Henkel introduce recyclable black plastic packaging with Ampacet

In May, Henkel introduces the new recyclable material for black bottles of toilet cleaning products Bref

Together with its supplier Ampacet, a global provider of masterbatch, Henkel is developing an innovative solution for black plastic packaging that is fully recyclable. The new packaging material uses an alternative carbon-free black color, enabling used bottles to be integrated back into the value chain. It will be introduced for black bottles of toilet cleaning products under the Bref brand in May, followed by further Henkel products in the course of this year.

Solution for recyclability of black plastic bottles

Due to the used color so far, black plastic packaging poses a challenge for the recycling value chain: Recycling facilities use near infra-red (NIR) technology to identify the plastic materials to be recycled. The optical sensors utilize the reflection of light to detect the material and sort it accordingly. Black plastic packaging, however, due to presence of carbon black cannot be identified and sorted properly by these optical sensors.

Development projects with significant progress

Next to the successful development of the recyclable black bottle for the Bref products, Henkel and Ampacet are currently piloting the new packaging for different products across business units and categories. Through tests under real conditions, the suitability of the new material was confirmed. Cyclos-HTP, an institute specialized in the classification, assessment and certification of recyclability of packaging and goods certified that Henkel's bottles with this carbon-free black color are fully detectable and sortable. Henkel's packaging development teams are now working on successfully integrating the new material into additional packaging types while ensuring it meets the highest quality standards. As a next step, they are driving the integration of recycled content in the packaging.

"We are honored to partner with Henkel to support the circular economy with this innovation," says Philippe Hugelé, Ampacet Strategic Business Manager, Moulding. "As part of our sustainability initiative, our REC-NIR-BLACK carbon-black free masterbatch provides a second life for black plastic packaging by allowing scanning by near-infrared technology for automated sorting at recovery facilities. We are pleased to be able to contribute to packaging recyclability for Henkel's iconic brands." Ampacet's REC-NIR-BLACK has been named "Product Technology Innovation of the Year" at the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2019 in April.

About Ampacet

With 25 manufacturing sites located in 18 countries, Ampacet Corporation is a global masterbatch leader offering the broadest range of custom color, special effect, black, white and specialty additive masterbatches for flexible and rigid extrusion processes and applications. Headquartered in Tarrytown, N.Y., Ampacet Corporation employs more than 2,000 people worldwide and operates technical and color development centers and manufacturing sites throughout the Americas, Asia and Europe.

About Henkel

Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2018, Henkel reported sales of around 20 billion euros. Henkel employes about 53,000 people globally and holds top positions in many international indices and rankings.