Is it time to stop using glue and labels on paper?
Summary
Europe is introducing stricter rules to make more paper and cardboard packaging recyclable by 2030 and beyond. German companies and research groups are developing new ways to seal paper packaging without using glue or labels, which can harm recycling processes.Key Facts
- Paper and cardboard with glue or labels can be hard to recycle because adhesives damage machines and reduce recycled paper quality.
- About 74% of paper and board used in Europe in 2024 is already recycled.
- New EU rules require packaging to be at least 70% recyclable by 2030 and 80% by 2038.
- Germany will also enforce stricter reporting and fees for packaging waste.
- Fraunhofer research group developed a laser-based heat process to seal paper without adhesives (called the PAPURE project).
- The PAPURE project ends in September 2024 and may be taken to market soon.
- Hermann Ultraschall bought rights to an ultrasonic welding-like paper sealing technology and is talking with large companies about mass production.
- Switching to new sealing technologies needs changes to existing machines, which can be expensive and slow down production at first.
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