Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV
Recyclable packaging - VerpackG 2019
Challenges associated with the new German Packaging Act (VerpackG 2019)
The new German Packaging Act that came into force on 1 January 2019 aims to prevent or minimize the impact of waste packaging on the environment. Following the principle of product responsibility, those who bring consumer products into the marketplace are now being held responsible for the reutilization or disposal of any packaging materials. Companies face the challenge of improving the recyclability of their packaging and still providing consumers with high product quality.
We can provide you with expert technical support on matters relating to VerpackG
We provide an all-in-one service to meet your needs. Our packaging specialists can develop recyclable packaging that is optimized for your particular product. All mechanical tests and analytical tests regarding the compliance and sensory properties of the packaging can be carried out by the Fraunhofer IVV in-house.
We can help packaging manufacturers, packing companies, and machinery manufacturers optimize their machine-based processes for recyclable packaging materials. We help you evaluate the machinability, thermoforming properties, and sealing behavior of flexible packaging materials and help you define suitable process parameters.
New packaging concepts for packaging manufacturers
Our expertise in developing packaging systems and in recycling plastics and laminates stands you in good stead to meet your customers’requirements for eco-friendly, sustainable, and environmentally harmless packaging systems. We can assist you with commercializing recyclable products that meet product safety requirements.
We can advise you on the modification of formulations and process parameters in order to incorporate recyclates into your packaging materials. The behavior of packaging materials in machine packaging processes is a key aspect. We evaluate the machinability, thermoforming properties, and sealing behavior of your new, flexible, packaging materials. We provide you with advice about any changed process windows and assist you with solving associated matters.
In our packaging pilot plant we are able to carry our sample production on a pre-industrial scale. Testing with respect to compliance, sensory properties, and mechanical attributes can be carried out at the Fraunhofer IVV, as can the evaluation of easy opening properties. As such, we are in a unique position to be able to offer you a comprehensive all-in-one service.
Optimized packaging for your products with good recyclability
We help you identify what recycling-friendly packaging is suitable for your products. In order to optimize food packaging we employ so-called shelf life modeling. These simulations enable us to determine what environmentally advantageous packaging system offers the longest shelf life for your food product. Simultaneously we perform tests to measure the sensory and mechanical quality of the packaging material. In collaboration with you we can develop product packaging containing a high quantity of recycled material in order to reduce the disposal fees for dual waste management systems.
Efficient recycling processes for packaging waste
The recycling of plastic packaging made from different polymers, such as multilayer laminates and composite films, is particularly challenging for recycling companies. Our solvent-based recycling process is able to convert mixed plastics and composite films into recyclates having the properties of virgin polymers. As such, closed-loop recycling becomes a reality for you. Waste fractions that up until now have had to be thermally recycled can now be recycled using this solvent-based process. We can help you optimize your recycling processes in order to safely attain the recycling quotas demanded by the new German Packaging Act. We demonstrate what products and product groups have the greatest potential for the utilization of recyclates.
Strengthening of the circular economy via the new German packaging Act
The objective of the new German Packaging Act (VerpackG) is to increase the amount of packaging waste that is recycled, in conjunction with dual waste management systems. The packaging waste of private consumers must be recycled and used for new packaging materials. This so-called circular (recycled) packaging strengthens the circular economy and protects the environment.
A prerequisite for this is the recyclability of the packaging. The new German Packaging Act promotes packaging with good recycling properties. Packaging materials that are used must have as little impact on the environment as possible, name they must be eco-friendly, readily recyclable, and reusable. In order to promote the circular economy, packaging materials that contain recyclates are deemed to be particularly eco-friendly and sustainable. This so reduces the usage of fossil resources and improves sustainability.
Our scientists can help you develop new packaging systems using proven technologies in order to meet the requirements of the new German Packaging Act.