News archive

Aimplas is coordinating IRION, a European research and innovation project focused on establishing a circular green hydrogen value chain. The initiative addresses the increasing dependence on critical raw materials associated with the expansion of hydrogen technologies in Europe by developing strategies for recovery, reuse and reintegration of key materials.

The European Commission’s December 2025 Environment Omnibus package is not a complete solution for the recycling industry, but it is an important signal of direction. For companies active in end-of-life tire (ELT) recycling, plastic recycling, pyrolysis, recovered carbon black (rCB), and pyrolysis oil upgrading, the package is best understood as a first-step competitiveness reform: it promises faster procedures, lower administrative burden, and a clearer policy bridge toward the Circular Economy Act expected in 2026.
From an industry perspective, that is good news. But it is not enough.

With the new Sennebogen 835 G Hybrid, Ashvin Metals in Poulton-Le-Fylde, UK, has optimized its handling processes for non-ferrous metals. Thanks to increased reach, higher lifting capacity, and reduced fuel consumption, the new material handler delivers improved productivity in a compact work area – winning over both operators and management.

The European Commission has issued PPWR guidance to support the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The document aims to ensure consistent application of the regulation across Member States and to facilitate compliance for economic operators.

Efficient and safe processes are essential in biomass utilization. With the involvement of GAP and the Italian distribution partner Cesaro Mac Import, the new Sennebogen 360 G tele-handler has been developed from a prototype to full series production.
GAP is part of the Piantoni Group, operates a fleet of over 780 machines, and specializes in logistics and handling processes across various industries.

Malta has introduced a central voucher validation platform within its deposit return scheme (DRS) to improve the security and traceability of voucher redemption processes. The system, developed by Sensoneo, is operated nationwide by BCRS Malta. It enables real-time validation of deposit vouchers, supports fraud prevention and establishes a cen-tralised framework for financial settlement across reverse vending machine (RVM) net-works and retail systems.

In 2024, the amount of municipal waste generated per person in the EU corresponded to 517 kg, 6 kg more than in 2023 (511 kg). Compared with 2014, the amount increased by 38 kg (+8%).

A study by the RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research, commissioned by the Federal Association of German Steel Recycling and Waste Management Companies, examines the macroeconomic relevance of steel recycling Germany.

Glass recycling in HORECA plays a significant role in the European circular economy. The initiative Close the Glass Loop is working with the hospitality sector to improve the collection and recycling of glass packaging. A central focus lies on separating glass from other materials at the point of disposal and preventing contamination, particularly from ceramics.

The EU-funded BioSupPack project has demonstrated that brewery waste can be converted into biobased plastics for packaging applications. Over a five-year period, the consortium developed and validated polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) materials and production processes as alternatives to fossil-based plastics. The results support compliance with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

At IFAT 2026, taking place from May 4 to 7 in Munich, Sesotec GmbH will present technologies for material sorting in recycling under the guiding theme “Economy meets Ecology”. The company will be exhibiting in Hall B5, Booth 415. The focus is on AI-based sorting technologies and sensor-supported systems for processing complex material streams in plastics and glass recycling.

Tomra Recycling will present new AI sorting solutions at the IFAT 2026 in Munich from 4 to 8 May. At stand 339 in Hall B6, the company will mark 30 years of its AUTOSORT™ system and outline developments in sensor-based and AI-supported sorting technologies.