Automotive, Electrical or Electronic Product of the Year 2020

RE Plano developed an innovative concept for sorting and compounding of ABS made exclusively from post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR). This enriched compound has such a high ABS content that it can be used to produce a monofilament – the printing material needed for 3D printers – and fully substitute virgin ABS material. Available on an open spool, the ABS printing filament (very low diameter deviation) can be used in all conventional 3D printers. The high quality of the material allows for its use in closed-loop applications.

Mandalaki Studio, in collaboration with Estrima, presents the first electric concept car made with 80% recycled plastics.

An innovative electric mobility project that combines functionality and sustainability in a unique product.

Recycled plastic regains new life through a machine that does not pollute and preserves the quality of the air. It is easy to park and fun to drive.

A synergistic combination that brings a double benefit: less plastic on the planet and more clean air in our cities.

Starting from this target, Mandalaki studio has developed, together with the company Estrima, the new Birò O2 model, the first electric car with a higher percentage of recycled plastic than any other vehicle on the market.

To give shape to this concept of purity and sustainability, the studio has developed a livery that recalls the air flow: a bubble of pure oxygen that moves silently in our cities. The inspiration comes from the motion of winds and ocean streams that represent the vital flow of our planet; from this idea Mandalaki has designed a unique livery, created through computerized generative art techniques and a particular use of color. An important step towards 100% sustainable mobility.

The Recycle Fan Shroud application by Ford Otosan, contains 50% recycled PP, sourced from office equipment, and is the first recycled fan shroud application in Turkish automotive industry. Commonly the fan shrouds are made from a compound consisting of 70% virgin PP and 30% glass fibres. In its recycled fan shroud however Ford uses 50% recycled PP, 20% vrigin PP and 30% glass fibres. With the substitution of virgin materials, 2,2kg of CO2 are saved for each part and the parts will be used for more than 6000 vehicles each year.

Fan shroud is used in engine cooling systems as fan cover, helping to achieve optimum air flow across the heat exchangers. Rig and vehicle durability tests were carried out for the recycled product, showing the same performance as virgin materials. Ford Otosan collaborated with Ravago, who compounded the materilas, and Kaplam Plastik, who supplied the parts, for the development of this project. Localisation of compound supplier for materials which were previously imported lead to additional CO2 footprint reductions in the life cycle assessment of the product.

In the light of this study, Re3(Recycle, Reuse, Reduce) project was triggered for enhancing the sustainable product development by increasing the use of recycled materials. Furthermore this project comprehends reducing single use plastics and increasing reuse of disposable products in the company.

Philips aims to lead in large-scale implementation of post-consumer recycled plastics content in the consumer electronics industry. The introduction of the new SENSEO® Viva Café Eco represents a breakthrough for Philips and its product design teams. The SENSEO® Eco coffee maker effortlessly combines the growing need within the industry to focus on sustainable, long-term solutions, with the continued serving of the quality coffee experience that SENSEO® consumers expect and love.

Until now, most recycled plastics could be found in internal parts of appliances. The SENSEO® Viva Café Eco raises the bar with all visual plastic parts now made from recycled content, which is 75% of all the non-food contact parts weight. Next to this, the Philips design teams has developed a speckle effect with special printing techniques that enhances the appeal of the coffee maker without affecting the product’s end of use recyclability. This gives the appliance a sense of natural imperfection and environmental awareness that resonates with the consumer.

The product has been developed within the European research project PolyCE* and the recycled materials are co-developed with our suppliers MGG Polymers and Sitraplas. The quality of the circular recycled plastics is as good as virgin plastics and, as the material will become available as a standard recycled plastics grade, it allows us to expand its use in other Philips product categories.

At SENSEO® we believe that consumers shouldn’t have to choose between good tasting coffee and taking care of the environment. We are therefore committed to continue our journey in innovating for sustainability.