DÜSSELDORF, Germany — As a leader in adhesive technologies, Henkel is committed to actively supporting a circular economy by making it possible to return high-quality materials into the loop after use – turning waste back into valuable resources. The adhesives used in packages typically only make up no more than 5% of the total weight – yet, their properties can actually make the difference when it comes to the overall recyclability of the material. With its new RE range that is “designed for recycling,” Henkel is introducing a range of adhesives and coatings that both improve the recyclability of flexible packaging and make it possible to use recycled content in new packaging.

Together with its partners ExxonMobil, Borealis and Saperatec, Henkel’s experts presented their new solutions for packaging applications at the K trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, in October.

Multi-layer packaging is designed to meet the highest standards for product shelf life and protection of the products’ quality. Finding a way to recycle these packaging materials is crucial to preserve valuable resources. At the same time, this is currently one of the main challenges for existing recycling processes. Due to the use of different materials with dedicated functionalities, today’s flexible packaging is in many cases complex. With its new RE range, Henkel is introducing adhesive products that enable packaging to go beyond current functionalities – to create flexible packaging that has recyclability “built in.”

“There is a growing demand for packaging that supports recyclability and the use of recycled materials. Our approach ensures valuable resources are kept in the loop for longer and less waste is being generated,” said Marcin Lapaj, Global Business Development Manager for Circular Economy at Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “By combining efforts along the value chain, we are one step closer in enabling the desired circularity of flexible packaging for a more sustainable future.”

Turning Waste Into Value:

As an integral player in the packaging value chain, Henkel is dedicated to driving innovations for more sustainability in production and packaging. Additionally, Henkel is a brand owner itself, with first-hand experience with regard to the industry’s needs.

“With this double role, we are able to leverage our vast experience and knowhow. We can actively shape the future of a circular economy by evolving the recycling processes together with various partners across the value chain. We are able to test new adhesive solutions directly with our own consumer products to show what they are capable of,” said Lapaj. “Therefore, Henkel RE adhesives and coatings are designed particularly with recycling in mind, as they are able to effectively bond multiple compatible layers and have excellent mechanical recycling properties.”

This material compatibility is central to achieve the optimal result in different recycling processes. The new Henkel RE adhesive range can even be used in a closed-loop recycling process for flexible packaging.

The solvent-free adhesives and coatings of the RE range are highly suitable for recycling and bonding of recycled plastic films. At the same time, they give excellent results at efficient machine speed, optimal ink compatibility for high-quality printing, high initial tack and room temperature curing. This range of adhesives also improves the quality of recycling of materials in every step of the value chain.

Value Chain Partnerships for Sustainable Packaging Solutions

The RE adhesives are already in use in different industry pilot projects, showing positive results that underscore their applicability. In partnership with well-known companies and startups, Henkel is excited to present clear examples for more sustainable packaging and recycling.

Partnering with raw-material supplier ExxonMobil, Henkel has developed a full PE laminated stand-up pouches (SUP) that can be recycled and reused to create new SUPs. The new SUP packages contain up to 30% recycled SUP content themselves, including recycled adhesive, and offer performance that is on par with existing packaging. This solution particularly addresses the issues of the recyclability of conventional mono-material laminates, especially when it comes to maintaining the quality of the product partly made out of post-industrial recyclate.

Another promising project is presented together with Borealis. The project features a mono-material pouch with high recycling compatibility and up to 35% post-consumer recyclate content. Borealis and Henkel worked closely together to specifically design this packaging with recyclate as raw material and a high suitability for the recycling process after use.

Borealis and Henkel are also working on a pilot for a full PE laminate stand-up pouch that contains both virgin and recycled ingredients with 35% post-consumer recycled low density polyethylene (r-LDPE). The prototype is currently being developed and tested by a value chain consortium, with each partner contributing their respective expertise and experience to ensure joint success.

Furthermore, Henkel began working together with the German start-up Saperatec in 2016, with the aim of developing and enhancing customized recyclable adhesives. This collaboration led to the creation of tailor-made adhesives that are compatible with Saperatec’s technology. With a recently announced strategic investment in the company, Henkel is underscoring its pioneering role in supporting sustainable solutions that go beyond adhesives and coatings. Together with Henkel, Saperatec offers manufacturers an innovative and cost-efficient recycling technology that makes it possible to reintroduce production waste consisting of polyethylene (PE), aluminum and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into the raw-material cycle, also thanks to the right adhesive design.

Optimizing the Recycling Process Digitally

In addition to the adhesive products, Henkel shows its commitment to facilitating sustainable packaging with the Easy D4R software tool. The software can help to evaluate the recyclability of packaging based on its components such as basic materials, closures, labels or colors. For all materials in question, the tool uses information on the suitability for identification during sorting, and for processing during recycling. On this basis, EasyD4R shows easy to understand results displayed on a traffic-light evaluation system: It displays information on the recyclability of each design as a percentage and the material combinations, which can be optimized for recycling.

The tool is applicable worldwide and the raunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology confirms its functionality, based on independent tests. As of now, interested corporations, organizations and experts can download the recyclability evaluation tool – EasyD4R – free of charge on the Henkel website under www.henkel.com/easyd4r.

Sharing Knowledge

“To reach the goal of sustainable production and consumption, Henkel shares its knowledge on sustainable packaging and circular economy. We see it as one of our responsibilities to bring together all members of the value chain to help facilitate a circular economy. Our ultimate goal is to protect very valuable resources and therefore help to lay the basis for the protection of our environment,” said Dennis Bankmann, Global Business Development Manager for Circular Economy at Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “Hence, we are very eager to provide new solutions that allow us to use plastics more sustainably.”

More information on Henkel’s approach to sustainability can be found on the company’s dedicated website be-more-sustainable.com.