The Henkel Packaging RecycLab has officially launched its operations in China. This specialized facility is dedicated to evaluating how adhesive solutions can drive innovation in packaging recycling and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
Through localized testing and process optimization, the RecycLab will enhance Henkel's capabilities in serving the Chinese and broader Asia-Pacific markets. A delegation led by LI Hua, Chairperson of the China Packaging Federation, visited the lab and jointly initiated the 2025 ‘Green Packaging Recycling China Tour’ with Henkel.
Deepening localized sustainable innovation
Amid global circular economy efforts and the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Henkel is proactively responding by establishing the Packaging RecycLab in Shanghai. This integrated center combines development, testing, evaluation, and industry-academia-research collaboration. Built on the internationally recognized CEPI/4Evergreen testing framework, it simulates industrial recycling processes to provide critical data for packaging design. This supports customers in optimizing solutions and helps the industry establish a ‘design-for-recycling’ closed-loop system.
Dr. Alejandro Schoenhoff, head of packaging APAC at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, emphasized the pivotal role of the Chinese market in global sustainability. He stated that the launch of the Henkel Packaging RecycLab in China is a key strategic step, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment. He further explained that Henkel is taking concrete actions to lead the transformation of packaging by helping customers optimize material selection and packaging structures through systematic technical services. This initiative aims to reduce environmental footprints and achieve a win-win for both economic and ecological benefits, fulfilling the commitment to innovation in China.
In-depth visit by China Packaging Federation
A CPF delegation led by Chairperson LI Hua toured the Packaging RecycLab and discussed future cooperation. LI Hua acknowledged Henkel's contributions to China's packaging industry stating, “The Packaging RecycLab combines an international perspective with local market needs. It will serve as valuable infrastructure for the entire industry.”
Yanjie Zheng, APAC sustainability manager for Henkel Packaging Adhesives, outlined Henkel's comprehensive strategy for the packaging industry. He addressed critical challenges across the entire packaging lifecycle (from sustainable design and carbon footprint to end-of-life recycling and regulatory compliance) and demonstrated how Henkel's integrated solutions are designed to accelerate the industry's sustainability ambitions.
A highlight of the CPF visit was the torch relay ceremony for the 2025 ‘Green Packaging Recycling China Tour’. Since its inception by CPF in 2023, when the torch was first passed to Henkel during a past China International Import Expo, a historic moment that inspired hundreds of value-chain enterprises towards packaging upgrades, the campaign continues its mission.
Collaborative, inclusive and sustainable packaging ecosystem
The Packaging RecycLab provides the Chinese packaging industry with a world-class recycling verification platform. Henkel will continue increasing innovation investments in China and expand the cooperative ecosystem. Achieving sustainable packaging requires coordinated efforts across the value chain, and Henkel looks forward to collaborating with more partners to advance the green transformation of China's packaging industry.
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