Siegwerk, Henkel to Create New Solution for Recyclable Flexible Packaging

Siegwerk and Henkel are both market leaders for sustainable solutions. At two trade events in October, the companies will tell the story of how they joined forces to co-develop an innovative oxygen barrier coating. The new solution provides outstanding performance and also enables mono-material flexible packaging that is easier to recycle – opening up exciting potential to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Representatives from Siegwerk and Henkel met at K-Fair in 2019 and agreed to co-develop an oxygen barrier coating for more recyclable food packaging. Now, they are preparing to launch that solution in North America and Europe and will introduce it at two trade fairs: K-Fair in Düsseldorf from Oct. 20 to 24 and Pack Expo in Chicago from Oct. 23 to 26. Other regions will follow throughout 2023.

Working in close partnership, Henkel and Siegwerk shared knowledge and explored ideas for how to create a barrier solution for flexible packaging without compromising shelf-life. The result? An industrially validated oxygen barrier coating that enables mono-material flexible packaging for dry food products, setting recyclers free from the headache of mixed materials.

Recently, the product has been recognized by APR (Association of Plastics Recyclers) Critical Guidance to be compatible with recycling.