Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM
The project DEBO-Pack
Recyclable multi-material packaging through separation of components by type using debonding on demand
As part of the reduction of plastics in the packaging sector, driven by regulatory requirements and changing consumer behavior, hybrid packaging made from bonded plastic and cardboard materials is becoming increasingly prominent, particularly in the food industry. These packages consist of a thin plastic container reinforced by a cardboard sleeve, fulfilling crucial functions such as protection against oxygen, aroma loss, and barriers to liquids and fats. This approach can reduce the plastic content by up to 80%, but it negatively impacts recyclability, as hybrid packaging is currently not materially recoverable with existing sorting and recycling technologies.
The DEBO-Pack project addresses this issue by developing bonded composite packaging with integrated Debonding on Demand (DoD) technology. This technology enables easy separation of materials after use, which enhances recyclability and improves the quality of recyclates while reducing costs associated with the Packaging Act.
A central goal of the project is to take a holistic approach to the post-consumer recycling of food packaging made from multiple materials. The aim is to develop a circular, self-separating cardboard-plastic composite packaging, where the adhesive is decomposed after use by components already present, such as those found in the yellow bag or during paper and packaging recycling. This innovation could be significant not only for hybrid packaging made from plastic and cardboard but also for other material combinations like plastic and aluminum.