Wiesbaden March 16, 2017 - At IdentiPlast 2017, in the EPRO (European Association of Plastics Recycling & Recovery Organisations) Best Plastics Recycled Plastics Awards, Spain swept the board being declared winners in both categories, Product and Design.
The awards which are designed to showcase the new and innovative recycled plastic products and the advances made in terms of sustainability and technological progress were displayed and judged at the 2017 IdentiPlast 2017 Conference. The 320 delegates in Vienna were given the opportunity to vote from the short list of 5 Product finalists and 2 Product Designs. Choosing from the list of worthy finalists was difficult as all the products displayed were good ambassadors for recycled plastic products. The finalists included;
Design Category;
- Mi-Bin Ltd from Ireland with the multifunctional bin, Mi-Bin.
- SP-Berner, from Spain, with the Miami set of outdoor furniture.
Product Category
- Counterplas Ltd, from the United Kingdom with the Loft stilt.
- Incoplas from Belgium with the EUR range bottles.
- Papier-Mettler, from Germany with Tesco bags for life.
- Roofeco Systems, from Spain with the Spanish Roof Tiles.
- SP-Berner, from Spain with the Venus set of outdoor furniture.
The winners of each category received a plaque which had been designed and commissioned using recycled plastic. Roofeco Systems and SP Berner were both awarded with their winning plaques by Dr. Christoph SCHARFF, CEO of ARA at the IdentiPlast networking dinner.
The award recognises the progression in the applications of recycled plastics, and represents an opportunity for the industry to further demonstrate commitment to the environment and saving resources through use of recycled materials. Peter Sundt, EPRO, General Secretary said “the award is not only an inspiration for the winners, but also for all designers and the plastic value chain as well as everyone taking part in separate collection, sorting and recycling of plastic waste including the 20 EPRO members. All the finalists and the winners are great ambassadors for recycled plastic products, and are great examples of the sustainable use of recycled plastics.”
The Roofeco Systems, Rooftile, winning product demonstrates the advantages in terms of environmental benefits of using recycled plastics as opposed to the traditional methods of manufacturing rooftiles. Roofeco had used technology to overcome previous restrictions of plastics use for this type of product and proved that there were considerable environmental savings over the life-time of the tiles in contrast to other materials. Proving the use of recycled plastics in this design were ecologically sound with long term viability. On receiving their award Marianella Martinez, Director, Roofeco Systems Ltd said “I feel proud and enthusiastic of valorising plastic residues into an aesthetic, lightweight, 100% waterproof and hail resistant Spanish roof tile system. Through a process that needs 70% less energy than conventional Spanish ceramic roof tiles.”
SP-Berner of Spain were presented with the Design Award for the Miami set of outdoor furniture which is designed to be made with 30% post-consumer recycled plastic.
Stuart Foster, CEO of RECOUP and EPRO Director, said “congratulations to every one of the finalists. I hope we can encourage many others to consider the business and environmental benefits of using recycled plastics in product manufacturing, and help demonstrate that plastic is a circular resource – something that is increasingly critical to the future success of this industry.”
All finalists from across Europe have through using recycled plastics demonstrated their commitment both to environmental sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility.
The arrangements will soon be underway for the next awards which are due to take place at IdentiPlast 2018 in London.
The European Association of Plastics Recycling & Recovery Organisations (EPRO is a pan-European partnership of specialist organisations that are working to develop and deliver efficient solutions for the sustainable management of plastics resources, now and for the future.
The EPRO platform allows members to optimise national effectiveness of collection, handling and reprocessing of plastics through international co-operation. By studying successful approaches, sharing knowledge, evaluating different solutions and examining obstacles to progress. By working together EPRO members can identify common barriers and issues that can be overcome to increase efficient plastics recycling and recovery.
Each EPRO member is working to meet and exceed requirements set by EU and national packaging directives, and committed to:
- exchange and publish information and experiences
- develop improved strategies for prevention, recycling and recovery of plastics packaging waste with regard to the EU thematic strategy on waste and recycling
- support technological projects designed to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of plastics recycling and recovery throughout Europe
- evaluate new technologies and to stimulate improved quality and value of used plastics on a scientific basis.
There are 20 EPRO member organisations including 14 European countries plus South Africa and Canada
For further information, contact Anne Hitch at RECycling Of Used Plastics Limited, + 44 1733 375676, or anne.hitch@recoup.org.