In 2020, ACW-Film once again made considerable progress in its efforts to raise the recyclability of its packaging films: it developed single-material composites capable of replacing composite films made from mixed raw materials. These single-material composites have the same product properties as conventional composite films, but can be recycled.

ACW-Film is currently holding talks with numerous partners along the value chain in order to introduce these and other innovative packaging films for the food industry. One thing is clear though: to achieve greater sustainability, the development and production of recyclable or ecologically safe packaging alone is not enough. Sustainability can only be achieved when all processes for the production, use, and recycling of packaging materials are integrated into a comprehensive circular economy and these processes are coordinated down to the last detail.

This includes the processes of the packaging material manufacturers and of their partners in the supply chain, as well as those of the manufacturers of plant and machinery for packaging materials. Those who purchase packaging materials – the actual product manufacturers – must also make the appropriate adjustments, as must the waste management and recycling industries. And finally, politicians and consumers also have a role to play: for example, in setting the framework conditions and correctly sorting innovative packaging solutions after their use.

A circular economy can therefore only be achieved if everyone pulls together to develop mutually beneficial solutions. The dialog initiated by ACW-Film several years ago is making a valuable contribution to this process.