Recolap – Recycling of Coated and Laminated Paper Packaging

Project Duration: February 1^st, 2025 until January 31^st, 2030

Paper and cardboard are considered bio-based, recyclable materials and are increasingly used in the packaging industry. Especially in the food sector, many brand manufacturers are turning to paper-based alternatives with specific barrier properties. However, commonly used plastic coatings (e.g., PE, PP, EVOH, PET) reduce recyclability and contribute to microplastics and macrostickies in the recycling process.

Laboratory situation — AI generated image

The Recolap project – Recycling of Coated and Laminated Paper Packaging is developing flexible, paper-based packaging with high barrier performance—without compromising recyclability. The focus lies on bio-based and biodegradable coatings for packaging of snacks, coffee, tea, confectionery, and cheese. The aim is to advance laboratory-developed solutions to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, bringing them closer to industrial application. A life cycle assessment (LCA) accompanies the research to evaluate environmental impacts throughout the entire life cycle.

Recolap also enhances existing recyclability assessment methods (e.g., CEPI, PTS) by comparing procedures, identifying gaps, and providing concrete recommendations.
Project outcomes include a market overview of coated paper in Austria, recommendations for the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the Austrian Standards Institute, and a comprehensive database on the recyclability and environmental impacts of paper-based packaging. The long-term goal is to develop sustainable packaging solutions that combine effective food protection with high recyclability.

Research goals

Development of flexible paper-based packaging solutions with high barrier properties, without compromising recyclability
- The barrier properties will be optimized for the following product categories: snacks, coffee and tea, confectionery, and cheese, meeting the criteria outlined in Figure 1.3.2.
- The high-barrier paper solutions must be recyclable and allow for high fiber recovery of >99%.
Comparison and improvement of current paper recyclability assessment methods
- Comparison of the European Paper Industries’ (CEPI) recyclability test method with the Papiertechnische Stiftung’s (PTS) method to provide comprehensive recommendations for their enhancement and to close any existing knowledge gaps [8],[9] .
Market Analysis and Benchmarking
- Gain a comprehensive overview of the coated and laminated paper market in Austria, including its current status and future trends, to create a benchmark for the Austrian retail market.