GAW technologies GmbH has been recognized for its groundbreaking CreaSolv® technology, which has the potential to revolutionize plastic recycling. The Styrian Business Promotion Agency (Steirische Wirtschaftsförderung SFG) presented the award on March 31, 2025, in Graz. The prize was handed over by Regional Minister DI Willibald Ehrenhöfer who oversees Economy, Labor, Finance, Science, and Research in the Styrian Provincial Government.

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.”

About GAW technologies:

For more than 70 years, GAW (“Great Applications Worldwide”) provides a guarantee of technological competence in the international paper and cardboard industry as well as in other industrial segments. In addition to its traditional core market of paper and cardboard production, GAW also invested strongly in plastics recycling in recent years. GAW technologies and the sister companies of the GAW Group are working on numerous projects that help customers achieve their sustainable development goals and reduce their carbon footprint.

The focus is on sustainability and the savings of valuable raw materials, water and energy – specifically in the production of pigment, the preparation of coating colour and coating compounds, starch and chemicals, or the cleaning and recycling of process wastewater.

The portfolio of GAW technologies includes systems, products, services and digital applications and serves five essential markets in almost all regions of the world: paper, chemicals, automation, composites and water and wastewater treatment.

More than 150 employees at the headquarters in Graz/Austria and in worldwide branches generate an annual turnover of around 44 million euros.

GAW technologies GmbH is part of the GAW Group Pildner-Steinburg Holding, owned by the family Pildner-Steinburg. GAW technologies GmbH www.gaw.at – www.linkedin.com/company/gaw-technologies-gmbh

Contact for questions: Sigrid Tertinegg / Marketing Tel. +43 (0)316 2704 519 Email : sigrid.tertinegg@gaw.at – Sigrid Tertinegg / LinkedIn

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