Flexible packaging – such as crisp packets, films and stand-up pouches – have become an integral part of our everyday lives. However, recycling it poses a major challenge. The European initiative CEFLEX has set itself the goal of overcoming this challenge and establishing a functioning circular economy for flexible packaging.
Why new technologies are necessary
The EU has set ambitious targets: by 2035, at least 55 % of all packaging have to be recycled. However, flexible packaging often consists of several materials that are difficult to separate and process. Conventional recycling methods reach their limits here.
An overview of the five key technologies
CEFLEX has identified five innovative recycling technologies that, together, enable a real transformation:
- Advanced Wet Friction Washing
Removes contaminants such as adhesives and organic residues prior to extrusion. Example: HydroDyn with a capacity of over 100,000 tonnes in Europe. - Delamination
Separates multi-layer packaging into its individual components. Example: Saperatec in Germany and Fych in Spain. - Deinking
Removes printing ink and improves the quality of recycled materials. Example: Cadel deinking with up to 95 % ink removal. - Extraction
Uses supercritical CO₂ for cleaning, for example, and achieves almost virgin material quality. Example: IPC France. - Dissolution
Dissolves specific polymers and produces ultra-pure recyclates. Example: APK Newcycling and PureCycle.
The path to a circular economy
The future lies in combining:
- intelligent packaging design
- efficient sorting
- advanced recycling technologies
This is the only way to produce high-quality recycled material that meets the requirements of industry and consumers – while protecting the environment at the same time.
Conclusion
The technologies are available – now we need investment, cooperation and political support to make the vision of a circular packaging economy a reality.
Regarding Ceflex’s contribution: New_Technologies_Report_CEFLEX_June_2025.pdf