Loopcycling consortium qualifies cosmetics-grade LDPE recyclate, extends to PP
The IKV-coordinated Loopcycling consortium has completed its first phase, qualifying post-consumer LDPE recyclate to DIN Spec 91521 quality level B for rinse-off cosmetics packaging. The group is now launching a second phase for 2027-2028 that extends the mechanical recycling process chain to printed and metallised flexible polypropylene film, and is seeking additional international partners, including recyclers, sorters, machine builders, resin and film producers and brand owners, by the end of 2026.
Why this mattersCosmetics-grade recyclate from household LDPE waste widens the use cases for mechanically recycled flexible film, a format that has lagged rigid plastics in closed-loop recycling.
- Phase one ran from 2025 to 2026 under coordination by the Institut für Kunststoffverarbeitung (IKV)
- Post-consumer LDPE recyclate reached DIN Spec 91521 quality level B for rinse-off cosmetics packaging, confirmed by 50 percent ethanol-water migration tests
- De-inking of printed film was identified as the key lever, reducing defects and improving mechanical film properties
- Multi-layer composite films of mixed polymers remain a material challenge
- Loopcycling 2 (2027-2028) extends the process chain to printed and metallised flexible PP packaging
- IKV is recruiting additional international partners by the end of 2026, including recyclers, sorting and washing specialists, machine builders, resin producers, film makers and brand owners
Sources
k-zeitung.de
DE