We are thrilled to announce that the RecAL project has been awarded the ÖGUT Environmental Prize 2025 (ÖGUT-Umweltpreis) in the category of “Research & Innovation for the Circular Economy.”
This recognition marks a significant milestone for our consortium and highlights the vital role of sustainable aluminium recycling in Europe’s transition to a circular economy.
© AIT
What is the ÖGUT Environmental Prize?
The ÖGUT Environmental Prize is one of Austria’s most prestigious sustainability awards. Presented annually since 1988 by the Austrian Society for Environment and Technology (ÖGUT), it honours outstanding projects, organisations, and individuals that use innovation and commitment to pave the way for a climate-neutral and sustainable future.
Being selected from a competitive pool of over 250 submissions is a testament to the potential impact of RecAL’s work.
Why RecAL?
The jury recognised RecAL for its groundbreaking approach to transforming the aluminium industry. By shifting the focus from primary production to secondary materials, we are proving that high-tech industrial processes and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Key innovations cited in the award include:
- Recycling-Tolerant Alloys: Developing new alloy compositions that can absorb higher levels of recycled content without sacrificing quality.
- The RecAL Dataspace: Creating a digital platform to connect suppliers, buyers, and recyclers across Europe, ensuring valuable resources stay in the loop.
- European Collaboration: Bringing together 19 partners from 9 countries to create a resilient, continent-wide ecosystem for aluminium.
This award belongs to the entire RecAL team and our partners across Europe. It strengthens our resolve to continue developing solutions that not only enhance competitiveness but also significantly minimise the environmental footprint of the metal industry.
To learn more about the 2025 award winners, visit the
Tristan Bath (RTDS Group)
