Software tool analyses optimisation potential of packaging

Ms. Loftin, your company was founded in Freiburg in 2020 to make it possible to assess the recyclability of packaging in different countries. What is your approach?
We want to create transparency in the international environment and enable a more sustainable packaging world - and we are relying on digitalization to do that. With the help of our software tool, users can identify optimisation potential at a glance and take it into account accordingly when developing or selecting packaging. This focus is also expressed in our name: Recyda for RECYclability DAtabase. To this end, we have digitally summarised and centralised the various national specifications and laws that relate to the recyclability of packaging. For their part, the users of the software tool enter the data for the packaging design. In other words, the materials, closures, labels and printing inks. The software then links the two with each other - virtually superimposing the digitally stored information like matrices.

Could you go a bit deeper into the operation? In general, it was important to us that operation is simple for the user and that he/she can have his/her packaging evaluated with just a few clicks. For the assessment methods, he/she has the choice of looking at them in one specific country or - for example for a comparison - the recycling guidelines in several countries at the same time. We have meanwhile already mapped the most important markets in Europe here.

Can the packaging that can be entered also consist of non-plastics such as glass or paper?
In addition to plastics, we also include paper, glass and metal in the materials. This is, for example, especially relevant for customers when they want to make comparisons. We have already had cases in which, by looking at different alternatives in the software, the materials of their packaging have changed. Not only because of better recyclability, but also because of the costs associated with recycling or disposal.

So what do the results of an analysis look like?
Our goal was and is to enable the user to understand the results. On the one hand, he/she should be able to recognise why a package is classified a certain way. On the other hand, optimisation possibilities should become apparent as soon as possible. The results are specific to the respective assessment methods, i.e. the various national and international specifications. In this respect, they can differ more or less from each other. In Germany, for example, we map the minimum standard applicable here for an assessment of recyclability. In France, on the other hand, this would be the Ecodesign Guidelines of COTREP. Both methods provide guidance on the recyclability of certain packaging and how it should be designed to avoid interfering with the recycling process. There are major differences between the specifications, such as how much barrier material is accepted in one country or another. This becomes particularly clear, for example, with the option of a map of Europe - with the classification of how the country-specific recyclability of the packaging under consideration is or would be assessed. As far as individual advertisements are concerned, there are several possibilities. The result can be output as a school mark or with a traffic light colour. Alternatively, percentages or a categorisation in recyclable, limited recyclable and non-recyclable are possible. If applicable, even the costs incurred for recycling become apparent. As mentioned, there can often be a financial incentive associated with the use of our software. Another practical feature is that results can be exported and shared in PDF format. In addition, they can be aggregated, evaluated and stored in reports. This is especially well-suited for sustainability management plans.

That sounds good. Is there a "but" or ongoing challenges?
On the one hand, there is the complexity of many packaging products. Different materials such as plastics, aluminium foils and composites must first be separated and sorted for efficient recycling. It is not uncommon for manufacturers to lack precise information, for example on the correct labelling or disposal of their packaging. There needs to be better communication between manufacturers, recycling companies and actually also consumers. Last but not least, one problem is that many recyclates that are actually available are not food-grade and therefore may not yet be used for food and beverages.

You're talking about manufacturers - which target groups does Recyda want to reach?
Our software is suitable for various industries and for multi-national companies. These include food producers, dealers, importers and exporters as well as, of course, packaging manufacturers. Packaging distributors are probably under the most pressure at the moment. Our customers include, for example, the DMK Group or Kao. Following our packaging analysis, the latter switched to a more recyclable solution based on the results. Specifically, this was a shampoo bottle in which the pump head made of different materials was a particular hindrance to recycling. The conversion not only increased the recyclability of the packaging, but Kao now also requires significantly less material for the closure.

How do you ensure that the rules and regulations used are up to date?
In order to stay up to date, a separate team is concerned with this issue. Changes are tracked and adopted via active screening on the network. As a start-up, we had to initially focus our capacities on the most important European countries. Now that we cover them, we are currently in the process of expanding the database. Our goal is to integrate the USA as well as other countries outside Europe and to be able to display a world map of recyclability in the future.

And how do you see the chances for achieving the EU plan that all packaging on the European market should be reusable or recyclable as early as 2030?
There are indeed still major challenges in the field of recycling. For example, many food products require complex packaging structures to protect them. In addition, the waste infrastructure in many countries needs to be significantly improved. To move closer to the 2030 target, all stakeholders in the value chain must pull together. In my opinion, innovations are needed in the field of packaging design as well as in the sorting technology of packaging waste. Specific requirements should also be laid down by the legislator. At present, there is often still uncertainty in the industry as to what requirements will be imposed on companies. However, a clear path is necessary in order to take action.