Marika Knorr, Head of Sustainability and Communication at CCL Label and Innovia, discusses pioneering sustainable solutions during an interview with Packaging MEA in Dubai, held on the sidelines of the Sustpack conference.
Advancements in Sustainable Solutions
Focusing on sustainable solutions, Knorr highlighted CCL’s advancements in bottle-to-bottle recycling, returnable bottles, and innovative label solutions such as Flotables and Wash-off labels.
Adapting to Legislation and Sustainability Goals
Knorr emphasized the need for brands to adapt their packaging portfolios to comply with evolving legislation and global sustainability goals. She stated, “Brands must continuously innovate to meet both regulatory requirements and consumer expectations for sustainability.”
Challenges in PET Bottle Recycling
One significant challenge addressed was PET bottle recycling, using Germany as a case study. In Germany, 94% of PET bottles are collected, yet only 37% are recycled back into bottles. Knorr underscored the urgency for solutions to optimize this process, stating, “It is crucial that we improve the recycling rates of PET bottles to create a more sustainable future.”
Successful Solutions: Wash-off Labels
Among the solutions proposed by CCL, Wash-off Labels have proven to be particularly successful for refillable glass or PET bottles. Knorr outlined several benefits of Wash-off Labels, including efficient removal with standard washing parameters, minimal water waste, and improved energy efficiency. She noted, “Our Wash-off technology is designed for re-usable PET bottles, ensuring clean washing without contamination at filling lines, thus supporting a circular economy.”
Innovative Solutions: Floatable Labels
Another innovative solution presented was Floatable labels for one-way deposit PET bottles. The PET recycling process requires proper collection, sorting, grinding, washing, and separation.
Knorr explained that the PET recycling process should include:
Collection: Proper discharge of consumed packaging.
Sorting: Detection of underlying PET, PP, and HDPE material with full-body sleeves.
Grinding & Washing: Bottles are ground and washed in hot water to remove residues.
Floating: EcoFloat material with a density less than 1 floats to the top, facilitating separation.
Melting & Extrusion Pelletizing – Reuse: PET flakes with density greater than 1 sink.
CCL’s Eco Float material, with a density less than 1 floats to the top during the washing process, facilitating easy separation and yielding high-quality PET flakes suitable for bottle-to-bottle recycling. Knorr highlighted, “EcoFloat material significantly enhances the separation process, resulting in higher quality PET flakes for recycling.”
Key Takeaways
Knorr highlighted the need to use Floatable labels for PET bottle recycling, follow Design for Recycling guidelines, and promote returnable/reusable systems with Wash-off Labels. They stressed that adopting these solutions is crucial for a sustainable circular economy.
Future Outlook in the MENA Region
There is excitement for these cutting-edge solutions to gain traction in the MENA region, offering a promising trajectory for the labels and packaging industry towards a more sustainable circular economy. Knorr expressed optimism, stating, “We are excited for these cutting-edge solutions to be more actively implemented in the MEA region, propelling our labels and packaging industry towards a more feasible circular economy.”