GAW awarded Innovation Prize Styria in Sustainability category

Breakthrough with CreaSolv^®

GAW’s CreaSolv^® process represents a major advancement in recycling. It allows for the recovery of high-quality recyclates (recycled material) from plastic waste that was previously difficult or impossible to recycle. This includes multilayer packaging commonly used for example in the food industry. These packaging materials are made of different layers that are hard to separate and typically end up being incinerated or landfilled.

CreaSolv^® employs a gentle solvent-based process that dissolves complex plastic mixtures into their individual components. This method achieves exceptionally high recovery quality, producing recyclates that can compete with virgin materials. This innovation marks a significant step toward a genuine circular economy.

The technology is already being implemented internationally. For example, Unilever operates an industrial pilot plant in Indonesia to produce secondary raw materials for consumer goods packaging.

CreaSolv^® sets new ecological standards. Compared to energy recovery or other chemical recycling methods, it reduces CO₂ emissions by up to two-thirds. This makes a tangible contribution to global climate goals while increasing recycling rates for problematic plastic waste streams.

This award is not GAW’s first recognition. In 2023, the company was named one of the top five finalists for the international innovation prize by the “Alliance to End Plastic Waste” in New York. The current accolade underscores GAW's consistent innovation and leadership in sustainability.

Alexander Rinderhofer and Nina Pildner-Steinburg commented: “This award is a special recognition of our company’s innovative strength. It confirms that we are on the right track with our decision to invest in plastic recycling years ago. With CreaSolv®, we have developed a solution that truly meets the challenges of our time.”