Henkel’s laundry detergents are now being sold in packaging produced by Korozo Group (Korozo) that is designed to be recycled and constructed with the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR) in mind.

This project has seen the creation of mono-material films that initially feature 30% PCR. The PCR content was supplied by Ecoplast, a member of the Borealis Group. Borealis is one of the world's leading providers of advanced and sustainable polyolefin solutions. The polymers were in turn extruded by Korozo into mono-material constructions for Henkel’s laundry detergents, such as Persil. Printing and converting of the packaging were carried out by Korozo on its high-end presses and pouchmaking lines. Products sold in these packs are already on shelves in Central Eastern Europe.

Borealis Ecoplast’s high-quality LDPE recycled materials are ISCC Plus and EuCertPlast-certified, guaranteeing that the recycled content can be tracked and traced throughout the value chain. The specific grade used to make the packaging for Henkel was Borcycle™ CWT100VL. The grade offers a very low gel level resulting in a very high optical and printing quality enhancing shelf appeal and delivering mechanical properties for product safety.

PPWR includes requirements for minimum recycled content in plastic packaging, as well as targets for all packaging in the EU market to be recyclable. Specifically, PPWR will require 35% PCR in recyclable films by 2030. By commercialising a product that is already manufactured with 30% PCR content, Korozo is well-positioned to deliver packaging to brands that is tailored to the requirements of PPWR. As a result, the films now being used by Henkel’s consumer brands are a ‘major milestone’ in the journey towards the circular economy.

Fatih Imre, Technical Account Manager, Consumer Packaging, at Korozo Group, said: “We’re delighted to have contributed our expertise as a global leader in flexible packaging to the creation of this innovative, circular solution. Collaboration throughout the value chain is essential to delivering sustainable packaging solutions and transitioning to a circular economy.

“Brands need solutions they can rely on, and consumers want straightforward options that enable them to be more sustainable. Mono-material packaging that is designed for recycling is the answer to both of these needs.”

This is further evidenced by previous work involving Korozo and Henkel. This has included the creation and use of recyclable mono-material PE pouches for toilet rim blocks and dishwasher tablets. In the case of the WC Frisch toilet rim blocks, the pouches equated to a 75% reduction in material use and needed a third fewer trucks on the road for transportation, when compared to a standard single pack.

The laundry detergent project has been recognised in the first-ever PAGÇEV Plastics Recycling Awards, with Korozo awarded in the Plastic Packaging and Packaging Materials Category. It has also been nominated in the Crescents and Stars for Packaging Competition 2024, organised by the Turkish Packaging Manufacturers Association (ASD). The winners in that competition are to be announced shortly.

"Such a level of recognition confirms and celebrates our commitment to innovation and sustainability," said Selin Bahar Mesulam, Non-Food Flexibles Unit Director at Korozo Group.

"We thank Henkel and Borealis for their collaboration and our incredible team for their hard work to make this accomplishment possible.”

Fatih added: “Our sustainability policy is guided by an awareness that the planet and its natural resources belong to society as a whole and future generations. This successful transition represents a milestone in the journey away from fossil resources and towards a circular economy.”

Korozo Group, Borealis and Henkel will present the results of their latest collaboration at the Sustainability in Packaging Europe conference, taking place 8-10 October in Barcelona, Spain.

Korozo Group is also exhibiting at FachPack 2024 across 24-26 September in Nuremberg, Germany. On stand 343 in hall 4, the company will showcase a number of sustainable flexible packaging solutions.

To find out more, please visit http://www.korozogroup.com