A developer of recycling processes for composite packaging comprised of various materials, Saperatec’s prototype is produced in collaboration with two prominent partners: Germany-based packaging film supplier Wentus – whose mono-polyethylene flexible packaging design allows for easy recyclability – and adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings provider Henkel, which supplies the package’s recycling-optimized adhesive. Notably, Henkel also made a significant investment in Saperatec in 2019, which has helped make the forthcoming plant a reality. Currently marketed by Wentus as Wentoplex® Pure R, the marketing design recently received 18 of 20 points from Germany-based recycling alliance Interseroh.
The prototype is made possible by a promising new technology: Saperatec’s extended mechanical recycling process for thin-layer composite materials, which results in virgin-similar recyclates. A two-layer design made entirely from polyethylene (PE), its inner sealing layer comprises more than 50% PCR rLDPE from beverage carton waste. Its outer layer is printed with less than 50% surface coverage, and laminated with Henkel‘s optimized adhesive for recyclability. Overall, the packaging will contain at least 35% PCR rLDPE – in line with the proposed recommendations for the EU Directive regarding non-food packaging.
