Specialty coatings provider Stahl has joined CEFLEX, a European initiative aimed at making flexible packaging fully circular. This move aligns with Stahl’s broader strategy to enhance sustainability and innovation across its operations.
CEFLEX is a collaborative effort bringing together companies, associations and organizations to drive system change in the flexible packaging industry. The initiative aims to ensure all consumer flexible packaging is effectively designed, collected, recycled and reused to replace virgin materials.
Stahl’s decision to join CEFLEX underscores its commitment to leading the transition to a circular economy. The company is particularly focused on how its specialty coatings can support the recyclability and environmental performance of flexible packaging.
“Joining CEFLEX is an important milestone for Stahl. While we have recently strengthened our presence in the packaging industry with the acquisition of Weilburger Graphics, we are determined to lead with innovation and contribute to shaping the future of this dynamic sector. As a pure-play specialty coatings formulator, we see it as our responsibility to support the transition to a circular economy, which requires collaboration on design and materials versus recycling capabilities,” said Angela Smits, sustainability manager, packaging coatings, at Stahl.
Stahl’s membership in CEFLEX will provide access to resources and insights to support its sustainability efforts. The company is particularly interested in leveraging CEFLEX’s expertise to help achieve the goals of the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
“CEFLEX provides an invaluable source of analysis, insight and action to help realize the circular economy and achieve the regulation’s goals. We are excited to bring our expertise to the table, helping to create flexible packaging solutions that are truly sustainable,” Smits added.
Stahl’s packaging coatings business is well-positioned to support the company’s sustainability goals. It offers a range of water-based and low-impact coating technologies designed to enhance recyclability and improve the environmental performance of flexible packaging.
In addition to its focus on sustainability, Stahl is committed to driving innovation in the packaging coatings industry. The company is actively investing in new technologies and developing solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
“We co-create and invest in new technologies through open innovation, fostering collaboration across industries and disciplines to support circular solutions,” said Willem Jan Soer, open innovation manager, at Stahl.