Project

The CIFLEX project, in which TNO-Brightlands Materials Center participates, aims to support the implementation of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This regulation, expected to enter into force by the end of 2024, mandates a range of circularity requirements for plastic packaging, including the incorporation of recycled content and the application of reusable packaging designs. These measures are intended to help the EU achieve its Green Deal targets, with CO2 neutrality set for 2050.

Despite the ambitious targets, a large gap currently exists between the regulation’s goals and the actual recycling rates of flexible packaging. Presently, only a fraction of this packaging is recycled and reused in its original application. To address this gap, the CIFLEX project is developing innovative solutions, such as new recycled material supply chains and improved packaging designs. The project focuses on demonstrating the feasibility of circular flexible plastic packaging, with specific attention to increasing recycled content, ensuring design for recyclability, and creating sustainable business models for reuse applications.

Key activities include the development of several flexible packaging prototypes that meet or exceed the regulation’s requirements. The project also aims to enhance sustainable business models and create new ones, particularly in the context of reverse logistics and the reuse of packaging for e-commerce. Additionally, it focuses on improving the quality of recyclates through waste pre-treatment and developing machine learning model to facilitate their use in packaging. Comprehensive guidelines for design for reuse and design from recycling will also be drafted.

Partners

The CIFLEX project is a collaborative effort involving TNO-Brightlands Materials Center, Oerlemans Plastics, Pregis, Px and the University of Twente, with the support of Attero. As packaging manufacturers, Oerlemans Plastics and Pregis are dedicated to improving the circularity of their products, enabling the production of flexible packaging with a high percentage of recycled content. Px focus on creating a profitable and sustainable E-commerce system that uses reverse logistics and reusable packaging. The University of Twente is leveraging his expertise in sealing of packaging to support the three packaging partners and draft guidelines for Design from Recycling and Design for Reuse.  Attero, as a key player in waste management, supports the project by providing recycled materials. All these activities are coordinated and led by TNO-Brightlands Materials Center, assisting the partners in developing compliant flexible packaging prototypes, drafting the guidelines, and leading activities related to pre-treatment of waste and machine learning prediction.