Siegwerk, Greiner and Krones join forces for recycling initiative

Despite being considered non-recyclable by some design for recycling guidelines, the three companies were able to effectively de-ink and convert the rigid containers into high-quality white recyclates, without the need for altering the ink formulation or print design. This was achieved by utilising hot caustic washing, a standard process for PET bottle recycling that is increasingly adopted also by recyclers who are working with polyolefin (PO) and PS rigid streams.

The findings underscore the need for guidelines to evolve with technological advancements in recycling, ensuring they reflect the most efficient and sustainable routes to a circular packaging economy. The project partners advocate for a re-evaluation of the role of printing inks and coatings in recycling, calling for a broader assessment of packaging de-inkability under standard hot caustic conditions and adoption of the corresponding test standard published under DIN SPEC 91496.