DEBATIN’s collaboration with PreZero paves the way for more sustainable products
Waste collected through Germany’s plastic recycling bag finds a new use in the circular economy
The FachPack trade fair in Nuremberg is one of the industry’s most important events. Anton Debatin GmbH has even had the honour of attending several times as the winner of the German Packaging Award. This year, we are actively involved as well-wishers: We are delighted for all those who are being recognised for their innovative and intelligent work in the packaging industry. Many congratulations!
Valuable collaboration with PreZero Flexible Packaging
“Of course, we have entered a DEBATIN innovation again this year,” reports DEBATIN CEO Thomas Rose, describing it as follows: “Laboratory sample and security packaging using an innovative recycling technology. We use PCR film, at least 50% of which comes from waste collected through Germany’s plastic recycling bag system. The total amount of PCR material in the end product is 60%.” Working with PreZero Flexible Packaging has made this possible. On this, Frank Rieker, Managing Director of PreZero Polymers International GmbH, adds: “Thanks to our long-standing partnership with DEBATIN within the DERIBA Group, we are highly familiar with their requirements for PCR plastics. Using our own sorting and recycling technology, we can produce PCR plastics for DEBATIN from household waste streams.” Thomas Rose continues: “We have also consistently improved our machinery and processes to optimise the quality of the items we produce.
Recycling strengthens Germany’s dual recycling system, where packaging waste is collected separately through specific systems.
The results are clear to see. PreZero Flexible Packaging and Anton Debatin GmbH have worked together to develop a new film formulation that meets DEBATIN’s specific needs. The high proportion of recycled material from Germany’s dual recycling system (which includes dedicated recycling bags and bins) also meets the requirements of the German Packaging Act (VerpackG). “With this in mind, DEBATIN has created a new industrial packaging with this film. This is another important step in our development as an innovative manufacturer of sustainable packaging. It also means that our customers can actively contribute to their own sustainability by using DEBATIN products,” explains Thomas Rose.
The quality factor complements the sustainability factor: “We also maintain high standards in this area so that our customers, such as national banks, hospitals and medical laboratories, have been able to rely on proven, safe products from our company for decades,” says Thomas Rose, proud of DEBATIN’s product and customer portfolio.
The highly contaminated waste stream is now being put to excellent use
Anton Debatin GmbH’s development department was responsible for developing this sustainable solution. Dr Oliver Tröber, who is in charge, explains: “Until now, Anton Debatin GmbH’s packaging has been certified with the Blue Angel uz30a label, which means it contains more than 80% PCR. In the past, post-consumer recycled materials from the 98/2 category have been used. These typically have low levels of contamination and high material purity. In contrast, waste from the plastic recycling bag system is often highly contaminated and consists of a wide variety of material combinations. Nevertheless, it should also find its way into recycling. This is now possible thanks to PreZero”. According to Dr Oliver Tröber, the goal for the next stage of the company’s sustainable development is to incorporate 100% PCR plastic in the film, with the highest possible proportion of waste from household recycling systems.
