No.1+2 2026 www.petpla.net D 51178; ISSN: 1438-9452 PETplanet is read in 162 countries Resins & additives MARKETsurvey M A G A Z I N E F O R B O T T L E R S A N D B O T T L E - M A K E R S I N T H E A M E R I C A S , A S I A , E U R O P E A N D A L L A R O U N D T H E P L A N E T 09 . 02 . 26 CAPS & CLOSURES Page 18 Page 24 EDITOURPage 10
Contact us and arrange your line trials now! www.bericap.com Sustainability meets convenience Designed for daily adventures Be it everyday family life or a city trip: with hard-to-drip Sport Caps from BERICAP, you have one less thing to worry about. They can be opened with one hand, are easy to close again, and never leak when you’re on the move. Thanks to a mono-material design, our caps are highly recyclable and can be supplied with the silicone-free BERICAP Valve on request. Furthermore, the available models for the GME 30.40 neck finish allow significant savings without having to compromise on comfort. So choose our Sport Caps to help prevent those little accidents on the road. • GME 30.40 • PCO 1881 • PET 29/25 • PET 38 Our extended Sport Caps range BSDA approved NEW Monet Crystal NEW Biarritz Visit us at interpack Hall 10 / Booth E67 Industrialized for all relevant neck finishes: Thumb'Up
No.1+2 2026 www.petpla.net D 51178; ISSN: 1438-9452 PETplanet is read in 162 countries Resins & additives MARKETsurvey M A G A Z I N E F O R B O T T L E R S A N D B O T T L E - M A K E R S I N T H E A M E R I C A S , A S I A , E U R O P E A N D A L L A R O U N D T H E P L A N E T 09 . 02 . 26 CAPS & CLOSURES Page 18 Page 24 EDITOURPage 10
We think about your caps, so you can think of everything else. www.corvaglia.com Explore the world of corvaglia
imprint EDITORIAL PUBLISHER Alexander Büchler, Managing Director HEAD OFFICE heidelberg business media GmbH Hubweg 15 74939 Zuzenhausen, Germany phone: +49 6221 651080 [email protected] EDITORIAL Heike Fischer Gabriele Kosmehl Michael Maruschke Ruari McCallion Anthony Withers [email protected] EDITOUR Kay Barton [email protected] [email protected] MEDIA CONSULTANTS Martina Hirschmann [email protected] Johann Lange-Brock [email protected] phone: +49 6221 651080 LAYOUT AND PREPRESS EXPRIM Werbeagentur Matthias Gaumann www.exprim.de READER SERVICES [email protected] PRINT Chroma Druck Eine Unternehmung der Limberg-Druck GmbH Danziger Platz 6 67059 Ludwigshafen, Germany WWW www.hbmedia.net | www.petpla.net PETplanet Insider ISSN 1438-9459 is published 10 times a year. This publication is sent to qualified subscribers (1-year subscription 149 EUR, 2-year subscription 289 EUR, Young professionals’ subscription 99 EUR. Magazines will be dispatched to you by airmail). Not to be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher. Note: The fact that product names may not be identified as trademarks is not an indication that such names are not registered trademarks. 3 PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 No. 01+02/26 www.petpla.net In 1999 - a long time ago - the first PETplanet appeared. A magazine that dealt and still deals with stretch-blown PET bottles - and not blown polyolefin bottles. Why should I write about polyolefins? The PET drinks bottle was becoming increasingly popular on the shelves. The PVC bottle had just become obsolete. After the first issue came out, the response was very positive, with the exception of two voices that took a somewhat more nuanced view of the new magazine. They were, independently of each other, Günter Krautkrämer from Bericap and Romeo Corvaglia from Corvaglia. “Great magazine, great stories, great layout” was the reaction from both of them, BUT “every bottle should have a cap” - how about PETplanet also writing about caps? And that’s where I had a pang of conscience. Should I really be writing about polyolefins and not just PET? You all know what happened next: caps quickly established themselves as the second most discussed topic at PETplanet. The caps were the starting point for many further developments in bottles: sensible ones such as weight reduction, less sensible ones such as the tethered cap. The cap was standardised, but also individualised. It differentiates between the same bottles with different contents for the end consumer - in addition to the labelling. 27 years after my crisis of conscience, today is the first time you have a magazine in your hands where you have to search for PET bottle articles. By contrast, you will find 14 articles on the subject of caps. And if you look through all the cap articles you will find PET articles: caps made of PET! And maybe I did have that vision already in 1999 - you just have to believe in it long enough. And maybe in 27 years’ time I’ll really only be writing about PET. Have fun reading. Yours, Alexander Büchler Dear readers,
