DÜSSELDORF, Germany — As a leading supplier of adhesives and coatings for packaging applications, Henkel is working closely with its partners to support a circular economy by rethinking packaging solutions in a sustainable yet functional approach. Following last year’s launch of the RE range, which is designed for recycling, the company has since expanded the line-up to include both hot- and cold-sealable coatings for paper. Those products are certified as paper-recycling compatible and allow a whole new range of packaging designs.
Sustainability is one of the most important factors when it comes to packaging of goods across the board. The first step when designing packaging in a recycling-friendly way that is also compatible with a circular economy starts by ensuring adhesives and coatings can accommodate alternative materials like paper for various food and nonfood applications. “The main purpose of packaging is protection – and this is still what underpins our strategy. The scope also includes developing adhesives and coatings that help improve recyclability and allow new packaging designs,” said Alexander Bockisch, Head of Global Market Strategy for Flexible Packaging at Henkel. “Our two latest developments are certified recyclable and can replace plastic packaging. Both sealable coatings enable full recyclability of paper packaging in food and nonfood applications.”