• Around 4.5 tonnes of recycled plastic were incorporated into a test section of State Highway 205 in Rockwall, Texas. • The recycled plastic replaces approximately 8–10% of the bitumen used as asphalt binder — not the entire bitumen content. • The project is testing performance under real traffic, high temperatures, cracking and rutting conditions. • Researchers are also evaluating whether the technology could provide an outlet for low-value plastic waste that is difficult to recycle through conventional routes. • The road section was constructed in May 2025 and is being monitored over time to assess its long-term performance.
• Amcor has developed shrink and pallet stretch films containing 30% post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) for Tiptree. • The new solutions are certified for their recycled content. • The move comes ahead of changes to the UK Plastic Packaging Tax framework. • The project illustrates how regulatory and fiscal requirements are translating into direct demand for recycled plastics.
• Selenis and Evertis have launched the Everbio Innovation Hub in Portalegre, Portugal. • The project is backed by a €15 million investment financed by C2 Capital Partners. • The hub integrates polymer production, PET packaging, advanced recycling and renewable energy within a single industrial ecosystem. • Research will focus on recycled PET (rPET), bio-based polymers and next-generation circular packaging materials. • The initiative aims to accelerate the industrialisation of sustainable polymer technologies and support Europe's transition towards a circular plastics economy.
• LEGO Group has officially opened its first global campus dedicated exclusively to manufacturing innovation in Billund, Denmark. • The new facility brings together research, development, testing and industrialization of next-generation manufacturing technologies. • Key focus areas include mold design and manufacturing, injection molding, material processing, packaging and additive manufacturing (3D printing). • A dedicated Materials Lab will develop and validate more sustainable materials, including alternatives to fossil-based plastics.
• A new peroxide-based technology promises to improve the properties of recycled polypropylene. • The solution was presented at Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRSE) 2026. • The technology aims to enhance mechanical performance and expand the range of applications for recycled materials. • The development could help increase the use of recycled content in new products. • The industry is actively seeking solutions to reduce the performance gap between recycled and virgin polymers.
• Fraunhofer researchers have developed a technology that allows paper packaging to be joined using laser technology without adhesives. • The new solution eliminates the need for additional layers that can complicate recycling. • The resulting packaging can be more easily recycled through existing paper and cardboard recycling streams. • The technology could have a significant impact on the European packaging industry. • The development comes amid growing regulatory pressure related to recyclability and the circular economy.
• Researchers and developers in the Netherlands are testing a technology based on Solvothermal Liquefaction (STL). • The process could convert mixed plastic waste into oil with characteristics comparable to virgin petrochemical feedstocks. • The technology may reduce the industry's dependence on complex waste sorting operations. • Initial pilot projects are already being evaluated for industrial applications. • The recycling sector is closely monitoring energy consumption and commercial viability.
• Arburg continues expanding digital platforms for plastics manufacturing control and monitoring. • Demand for electric injection molding machines and integrated automation keeps growing. • The company focuses on real-time monitoring, traceability, and energy efficiency. • Solutions are developed for automotive, medical, packaging, and technical applications. • Smart factories and integrated production cells are becoming the new industry standard.
• Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026 took place during PRSE 2026 in Amsterdam • The awards highlighted innovative technologies, products and projects from the plastics recycling industry • Solutions for recyclable packaging, PCR integration and recycling automation were among the winners • The event gathered recyclers, converters, machinery producers and packaging companies from across Europe • The 2026 edition focused strongly on practical circularity and high-quality recycled materials
Fushun Ejet Magnetic Equipment Co., Ltd. has launched a new eddy current separator designed to remove fine aluminum particles from PET flakes. The solution aims to improve rPET purity and reduce processing losses in recycling operations.
BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) and Envetec Sustainable Solutions have presented a closed-loop recycling model for plastics generated in laboratories and healthcare facilities. The solution focuses on controlled collection, decontamination and recycling, aiming to reduce incineration of technically recyclable materials. The case shows that circular economy solutions can work even in sectors with strict safety and traceability requirements.
Equipment manufacturers are accelerating the development of optical sorting systems designed specifically for contaminated plastic films—one of the most challenging fractions in waste streams. The new solutions promise higher yields and more consistent recyclable output.
Researchers at Yale University have developed an electrified pyrolysis process capable of converting mixed plastic waste into aviation fuel, achieving yields of up to 70–80%, with potential applications in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
Colgate-Palmolive has introduced 100% recyclable toothpaste tubes, manufactured entirely from HDPE, aiming to simplify recycling streams and significantly reduce packaging waste. The initiative is first rolled out in Brazil, with potential global scaling.
BASF has introduced a new portfolio of polyamides manufactured exclusively from electronic waste (WEEE), in line with Europe’s growing demand for high-performance recycled engineering plastics.
Voucher for Beverage Cartons: Tetra Pak and Mega Image Launch a Unique Pilot Project in Europe
Mercedes-Benz has announced a new family of polypropylene compounds containing up to 50% recycled material, designed for use in structural and interior components of future electric vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz has announced a new family of polypropylene compounds containing up to 50% recycled material, designed for use in structural and interior components of future electric vehicles.
Coca-Cola is piloting a new packaging system that eliminates shrink-wrap film, using spot-adhesive technology and recycled cardboard handles.
The European Commission has officially launched the Digital Plastic Passport, a system designed to track and verify the origin, composition, and destination of recycled plastics across the EU. The new digital tool will become mandatory by 2027 for all recyclers and converters operating within the Union.
Covestro announces a breakthrough pilot facility converting captured CO₂ into sustainable polyols, paving the way for large-scale production of green polymers.
Toyota has introduced a polypropylene-based compound designed for electric vehicle battery housings.
Continental is advancing circular economy solutions by incorporating renewable and recycled materials in its tyres.
Toyota presented its first solid-state battery prototype, claiming a driving range of up to 1,200 km and ultra-fast charging under 15 minutes, planned for limited commercial production in 2027.
Innovation in circular economy – bioplastics made from straw and crop residues.