PETcontents 4 PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 No. 01+02/26 www.petpla.net 01+02/2026 EDITOUR CIRCULAR ECONOMY 10 Shaping a circular future for plastics 12 „Sustainability is more than a checklist“ - Interview with Coen Vinke and Xandra van Turnhout, Holland Colours 16 Developing new chemical solutions for PET recycling CAPS / CLOSURES 18 “The US, EU and Asia are moving in different directions on industrial policy” - Interview with Benoit Henckes, CEO at UNITED CAPS 20 Redefining beverage closure production - Barnes Molding Solution implements Thermoplay’s multi-cavity hot runner system 21 PET cap & closure applications - Continuous sustainability improvement 22 Closure solutions for modern PET packaging - Meeting consumer demands 26 Expansion of tethered cap range - New 38mm variant and laser-marked decoration 27 A new chapter in sustainable packaging - Lightweighting and customised closures 28 A shift at the top - PET caps enter commercial production 30 One material, one package - Advancing sustainability with all-PET closures and bottle 31 Ultra-light tethered caps and new standards - SACMI advances sustainable rigid packaging 32 Caps & Closures products 33 PET caps in the bottle loop - Additive technology enables recyclable PET closures compatible with existing bottle recycling streams 34 Complex highspeed closure production - Additive, sealing and design MARKET SURVEY 24 Suppliers of resins & additives INSPECTION 36 Increasing requirements - Closure inspection: managing space, data, and variety MATERIALS / RECYCLING 38 AA scavengers for bottled water in MEA - Why AA scavenger solutions are critical for high-temperature markets BOTTLE MAKING 39 From initial concept to physical models - SIPA introduces in-house 3D fast prototyping service EVENT PREVIEW 40 CBST 2026 preview BUYER’S GUIDE 41 Get listed! INSIDE TRACK 3 Editorial 4 Contents 6 News CAPS & CLOSURES Page 28 Page 20 Page 10 Editour CAPS & CLOSURES
A FAMILY- OWNED SWI SS COMPANY. >P[O WYLJPZPVU LɉJPLUJ` HUK K\YHIPSP[` V\Y TV\SKZ LTIVK` [OL SLNLUKHY` :^PZZ X\HSP[` (SS V\Y 7,; 7(* HUK 4,+ TV\SKZ HYL KLZPNULK HUK THU\MHJ[\YLK PU :^P[aLYSHUK >L OH]L ILLU OLSWPUN V\Y J\Z[VTLYZ HJOPL]L [OLPY NVHSZ MVY `LHYZ -PUK V\[ ^OH[ ^L JHU KV MVY `V\ V[[V OVMZ[L[[LY Z^PZZ L i ght i l l umi nates peak per formance. yellow.agency
PETnews 6 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 No. 01+02/26 www.petpla.net After-sales alignment at Otto Hofstetter AG and Otto Systems Following the recent organisational alignment in sales, Otto Hofstetter AG and Otto Systems are combining their After Sales organisations in the PET sector. This step is claimed to represent a logical continuation of the integrated PET approach and create consistent structures for customers from initial contact through to service support. The new after-sales organisation combines mould, system and application expertise into one coordinated team. According to the companies, customers have a single point of entry for both system and mould topics, with overall responsibility for all After Sales matters in the PET environment. They claim that, in daily production, it is not always clear whether irregularities originate from the system, the process or the mould. With the new setup, this no longer needs to be a concern for operators. The coordinated after-sales organisation is intended to ensure that queries are handled efficiently by leveraging expertise across all components of the production process. As of January 1, 2026, Jean-Claude Flückiger will assume the role of Head of After Sales PET. He will be the primary point of contact for all customers. Alexander Zivkovic will continue to lead the application area, with a focus on internal processes, acceptance procedures and sampling. www.otto-hofstetter.swiss www.otto-systems.com RETAL maintains B Score from CDP RETAL announced that it has maintained its climate change B score from CDP for the second year. With a B score in Climate Change Management and B- for Water Management, RETAL Chief Sustainability Officer Emmanuel Duffaut explains how this score shows continued sustainability leadership in the plastic packaging sector: “CDP is strict and respected as a transparent and demanding disclosure tool. The last revision of their scoring methodology in 2024 once again raised the standard higher. We are proud that RETAL has maintained either a B or A score for the past four years, proving that we’re really making a difference.” www.retalgroup.com NETSTAL appoints Kevin Green as President, Americas Kevin Green is the new Managing Director of NETSTAL Inc. and President of NETSTAL Americas, based at the US headquarters in Hebron, Kentucky. Kevin Green possesses over 25 years of experience as a leader in blue chip companies and small capitalisation companies, in the global packaging, materials, and capital equipment industries. Throughout his career, he has acquired extensive expertise in finance, commerce, and operational excellence, complemented by in-depth knowledge of artificial intelligence. In his new role as President, Americas, Mr Green will be responsible for the growth of NETSTAL’s subsidiaries in the