The packaging manufacturer KHS uses FreshSafe PET technology, with an extremely thin layer of glass lining the inside of a PET bottle. During recycling this layer is washed off without leaving a residue, and the remaining plastic is therefore perfectly pure and therefore 100% recyclable. Photo: KHS

New packaging regulations: How are packaging companies responding?

A new packaging act came into force in Germany in January 2019. One purpose of the new regulations is to achieve higher recycling rates. However, even before the introduction of the new law, packaging manufacturers had started to develop beverage containers with better recycling qualities – as illustrated by the following examples:

FreshSafe PET technology

Conventional disposable PET bottles are made from compound materials and are still rather difficult to recycle. The packaging manufacturer KHS uses FreshSafe PET technology, with an extremely thin layer of glass lining the inside of a PET bottle. During recycling this layer is washed off without leaving a residue, and the remaining plastic is therefore perfectly pure and therefore 100% recyclable.

Special inks

Other companies achieve better recyclability through the use of solvent-free inks and water-based adhesives.

Linx Printing Technologies has created a new ink for recyclable glass bottles. Once a bottle is returned, the ink can be completely removed during the cleaning process.