Henkel launches RecycLab in China to enhance packaging recyclability, promote circular economy, and strengthen sustainability collaboration across the value chain.
Henkel has officially inaugurated its Packaging RecycLab in China, marking a significant step in the company’s efforts to advance sustainable packaging practices and foster a circular economy. This specialized facility is designed to explore how adhesive technologies can enable packaging innovation while improving recyclability. By conducting localized testing, process evaluations, and optimization, the RecycLab aims to enhance Henkel’s service capabilities for both the Chinese market and the broader Asia-Pacific region. As part of the launch, a delegation led by LI Hua, Chairperson of the China Packaging Federation (CPF), visited the lab and together with Henkel initiated the 2025 ‘Green Packaging Recycling China Tour.’
Strengthening Localized Sustainability Initiatives
In light of global circular economy priorities and upcoming regulatory frameworks such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Henkel is proactively strengthening its sustainability footprint by establishing the Packaging RecycLab in Shanghai. This integrated center combines research and development, testing, evaluation, and collaboration with academic institutions and industry stakeholders. Utilizing the globally recognized CEPI/4Evergreen testing framework, the lab simulates industrial recycling processes to generate essential insights for packaging design. These insights assist Henkel’s customers in optimizing materials and structures, thereby promoting a ‘design-for-recycling’ approach and supporting the creation of a closed-loop packaging ecosystem.
Dr. Alejandro Schoenhoff, Head of Packaging APAC at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, highlighted China’s crucial role in driving global sustainability initiatives. He emphasized that the launch of the RecycLab demonstrates Henkel’s long-term strategic commitment to sustainable innovation. Through technical guidance, material optimization, and structural enhancements, the company aims to reduce environmental impacts while delivering economic and ecological benefits, reinforcing its dedication to innovation in China.
CPF Delegation Visit and Strategic Engagement
During the lab tour, CPF Chairperson LI Hua recognized Henkel’s contributions to the Chinese packaging industry, noting that the RecycLab blends international expertise with local market insights to provide valuable infrastructure for industry advancement. Yanjie Zheng, APAC Sustainability Manager for Henkel Packaging Adhesives, outlined Henkel’s holistic approach, addressing challenges across the packaging lifecycle—from sustainable design and carbon footprint reduction to end-of-life recycling and regulatory compliance. Henkel’s integrated solutions aim to accelerate the packaging industry’s sustainability goals.
The visit also featured a torch relay ceremony for the 2025 ‘Green Packaging Recycling China Tour,’ a program first initiated by CPF in 2023. Since its inception, the campaign has inspired numerous enterprises along the value chain to adopt innovative, sustainable packaging solutions.
Building a Collaborative Circular Packaging Ecosystem
The Packaging RecycLab provides a world-class platform for recycling verification and innovation for China’s packaging industry. Henkel intends to continue expanding its innovation investments and collaborative ecosystem in China, emphasizing that sustainable packaging requires collective efforts across the value chain. Through partnerships and knowledge sharing, Henkel aims to advance the green transformation of packaging in China, driving a more sustainable, circular economy for the future.