Americas. Mr Green will report directly to the Renzo Davatz, CEO of NETSTAL Maschinen AG, headquartered in Näfels, Switzerland. www.netstal.com/en/ TOMRA Recycling awarded EcoVadis Platinum medal TOMRA Sorting GmbH, the German legal entity and headquarters of TOMRA Recycling, has been awarded the prestigious Platinum medal from EcoVadis, one of the world’s most trusted and widely used platforms for assessing corporate sustainability performance. With an overall score of 87 out of 100 points, TOMRA Recycling is in the top 1% of all rated companies in the EcoVadis network globally over the past 12 months. This achievement for TOMRA Recycling marks a 11-point improvement over the past year, resulting in a leap from Gold to Platinum status. This follows the official validation of TOMRA’s net-zero climate targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The rating confirms the company’s position as a global leader in environmental and ethical performance. The Platinum medal follows a rigorous, evidence-based evaluation of four key pillars: Environment (carbon footprint and circularity), Labour & Human Rights (DEI and safety), Ethics (anti-corruption and data security) and Sustainable Procurement (supply chain risk). www.tomra.com As of January 1, 2026, Jean-Claude Flückiger will assume the role of Head of After Sales PET.
7 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 Stable financial year 2025: ALPLA achieves turnover of €5.2 billion ALPLA reported stable business performance in the 2025 financial year. The packaging and recycling company recorded turnover of €5.2 billion and continued its expansion. The workforce increased to around 25,500 employees, and the number of production sites rose to 206. According to the company, results were particularly solid in North and South America and in the extrusion blow moulding (EBM) segment. In addition, ALPLA announced new recycling targets for 2030, reflecting its stated focus on circular economy initiatives. Investments in locations and technologies, the establishment of training programmes in the USA and the entry into South American recycling have promoted sustainable growth. At a global level, the injection moulding division ALPLAinject 2025 was strengthened by the addition of six KM Packaging sites. ALPLApharma has established itself in the pharmaceutical packaging market with an increased presence, says the company. ALPLA sees opportunities for the future in fibre-based solutions from Paboco and Blue Ocean Closures (BOC). Recycling division The ALPLArecycling division looks back on a mixed year – not least due to regulatory processes in the EU and ongoing price issues. “New material is many times cheaper than recycled material. As demand falls and costs rise, there is a growing risk of low-quality imports from third countries. If the EU does not take countermeasures, the PPWR will backfire,” warns CCO Nicolas Lehner. With new recycling targets for 2030, the company aims to strengthen its activities in the circular economy amid ongoing challenges in the recycling market. Recent projects include a cooperation with NTCP in the Netherlands to produce food-grade recycled HDPE. By 2030, the share of post-consumer recycled material (PCR) is planned to increase to 30 per cent. According to the company, installed and planned recycling capacity is expected to rise from 400,000 t to 700,000 t. From 2026, annual investments of €15 million in recycling are planned. www.alpla.com The ALPLA Management Board (from left): Ricardo Rehm (CFO), Walter Ritzer (COO), Nicolas Lehner (CCO), Philipp Lehner (CEO) and Klaus Allgäuer (CTO) CREATING FUTURE STANDARDS Japan’s leading Aseptic PET Filling System Provider. Our website Our solution high quality reliable technology safe & secure
8 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 No. 01+02/26 www.petpla.net Long-term investment strategy to support continuous growth Petka, known for the production of PET preform and blowing moulds, has invested in a 10,500m² new facility located in Tarsus, Türkiye. The new manufacturing facility represents a strategic investment in advanced technology, automation, and operational efficiency. With a significantly expanded production capacity, the facility has been designed to support both current demands and future projects with greater flexibility and precision. Petka says that this expansion allows them to respond faster to customer needs while maintaining high standards that have defined their reputation over the years. Designed as an integrated manufacturing ecosystem, the new facility combines robot-supported production lines, state-of-the-art machinery, and a strong digital infrastructure. A high level of automation is intended to ensure stable, repeatable, and measurable production processes, while enhanced process control minimises human-related variability and secures consistent quality. Digital monitoring systems enable real-time performance tracking, supporting