Material recycling of packaging

Almost all products are packaged, creating significant material volumes that circulate relatively quickly. In the transition to a circular society, packaging has become a subject to new requirements, most notably the new packaging regulation PPWR, which poses challenges for the industry.

Effective recycling systems require contributions from all stages in the packaging value cycle. Three areas can be identified as posing the greatest challenges.

Design for Recycling
New rules and policies mandate that all packaging should be recyclable. The assessment criteria for this requirement vary among different materials and may also differ geographically. RISE has expertise in various recycling criteria and can provide support in design based on surrounding regulations and policies such as PPWR, Ecodesign, Safe and Sustainable by Design, Product Pass, Materials in Contact with Food, etc.
In our labs, we can test and evaluate recyclability based on standardized or industry-agreed methods.

However, the design of sustainable packaging is not just about recyclability. We offer support in navigating dilemmas between sometimes seemingly incompatible environmental requirements.

Collection and sorting
There's no point in designing correctly if the packaging is not sorted for recycling. Collection, primarily from households, is crucial for effective recycling and high quality of the secondary raw material.
Consumers say they want to contribute but need help and easily accessible information. RISE has knowledge of consumer behaviors and attitudes. We help you explain your packaging choices and how to communicate with consumers in accordance with the Environmental Claims Directive (Green Claim).
Collection is a critical step in maintaining traceability – and thus quality – of the material. RISE researches methods and techniques for improved traceability.

Quality of Secondary Raw Material
For recycled material to be used in new products, it must meet established quality standards. Recycling processes that ensure high quality are critical, and the techniques vary between different types of materials.
RISE's long tradition of material research means that we have advanced labs to test and evaluate most material properties. Additionally, we leverage our expertise in traceability. We also provide support and recommendations for the applications of the evaluated material.

Recycling of plastic packaging

Recycling of plastic is complex and relatively new. The new Packaging Regulation specifically focuses on plastic, introducing new challenges. RISE actively participates in method development in various standardization committees, both regarding plastic in general and plastic packaging.

RISE conducts research and provides interdisciplinary expertise in various recycling methods, both mechanical and chemical. In our labs you can have your materials and methods evaluated.

Contact Mattias Andersson

Expertise in Plastic Recycling and the Use of Recycled Plastic
Testbed for Plastic Recycling
National Center for Sustainable Plastics

Recycling of packaging in paper, cardboard, and corrugated board

Recycling of paper, cardboard, and corrugated board packaging has a long tradition. RISE is developing new and more efficient methods for material and process development, and conducts tests based on CEPI test for standard recycling mill.

Contact Anna Sjöstedt

Recycled Fiber - an increasingly important raw material

Product safety for recycled packaging materials

Food safety is more important than recyclability for packaging. However, as many packages are used for food, it is desirable to use secondary raw materials for food packaging to achieve increased circularity. Such usage must comply with current legislation and varies between types of materials.

Contact Hans Steijer
Normpack - support in legislation for materials in contact with food

To analyze the content and safety of a material, RISE's advanced laboratories can assist you in various ways.
Chemical analysis laboratories
Microbiology and hygiene laboratories
Toxicology laboratories

To reduce the risks of unwanted chemicals in circulated materials, it is important that the material introduced into the process contains as few and as risk-free additives as possible. RISE's Substitution Center helps evaluate and propose better alternative substances and processes.
Substitution Center

Life cycle analysis

RISE can quantify environmental impacts from cradle to grave, develop climate and environmental product declarations, identify measures for sustainable transition, and develop new methods. RISE offers both research and consulting services in life cycle analysis. The combination of expertise in LCA and deep technical competence in packaging and packaging materials makes us unique.

Contact Cathrine Löfgren

Life cycle analysis of packaging and packaging materials