CircuPrint
Circular solutions for printing and recycling printed flexible plastic packaging
2026-2029
Background & Relevance
The flexible plastic packaging sector faces major challenges as well as significant opportunities. The transition towards more circular and innovative packaging materials is accelerating, while the new requirements of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) are compelling companies to critically reassess their products. Printing technology is also evolving rapidly, with a shift from solvent-based to water-based ink systems and a growing range of specialised flexible films and laminates. By responding to these developments in a timely manner, companies can not only prepare for future regulatory requirements, but also strengthen their competitive position and create new market opportunities.
The results of the Multi2recycle project (HBC.2021.0696) showed that recycling multilayer films into new films is technically feasible, but also that printing is an important and structural source of contamination and rejection in plastic recycling. CircuPrint builds on these findings and investigates how inks, printing, labels and adhesives affect the recyclability and food safety of flexible plastic packaging. In addition, the project examines how recycled films can be printed again while maintaining high quality.
CircuPrint is funded by VLAIO (COOCK project) and is carried out by Pack4Food (project coordinator), VIGC and Centexbel-VKC. This collaboration brings together expertise from different links in the packaging and recycling value chain.
Project Focus
CircuPrint focuses on the entire value chain, from materials and inks to recycling and the reprinting of recycled materials. Through a practical, industry-oriented approach, the project evaluates and demonstrates these effects across the packaging value chain.
- Objective comparison of the performance of water-based, solvent-based and energy-curing inks for printing plastic food packaging.
- Impact of ink and substrate selection, as well as different printing techniques, on recyclability.
- Influence of contaminants on recyclate quality, with a focus on odour, colour and chemical composition.
- Practical guidelines for PPWR compliance and the circularity of printed plastic packaging.
- Demonstrations, training and knowledge sharing through practical cases, workshops and online tools.
The aim of CircuPrint is to enable the flexible plastic packaging value chain to design, print and recycle PPWR-compliant, recyclable and high-quality printed films. The project covers the entire chain, from ink manufacturers and the graphic industry to packaging producers, sorting and recycling companies, and end-users of packaging. In doing so, CircuPrint promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange between these different sectors.
Company Involvement
CircuPrint is relevant for companies active across the entire flexible packaging value chain, including:
- Printers and converters
- Packaging manufacturers
- Food producers
- Ink suppliers
- Recycling companies
- Technology providers
By participating, you can:
- Stay up to date with the latest insights and developments
- Exchange knowledge with companies across the entire value chain
- Share your challenges and practical experiences
Interested? Contact us at info@pack4food.be.
