The „Best Recycled Plastics Product Award 2017“, presented by EPRO (European Association of Plastics Recycling and Recovery Organisation), goes to companies from Spain in both categories. The final round and the presentation of the coveted award took place at this year's IdentiPlast in Vienna.
The 320 participants at the conference were able to choose from five finalists in the field of „Products“ and two finalists in the „Design“ each chose their favourite. The finalists presented their favourites at the IdentiPlast new and innovative products made from recycled plastics and the associated advances in sustainability and technology.
The shortlist in the „Products“ category included entries from Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. Entries from Spain and Ireland were nominated in the „Design“ category. Spain won both categories this year: Roofeco Systems in the „Products“ category and SP-Berner in the „Design“ category.
The award recognises progress in the application of Recycled plastics and represents an opportunity for the industry to demonstrate its commitment to the environment and resource conservation through the use of recycled materials.
Peter Sundt, Secretary General of EPRO said: „The award is not only an inspiration for the winners, but for all designers and the plastics value chain. This includes all those who participate in the separate collection, sorting and recycling of used plastic - including the 20 EPRO members. All the finalists and winners are wonderful ambassadors for recycled plastic products and good examples of the sustainable use of recycled plastics.“
The award winners
The „Roofeco Systems“ plastic tiles were honoured in the „Products“ category. The winning entry demonstrates the environmental benefits of using recycled plastic as opposed to traditional roof tile manufacturing methods. To do this, Roofeco Systems has utilised technology that overcomes previous limitations in the use of recycled plastic in this area, demonstrating that there are significant environmental savings over the life of the product compared to traditional materials.
„I am proud that we are upgrading used plastics into an aesthetic, lightweight, 100 per cent waterproof, hail-resistant roof tile system. What's more, the manufacturing process requires 70 per cent less energy than the production of conventional ceramic roof tiles,“ says Marinella Martinez, Director of Roofeco Systems Ltd.
The award in the „Design“ category also went to Spain: the patio furniture series from SP-Berner was designed to be made from 30 per cent recycled plastic from post-consumer collections.
Preparations for the next awards are already underway The next Best Recycled Plastics Product Award will be presented at IdentiPlast 2018 in London.
