Henkel recently announced that it has expanded its RE range, which is “designed for recycling,” to include both hot- and cold-sealable coatings for paper. According to Henkel, the products are certified as paper-recycling compatible and allow a new range of packaging designs.

Sustainability is one of the most important factors when it comes to packaging of goods across the board. The first step when designing packaging in a recycling-friendly way that is also compatible with a circular economy starts by ensuring adhesives and coatings can accommodate alternative materials like paper for various food and non-food applications.

“The main purpose of packaging is protection—and this is still what underpins our strategy,” said Alexander Bockisch, head of global market strategy for Flexible Packaging. “The scope also includes developing adhesives and coatings that help improve recyclability and allow new packaging designs. Our two latest developments are certified recyclable and can replace plastic packaging. Both sealable coatings enable full recyclability of paper packaging in food and nonfood applications.”

According to Euromonitor, the use of flexible paper in snack bars is expected to grow by 20% in Western Europe from 2019-2024, to reach 41 million units. Meanwhile, flexible paper remains a niche market in chocolate confectionery, comprising less than 2% of secondary packaging globally.

Henkel reports that each of the coatings seals to both paper and itself and breaks new ground in terms of repulpability, food safety, and paper flexibility. “We worked closely with our partners to design solutions that would be both recyclable and meet industry performance requirements,” said Davide Coppola, European business development manager for Coatings. “Loctite Liofol HS 2809-22 RE and CS 22-422 RE have been extensively tested and certified in terms of recyclability and food safety characteristics. We can offer coatings and adhesives for use on paper packaging in wide-ranging applications without cutting corners on performance or safety.” 
 
Loctite Liofol HS 2809-22 RE is reportedly a versatile coating covering a variety of applications, from hygiene products and tea bags to industrial hardware pouches and chocolate overwraps. Loctite Liofol CS 22-422 RE also covers applications such as collection cards, cereal bars, biscuit packaging, frozen foods, and ice cream. Both technologies provide excellent block resistance for better release in the reel while eliminating the need for release lacquer and are compatible with all types of ink.
 
For more information, visit www.henkel.com.