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Siegwerk ink tech plays important role in recyclable stand-up pouches

Siegwerk is part of a global lighthouse project for recyclable packaging with its innovative ink technology. A stand-up pouch developed by partner Werner & Mertz and the global packaging and paper group Mondi with Siegwerk’s solution is the world’s first flexible packaging to achieve Gold status in all categories for its recyclability in terms of Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) certification.

“C2C presents a well-accepted and scientifically proven method to validate the characteristics of sustainable materials, products and systems by putting a major role on the human and ecological health impact of the chemical substances used as constituents. With C2C brand owners have the opportunity to demonstrate their innovation efforts to keep their sustainability promise,” says Dr. Stefan Häp, head of technology and innovation brand owner collaboration at Siegwerk. For the development of the sustainable stand-up pouch, the developers followed a plan set up by the accredited institute, EPEA Switzerland, to comply with the Cradle-to-Cradle principle.

For the product to be wholly circular, the ultimate award requires adjusting screws at every part of the value chain.

“The development of the pouch shows that sustainable products cannot be rushed. They need time, investment, innovation and close co-operation among all partners along the entire value chain if they are to be truly recyclable in the end,” emphasizes Immo Sander, head of packaging development at Werner & Mertz.

Siegwerk developed the ink technologies for several applications and substrates. “We took care of the initial ignition for the sustainable inks on self-adhesive labels and on films for pouches,” says Dr. Häp. For this purpose, Siegwerk developed special ink systems that fit into the certified environmentally friendly concept and the sustainability strategy of Werner & Mertz.