Siegwerk, one of the global leaders in printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, has joined forces with Borouge, a leading provider of innovative polyolefins solutions, to co-develop 100% recyclable mono-material solutions. This collaboration aims to propel packaging design towards a circular economy by addressing the pressing need for sustainable packaging solutions in the market.
Head of Brand Owner Collaboration and Circular Economy for Southeast Asia at Siegwerk Thailand, Dr. Stephane Bertaux, emphasizes the significance of transitioning to mono-material packaging: “The majority of flexible packaging comprises mixed materials, posing challenges for conventional recycling streams. Transitioning to mono-material packaging is pivotal in facilitating recycling and enhancing circularity.”
However, adopting mono-material structures presents challenges, including ensuring reliable sealability, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and barrier performance tailored to specific end-use applications. Anton Wolfsberger, Vice President of Global Marketing, Packaging, and Circular Economy at Borouge Pte Ltd, highlights the potential of Borouge’s performance polyethylene products combined with Siegwerk’s innovative ink and coating technologies: “This collaboration enables us to address global sustainability challenges by achieving upcycling through mechanical recycling, resulting in high-quality recyclates and a lower carbon footprint.”
The inaugural co-development project between Siegwerk and Borouge focuses on a barrier stand-up pouch utilizing Borouge’s enhanced HDPE FB5600 and Siegwerk’s oxygen barrier coating CIRKIT OxyBar BC1582, alongside its primer solution CIRKIT Clearprime for smooth deinking of laminates. Bertaux explains, “Our primer facilitates the removal of all inks and coatings during the recycling process, yielding high-quality recycled polyethene suitable for reuse in new packaging materials.”
Furthermore, Siegwerk and Borouge are collaborating with selected converters globally to offer high-barrier mono-material packaging solutions, featuring oxygen and moisture vapor transmission rate barrier coatings.
Both companies are committed to fostering sustainable packaging through mono-material structures, replacing challenging multi-material packaging. Borouge offers a range of recyclable virgin polyolefins, while Siegwerk provides innovative ink and coating solutions to improve plastic packaging recyclability without compromising performance or productivity. Together, they underscore the importance of collaboration along the packaging supply chain to develop solutions that accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
