CircuPrint – Circulaire oplossingen voor drukwerk én recyclage van bedrukte flexibele kunststofverpakkingen

With the support of:

CircuPrint strengthens the Flemish flexible plastic packaging value chain by providing knowledge and practical guidelines for recyclable printed films and for printing on recycled materials. The project examines how printing techniques, inks, adhesives and films affect recyclability and recyclate quality, with a focus on PPWR compliance and circularity.

Why this project?

The flexible plastic packaging sector is rapidly transitioning towards circular, bio-based and other innovative materials. At the same time, the new requirements of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) are bringing significant changes. Printing processes are also shifting from solvent-based to water-based ink systems, while the range of specialised flexible films and laminates is expanding rapidly. These developments create new opportunities, but also raise questions about how printing techniques, inks, adhesives and substrates affect recyclability and recyclate quality. CircuPrint aims to close these knowledge gaps. The project provides the Flemish industry with insights for developing recyclable printed films and supports companies in printing on recycled materials.

Research approach and expected results

CircuPrint (COOCK+ project) objectively compares water-based, solvent-based and energy-curing inks for flexible plastic food packaging. The project examines how ink and substrate selection, adhesives and different printing techniques affect recyclability. It also assesses the impact of contaminants on recyclate quality, with particular attention to odour, colour and chemical composition. The knowledge and insights gained will be shared widely with the sector through practical cases, demonstrations, workshops, training sessions and online tools.

The results will be translated into practical guidelines to help companies comply with the PPWR and develop circular printed plastic packaging. By the end of the project, companies will have evidence-based guidance for developing recyclable printed films and printing effectively on recycled materials.

Target group

CircuPrint targets companies across the flexible packaging value chain:

ink and film manufacturers
printers and converters
brand owners, particularly food and fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers
companies processing materials at the end of their life cycle

Project partners

CircuPrint is carried out by Pack4Food (project coordinator), VIGC and Centexbel-VKC. Flanders’ FOOD is a subcontractor and supports the coordinator with knowledge dissemination.

Keen to join?

Would you like to learn more about CircuPrint or take part in its knowledge-sharing activities, demonstrations, workshops and training sessions? Contact the project partners via obi.eeman@pack4food.be.