SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING LIFECYCLE


HOLISTIC RECYCLING


In this technical article by Schubert, the company explores how packaging recycling is focusing more on integrated design, digital trac traceability, and cross-industry collaboration to achieve a truly circular system.


the comp aging re mor cir xplor cling is f using


egrated design, digit , and cr


try a truly At the PCC Schubert and product design


At the PCC,, Schubert and Berndt+Partner are pooling their e


their expertise in sustainable product de


W


hen it comes to packaging re ycling, people ins think


recycling, people instinctively think o


aging ely


of the materials the materials themselves. The assumption


is that if packaging materials can be easily recycled, then an effective circular economy is within reach. However, recyclable packaging materials are just one facet of a complex system that requires technological innovation and seamless communication across disciplinary boundaries.


If simply shredding and reprocessing


used packaging materials were enough, successful recycling would depend solely on functioning facilities at the respective companies. However, a glance at the different materials and types of packaging makes it clear that it cannot be that simple. By no means is all packaging suitable for returning to the recycling loop, as some packaging contains material fractions that are difficult or impossible to recycle. These


62 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • APRIL 2026


ACHIEVING FULL CHIEVING FULL


RECYCLABILITY OF ALL PACKAGING ON THE EU INTERNAL MARKET BY


2030 IS A TIGHT DEADLINE THAT REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ACTION. THE SOONER A


RECYCLER CAN INTRODUCE A PRODUCT INTO THE


RECYCLING STREAM, THE MORE EFFICIENTLY THEY CAN RECYCLE IT


stem from the numerous requiremen that p


that packaging mus PET, for instanc


aging must meet. ance, provides transpar vides transparency, y,


strength and dimensional stability, while flexible PP acts as a sealant. To work efficiently, recyclers need to know exactly what materials they are dealing with, and they use detection technology to sort through thousands of tonnes of recyclable materials. This, in turn, requires an effective recycling collection system, which is not standardised across the EU. Although the task of recycling is complex,


numerous levers can be pulled to make processes more efficient. It is not only the recyclers who have a responsibility here, either. Throughout the life cycle of a packaging item, from raw materials to the finished, filled product, several stakeholders can promote effective, holistic recycling. According to Michael Graf, they should do so. As the head of the Packaging Competence Centre, a centre of expertise at Gerhard


equirements


All images: Gerhard Schubert GmbH


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