Is it time to stop using glue and labels on paper?

The presence of labels, seals, or coatings on paper or cardboard packaging can render the material non-recyclable, as these adhesives can damage recycling machinery and result in inferior recycled paper. European authorities are pushing for packaging to contain at least 70% recyclable material by 2030, with stricter reporting and licensing fees set to follow.

Three German firms - Fraunhofer, Herrmann Ultraschall, and Henkel - are developing innovative, adhesive-free sealing technologies to meet these new regulations. Fraunhofer is researching a laser-based heating process that can seal paper packaging without adhesives, with the hope of finding an industry partner to bring the technology to market.

Herrmann Ultraschall has acquired the rights to develop a patented ultrasonic paper sealing technology, likening it to welding. Henkel has also developed a cold seal solution for barrier coated paper, which is both recyclable and suitable for food products.

While these technologies present promising solutions, there are challenges to overcome. Updating existing machinery to accommodate new sealing methods can be costly and time-consuming, and not all types of paper can be bonded using these methods. Additionally, applying the laser sealing technology to food-grade packaging remains an issue, as barrier coatings are necessary for food products.

However, Henkel has already developed a cold seal solution for barrier coated paper, and they see the shift towards more sustainable paper packaging as a system shift requiring collaboration across the supply chain.