RIGK Partners with GCR to Launch European Industrial Packaging Recycling Pilot

The project aims to demonstrate that complex post-consumer packaging streams can re-enter the production cycle for technical applications while maintaining high standards of quality, traceability, and safety.

Both parties stated that the project focuses on plant protection product and liquid fertilizer containers collected through Germany's Pamira collection system, as well as lubricant packaging collected through the GVÖ system. These systems have standardized collection and pre-treatment processes, ensuring consistent raw material quality and full traceability throughout the process.

The recovery test is conducted at GCR's mechanical recycling plant. According to RIGK, the plant is part of its 100 million euro investment plan aimed at meeting the requirements of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

In addition, the partner stated that the trial used advanced hot washing, sorting, and extrusion processes, combined with deodorization and analysis technologies, ensuring that the recycled materials can be safely reintroduced into the production process. The GCR innovation department also conducted extensive laboratory testing, including material characterization and pollutant analysis, to verify the quality and industrial performance of the recycled particles.

RIGK stated that preliminary test results show that volatile substances in the recycled materials have been successfully removed, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. In the coming months, both parties plan to collaborate with industry partners to conduct more tests to verify the results and promote the integration and application of recycled materials in industrial packaging production.