Syntegon Technology, formerly Bosch Packaging Technology, is contributing its extensive packaging and process technology expertise to the European CEFLEX initiative to promote the circular economy for flexible packaging. As a leading consortium of companies along the flexible packaging value chain, CEFLEX aims to establish a comprehensive collection, sorting and reprocessing infrastructure in Europe by 2025.
With the support of Syntegon Technology and other industry partners, CEFLEX is currently developing a special design guideline for flexible packaging. After several rounds of coordination by the consortium, the open consultation on the draft guidelines has been completed: they will be introduced in spring 2020.
„Sustainable packaging must also be easy to recycle and process. With our many years of expertise, we can help pave the way towards a circular economy with potential for production efficiency,“ says Matthias Klauser, project manager and sustainability expert at Syntegon Technology.
The origins of the circular economy
The concept of the circular economy dates back to the mid-1960s, when American economists were looking for ways to Using resources more sustainably. In contrast to linear economic systems, in which products are manufactured and then disposed of, the circular economy aims to recycle products, components or materials in order to minimise waste. through reuse, repair or even recycling to be restored.
Since then, the concept has continued to evolve: The European Commission first issued a manifesto on the circular economy in 2012 and successfully implemented a relevant action plan with 54 measures in 2018. The plan provided for ambitious initiatives, including a Directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment.
However, the transition to a circular economy requires more than just a framework of political decision-makers. Success also depends on the support of key industry partners: from packaging manufacturers, flexible packaging converters, packaging equipment manufacturers and brand owners to sorting and recycling companies.
Compatibility of sustainability and efficiency
Syntegon Technology is currently developing - together with some of CEFLEX's 140 industry partners - a design guideline for flexible packaging. It is part of a comprehensive circular economy roadmap for various industries.
„With the guideline, CEFLEX wants to offer a generally recognised guideline for flexible packaging materials. We want to support CEFLEX in harmonising sustainability and efficiency requirements, as not every sustainable packaging material can be processed easily and efficiently,“ reports Klauser.
Depending on the material, processes such as sealing can take longer, which has an impact on performance and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). As a leading provider of process and packaging technology Syntegon Technology CEFLEX has in-depth expertise and advises on the use and machinability of materials.
„We see considerable potential for monopolyolefins and other monomaterials, for example. At the same time, suppliers of packaging and process technology systems must adapt their technologies in order to implement the guidelines more easily. This also includes making new materials processable on existing systems and developing new machines and technologies that are suitable for all types of materials today and in the future,“ explains Klauser.
Source: Syntegon Technology
