Feddersen Group and partners win German Packaging Award for creating a recyclable container using 50% PCR-PE from beverage cartons.
The Feddersen Group, in collaboration with its industry partners, has been honored with the esteemed German Packaging Award for their pioneering work in advancing the circular economy within the packaging industry. The accolade, received in the "Sustainability – Use of Recyclates" category, highlights a successful joint venture that demonstrates how collective innovation can result in an environmentally responsible and high-quality packaging solution.
The award-winning project is the result of a cooperative endeavor between several stakeholders: K.D. Feddersen Holding GmbH (the parent company of the Feddersen Group), saperatec GmbH (a supplier of post-consumer recycled materials), Palbo GmbH (a specialist in container manufacturing), and AF-COLOR, a masterbatch producer and division of AKRO-PLASTIC GmbH, both subsidiaries of the Feddersen Group.
The focus of the project was the creation of a fully recyclable container made from composite materials. The team succeeded in designing a product that incorporates 50% post-consumer recycled polyethylene (PCR-PE) and 50% high-density polyethylene (HDPE). For coloration, AF-COLOR provided customized PCR-compatible masterbatches in shades of blue, black, and silver. The recycled polyethylene was sourced from used beverage cartons, showcasing a creative and effective reuse of commonly discarded waste, reinforcing the project's sustainable ethos.
Dirk Schoening, Development Manager for Circular Business Models at K.D. Feddersen Holding GmbH, played a key role in overseeing the project. His leadership facilitated effective communication and collaboration across the partner companies. Schoening praised the project as a milestone in demonstrating how cooperation and innovation can drive meaningful progress in the pursuit of a sustainable circular economy.
“This award is a reflection of the strength of our collaborative efforts with dedicated and forward-thinking partners,” Schoening stated. “It validates our approach of combining technological innovation and partnership to make tangible strides towards sustainability. The result is a product that not only meets rigorous quality standards but also supports the conservation of valuable resources.”
The Feddersen Group and its partners expressed sincere appreciation to the German Packaging Institute (Deutsches Verpackungsinstitut e.V.) for the recognition. They view the award as motivation to continue investing in and developing sustainable practices for the plastics industry. The achievement reinforces their commitment to advancing solutions that align with circular economy principles and reduce environmental impact.
Looking ahead, AF-COLOR plans to present the award-winning packaging innovation at K 2025, one of the world’s leading trade fairs for plastics and rubber, which will be held in Düsseldorf. The project will be featured at the Feddersen Group’s joint booth, located in Hall 6/C76, offering a platform to showcase their contribution to sustainable packaging to a global audience.
