The collaboration is intended to accelerate the transition from multi-material packaging to advanced mono-material structures by establishing a pipeline of innovative packaging solutions
Borouge and Siegwerk collaborate to develop recyclable mono-material solutions. (Credit: Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA)
Germany-based Siegwerk has joined forces with Borouge, a petrochemicals company specialising in polyolefins solutions, to develop fully recyclable mono-material packaging solutions.
The collaboration is intended to accelerate the transition from multi-material packaging to advanced mono-material structures, thereby fostering progress in the circular economy.
It will also help establish a pipeline of innovative solutions, empowering converters across the globe to manufacture advanced mono-material packaging. This will address the escalating need for sustainable packaging in today’s market, Siegwerk said.
By combining the mono-material solutions with advanced inks and coatings technologies, the solutions are expected to maintain performance standards and ensure ease of recycling.
The partnership aligns with the commitment of Siegwerk and the Abu Dhabi–based Borouge to foster sustainable packaging solutions, promote circularity, and reduce the overall carbon footprint.
Siegwerk Thailand Southeast Asia brand owner collaboration and circular economy head Stephane Bertaux said: “The majority of flexible packaging still consists of mixed materials and because of this multi-material structure, it is challenging to recycle it in the conventional recycling streams.
“Here, the switch to mono-material packaging is an essential lever to ease the recycling of packaging and thus enhance its circularity.”
One of the initial co-development projects between Siegwerk and Borouge involves creating a barrier stand-up pouch.
The pouch will use Borealis Borstar technology-based enhanced HDPE FB5600 from Borouge, combined with Siegwerk’s oxygen barrier coating CIRKIT OxyBar BC1582.
Additionally, the pouch will incorporate CIRKIT Clearprime, a primer solution designed to facilitate smooth deinking of the laminates.
Furthermore, Siegwerk and Borouge are collaborating with several global converters to develop solutions for creating high-barrier mono-material packaging.
These solutions combine oxygen barrier coatings with oxygen transmission rate (OTR) less than one cubic centimeters per square meter per day (cc/m2.day) with moisture vapour barrier coatings with moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) under 1cc/m2.day).
Borouge packaging and circular economy global marketing vice president Anton Wolfsberger said: “Enabling mono-material structures using Borouge’s performance polyethylene products with the combination of innovative ink and coating technologies can achieve the desired packaging outcomes.
“With this new way of industry collaboration, we contribute to addressing global challenges to increase sustainability and circularity.”