Siegwerk, a global provider of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, and Enplater Group, a specialist in the printing and production of rigid and flexible packaging, have announced the joint development of mono-material packaging solution made of polypropylene (PP) that offers high technical performance full recyclability.

The joint development combines Siegwerk’s expertise in high-performance, regulatory-compliant ink and coating systems with Enplater’s extensive know-how as an experienced specialist for rigid and flexible packaging. Through close collaboration between the technical and R&D teams of both companies, the partners conducted comprehensive trials under realistic production conditions, generating application-oriented insights that supported the optimization of the new high-barrier mono-PP pouch structure for food packaging.

“As the packaging industry continues its transition toward circular solutions, collaboration across the value chain is essential to keep driving innovation forward,” says Javier Garcia, head of sales and technology, Iberia. “By combining our advanced ink and coating technologies with Enplater’s specialized converting expertise, we have been able to develop a mono-material PP pouch that performs on-par with existing multi-material barrier solutions, while driving the material efficiency necessary to meet the strict Design for Recycling mandates of the upcoming PPWR.”

As part of the project, several key technologies from Siegwerk’s were used. CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE, a combined oxygen-barrier and white ink technology applied in-line in a single step. This enables the transition away from PVdC, metallized mixed materials (such as met-PET and met-OPP) and EVOH-based structures by simply replacing the standard backing white, introducing a new level of inventory flexibility with zero additional capital expenditure. In addition, Siegwerk’s latest polyurethane (PU)-based ink systems were used, which offer high print quality and excellent adhesion and are suitable for demanding flexible packaging applications.

“Collaborating with Siegwerk has been effective, enabling us to advance our research in mono-materials through the combined know-how and technologies of both companies,” says Jordi Feixas R&D manager at Enplater. “Our combined expertise has resulted in a solution that not only performs reliably in production but also aligns with increasing market demand for recyclable packaging structures.”

The joint project reflects both companies’ commitment to supporting the transition toward more sustainable packaging solutions by delivering future-oriented innovations that address real-world manufacturing and regulatory challenges without compromising on food protection.