The EU project RecAL (Recycling technologies for circular ALuminium), coordinated by the LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, has been nominated for the ÖGUT-Umweltpreis 2025. From a total of 252 submissions, the jury selected 27 projects that contribute to climate protection and the circular economy with innovative approaches. RecAL is nominated in the category ‘Research & Innovation for the Circular Economy’.
Circular economy for Europe's aluminium industry
The Horizon Europe project brings together 19 partners from nine European countries with the aim of developing new technologies for efficient and environmentally friendly aluminium recycling. At its heart is the RecAL Hub, a digital platform that connects players along the entire value chain and enables the exchange of data, materials and technologies.
Aluminium recycling requires only around five per cent of the energy compared to primary production – but poses technical challenges due to complex alloy compositions. RecAL addresses these with new, recycling-tolerant alloys, improved sorting methods and digitised processes to produce high-quality recyclates and close material cycles.
European cooperation for sustainable industry
RecAL is funded under Horizon Europe. In addition to the LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen, leading European industry and research partners are also participating.
The winners of the ÖGUT-Umweltpreis 2025 will be announced on 18 November in Vienna. The nomination recognises the work of LKR and its partners in promoting a sustainable, circular aluminium economy across Europe.