by DOW IBERICA

• EVERCYCLE PET-103D by SI Group

• mrPS in food contact packaging by PreZero, Lidl, INEOS Styrolution, and Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller

• Omni® Xtra+ PE Cling Film by Berry Global

• PLASTVANCE™ T by Synthomer PLC

• Repsol Reciclex® 80RX1830F by REPSOL

Recycling Machinery Innovation of the Year

This category recognises innovations that increase the efficiency and effectiveness of plastic recycling processes. The finalists are:

• AMP ONE™ by AMP

• BlueAlp 70kta PDP by BlueAlp

• Continuous Vacuum Drying Technology by PET Solutions

• GAINnext by TOMRA Recycling

• Hyperion by 3U Vision

• Multipurpose Washing Line by Plasmaq

• Optimisation of Overall Process Efficiency by EREMA and Lindner Washtech

• P:REACT - Liquid State Polycondensation – FtP by Next Generation Recyclingmaschinen

• PCUplus by Starlinger recycling technology

• Shredder PRO by Weima and Stichting Precious Plastic Foundation

Plastics Recycling Ambassador of the Year

This category honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of plastics recycling in Europe, whether through advocacy, innovation, leadership, or educational initiatives. The shortlisted ambassadors for 2025 have demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting circular economy principles and fostering sustainable practices within the industry. Their efforts have inspired organisations and communities to adopt more responsible approaches to plastic use and waste management.

The Plastics Recycling Awards Europe, established to recognise and celebrate achievements in the recycling sector, have grown in prestige over the years. They not only highlight technical innovations but also promote collaboration among manufacturers, recyclers, designers, and policymakers. The awards play a pivotal role in encouraging continuous improvement in recycling technologies and practices, driving the industry towards meeting the European Union’s ambitious environmental targets.

A notable trend among the 2025 finalists is the focus on closing the loop within the value chain. Many products incorporate high percentages of post-consumer recycled materials without compromising quality, performance, or aesthetics. This shift reflects the growing demand from both consumers and regulatory bodies for sustainable products. Companies are increasingly investing in advanced recycling technologies, such as chemical recycling and enhanced mechanical processes, to meet these expectations.

Another key observation is the emphasis on design for recyclability. Several packaging entries, for instance, feature mono-material constructions, making them easier to recycle compared to traditional multi-layered materials. Innovations like easy-to-remove labels, solvent-free adhesives, and fully recyclable caps and closures showcase how thoughtful design can significantly improve recycling rates.

The automotive sector has also demonstrated impressive progress, with manufacturers integrating recycled plastics into interior and exterior vehicle components. This not only reduces the environmental footprint of new vehicles but also sets a precedent for the broader transportation industry. The finalists in this category highlight how recycled materials can meet stringent safety, durability, and aesthetic standards required by automotive brands.

In the machinery innovation category, advancements focus on enhancing efficiency and reducing energy consumption during the recycling process. New shredding, sorting, and washing technologies have been developed to handle diverse plastic waste streams more effectively. Automation and AI-powered systems, such as advanced sorting robots, are also becoming more prevalent, improving the accuracy and speed of material recovery.

The growing number of collaborations between companies from different sectors is another standout feature of the 2025 awards. Joint ventures between packaging manufacturers, chemical companies, and retailers highlight the importance of shared responsibility in achieving sustainability goals. These partnerships are crucial for scaling up innovative solutions and ensuring that recycled materials are reintegrated into production cycles across various industries.

Public awareness and education have also played a significant role in driving change. The Plastics Recycling Ambassador of the Year category recognises individuals who have gone beyond their professional roles to champion recycling causes. Their efforts include educational campaigns, policy advocacy, and community engagement projects that promote responsible plastic consumption and disposal habits.

As the countdown to the awards ceremony continues, anticipation is building within the industry. The event, set to take place at the RAI Amsterdam, will not only celebrate the winners but also serve as a platform for networking and knowledge exchange. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the finalists’ products and technologies in detail, gaining insights into the latest trends and developments shaping the future of plastics recycling in Europe.

The Plastics Recycling Show Europe itself is a testament to the growing importance of sustainability in the plastics sector. The exhibition and conference bring together key stakeholders from across the value chain, including recyclers, material suppliers, brand owners, and policymakers. Discussions will cover critical topics such as regulatory updates, market trends, and technological innovations, providing a comprehensive overview of the industry’s progress and challenges.

In conclusion, the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2025 finalists exemplify the creativity, dedication, and collaboration needed to advance the circular economy. Their contributions are paving the way for a more sustainable future, where plastics are valued as a resource rather than waste. The upcoming awards ceremony promises to be a celebration of these achievements and an inspiration for continued efforts in recycling and sustainability across the continent.