Henkel has opened its new Packaging RecycLab in China, a facility set up to study how adhesive technologies can improve packaging recycling and support a circular economy. The center focuses on localized testing and process optimization to improve recyclability standards while expanding Henkel’s ability to serve customers in China and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The launch event was attended by a delegation led by LI Hua, Chairperson of the China Packaging Federation (CPF), who joined Henkel in inaugurating the 2025 “Green Packaging Recycling China Tour.”
In response to the growing global push for circular economy solutions and the forthcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Henkel established the Packaging RecycLab in Shanghai as a proactive sustainability measure. The facility integrates development, testing, evaluation, and academic-industry collaboration. Built on the CEPI/4Evergreen testing framework, it stimulates industrial recycling processes to generate essential data that support improved packaging design. This enables customers to refine their products for recyclability and supports the broader industry in creating a “design-for-recycling” closed-loop system.
Dr. Alejandro Schoenhoff, Head of Packaging APAC at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, said China plays a central role in the company’s push toward greater sustainability. He said the launch of the Henkel Packaging RecycLab in China marks a major strategic move that reflects the company’s long-term commitment. Schoenhoff added that Henkel is taking practical steps to drive change in packaging by helping customers improve material choices and packaging designs through its technical services. The goal, he noted, is to cut environmental impact while balancing economic and ecological gains, staying true to Henkel’s innovation promise in China.
The CPF delegation, led by LI Hua, visited the new RecycLab to explore future cooperation opportunities. LI Hua commended Henkel’s efforts in advancing China’s packaging industry, saying, “The Packaging RecycLab combines an international perspective with local market needs.” It will serve as valuable infrastructure for the entire industry.” During the visit, Yanjie Zheng, APAC Sustainability Manager for Henkel Packaging Adhesives, outlined the company’s sustainability strategy. He spoke about major challenges throughout the packaging lifecycle from design and carbon reduction to recycling and compliance and explained how Henkel’s integrated solutions can help the industry move toward more sustainable practices.
One of the main moments of the event was the torch relay for the 2025 “Green Packaging Recycling China Tour.” The CPF launched this initiative in 2023, with Henkel receiving the first torch during the China International Import Expo, a moment that encouraged many packaging firms to raise their sustainability ambitions. Looking ahead, Henkel plans to boost innovation investment in China and widen its collaboration network. The company hopes that by working closely with partners across the packaging chain, it can help accelerate China’s move toward a more sustainable and circular packaging system.