Food packaging must combine different functionalities (food neutrality, protection, etc.). At the same time, it is the industry's task to make the packaging as sustainable as possible. Paper-based packaging is seen as a particularly environmentally friendly alternative. However, these must also have a barrier function, which in turn is produced via plastic-based coatings. As a result, the packaging cannot usually be disposed of as waste paper and thus recycled.

In order to make paper-based packaging recyclable, Actega DS intends to develop a solvent-free TPE dispersion. As a result, more than 8 million tons of packaging material can be recycled in Germany alone.

The project aims to develop sustainable TPE dispersions for food packaging that can be used with paper as a base material. This should not affect the recyclability of the paper, and ideally even expand the range of applications in the recycling loop.

The project aims to significantly increase the proportion of recycled and recyclable paper fibers in food packaging. To achieve this, it is necessary to switch from previous coatings based on plastic or aluminum films, which make recyclability difficult or even prevent it, to other barrier technologies.