Silver national GZS award for the innovation of a plastomagnet made from 100% recycled NdFeB powder

22. 09. 2026

The innovation “Plastomagnet Based on 100% Recycled NdFeB Powder”, developed by Kolektor Mobility, received a Silver Award for Innovation 2026 at the national innovation competition organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS). Prior to this achievement, the innovation won a Gold Award at the regional competition of the North Primorska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, securing its place among Slovenia’s most outstanding development projects.

The national Silver Award confirms the company’s development excellence and its contribution to the advancement of sustainable technologies for the future of mobility electrification. Dr. Ana Drmota Petrič accepted the award on behalf of Kolektor Mobility

Silver national GZS award for innovation

The award-winning solution represents a new generation of plastomagnets manufactured using 100% recycled NdFeB powder, making a significant contribution to the sustainable use of rare earth materials and reducing Europe’s dependence on imports of critical raw materials.

Thanks to an innovative in-situ surface functionalization technology, it is possible to produce highly filled magnetic composites with improved mechanical properties, excellent processability, and magnetic characteristics comparable to those of materials made from primary raw materials.

Breakthrough in sustainable magnetic materials

The innovation supports the principles of the circular economy and opens new possibilities for the use of recycled materials in electric motors, actuators, and other electromechanical systems.

The development was led by Dr. Ana Drmota Petrič and the company’s development team, while a significant part of the activities was carried out within the framework of the European development projects Harmony, REEsilience, and Permanet.

“Industrial validation is currently being carried out in cooperation with the Spanish partner COPRECI, where the materials are being tested in a demonstration synchronous motor. The national Silver GZS Award confirms both the technological excellence of the innovation and its potential for broader industrial application,” explains Dr. Drmota Petrič. She adds that the recognition is also an important confirmation that the company’s efforts in sustainable technologies and the development of solutions supporting the transition towards a more circular and resource-independent economy are on the right track.

Innovation team

Del ekipe na podelitvi. Inovatorji na projektu: dr. Ana Drmota Petrič, Karla Kosmač, Žan Erjavec, Rok Šinkovec, dr. Boris Saje, Primož Peternel, Andrej Likar

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