On October 22, Formnext 2026 (opening November 19 in Frankfurt) announced the finalists for its six award categories. Metal additive-related shortlisted entries include Spaceform's Vacuum Atomization Suspended Printing (VASP), FlexCycle Solutions' mechanically recycled copper powder from e-waste for LPBF, and additiveStream4D's retrofit for turbine component repair on existing LPBF equipment. This year's finalists cluster around two main themes: recycled powders and upgrades for existing equipment. The awards ceremony will be held on November 19 in Frankfurt; Formnext is the annual bellwether for new directions in processes and materials. The shortlist reflects a growing procurement preference in the European market for low-carbon powders and remanufacturing services; Chinese powder and equipment companies can benchmark their positioning in recycled powders and innovative processes against this list. Value for powder buyers: (1) Recycled copper powder/circular powders are entering the mainstream awards spotlight—watch how their cost and quality standards may impact pricing of virgin powder; (2) Refer to the powder specifications and certification requirements of shortlisted technologies to pre-develop procurement terms for recycled powders; (3) Powder producers with overseas expansion plans can use this list to adjust exhibition and product messaging priorities, highlighting low-carbon and ESG attributes.