data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement across operations. Beyond capacity growth, optimised production flows have enabled a meaningful improvement in delivery performance. With the new factory, previously extended lead times have been reduced, allowing to offer faster, more predictable, and more flexible delivery schedules. This improvement strengthens the support of customers with greater reliability across ongoing and new projects. Sustainability has been a core principle in the design of the new facility. Built in line with a green factory approach, it prioritises energy-efficient systems, optimised workflows, and responsible resource management. Smart manufacturing solutions help minimise resource consumption while ensuring that energy use and environmental impact are carefully monitored and controlled, supporting long-term sustainability goals. Over the next five years, Petka aims to increase its production capacity by up to eight times, aligning growth with market demand and project requirements, while preserving its commitment to quality and reliability. www.petkamold.com CHINAPLAS 2026 From April 21 to 24, 2026, CHINAPLAS, one of the world’s largest plastics and rubber trade fairs, will take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai. The four-day event will gather thousands of exhibitors and visitors to explore advancements in materials, intelligent production, and sustainable solutions shaping modern plastics applications. CHINAPLAS 2026 is expected to cover more than 390,000m2 across 16 halls, hosting over 4,600 exhibiting companies from around the world. The fair provides a platform for industry players to showcase technologies that support high-end, automated, and environmentally sustainable production processes. While the event spans multiple sectors - including automotive, electronics, and industrial equipment - the focus is on solutions that enhance efficiency, product functionality, and material performance across a broad range of applications. One central theme is material innovation. Exhibitors will present advanced plastics, thermoplastic elastomers, composites, and engineering materials designed for durability, lightweight performance, chemical resistance, and improved electrical or thermal properties. Many of these developments enable the creation of functional, high-performance components across industries, including consumer products, medical devices, and emerging technologies. Another focus is intelligent manufacturing and automation. The fair will feature integrated production lines for injection moulding, extrusion, and blow moulding, alongside digital management and quality control systems powered by industrial IoT and AI. These solutions allow manufacturers to optimise production efficiency, reduce labour costs, and achieve consistent quality across complex processes. Green transition is the third major trend. CHINAPLAS 2026 will highlight technologies for recycling, energy-efficient production, and the development of bio-based and degradable polymers. Innovations include additive systems that improve the performance of recycled materials, methods for reusing industrial by-products, and processes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions during polymer production. These solutions are increasingly relevant to industries seeking to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. www.chinaplasonline.com
9 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 No. 01+02/26 www.petpla.net )URP VPDOO WR ODUJH WKH ;75$ V\VWHPèV YHUVDWLOLW\ VKLQHV FDSDEOH RI SURGXFLQJ D ZLGH UDQJH RI ERWWOH VL]HV IURP WR OLWHUV DGDSWLQJ VHDPOHVVO\ WR \RXU GLYHUVH SDFNDJLQJ QHHGV 7KLV EORZ PRXOGHU LV DEOH WR PDQDJH DORQJ WKH VDPH OLQH ERWK KRW ILOOLQJ FROG ILOOLQJ DQG SUHIHULHQWLDO KHDWLQJ ZLWKRXW KDYLQJ WR PRGLI\ WKH V\VWHP ([SHULHQFH WKH LQGXVWU\èV OHDGLQJ SHUIRUPDQFH ZLWK WKH ;75$ V\VWHP ERDVWLQJ WKH KLJKHVW ERWWOHV SHU KRXU SHU FDYLW\ UDWH HQVXULQJ \RXU SURGXFWLRQ VWD\V DKHDG RI WKH FXUYH &XW GRZQ RQ HQHUJ\ FRQVXPSWLRQ MXVW : WR SURGXFH D PO ERWWOH LQFOXGLQJ KHDW FRRO DQG EORZ WKDQNV WR 6,3$èV DGYDQFHG HQHUJ\ VDYLQJ WHFKQRORJ\ * for a wide range of 0oѴ;v -m7 l-bll bm|;]u-ঞom "$ output of 2800 and process angle of up to 2 ° "&"$ WKDQNV WR 6,3$ V DGYDQFHG HQHUJ\ VDYLQJ WHFKQRORJ\ &" !҃ ! + =ou or;u-|ouv -| -m Ѵ;;Ѵķ ;-v v; -m7 maintenance " ( ! ! *$! "$ķ *$! * ķ *$! ! ! "ĺ vbr-voѴঞomvĺ1ol + + &! " + $ $"
EDITOUR PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 No. 01+02/26 www.petpla.net 10 Shaping a circular future for plastics by Heike Fischer My final interview, marking the conclusion of my trip to Brussels, took place at the non-profit organisation Plarebel, dedicated to advancing the circular economy for plastics. Founded in 1999, it has evolved into a leading centre of expertise and influence in the field of plastic recycling, circular design, and sustainable waste management. Based in Brussels, Plarebel works with partners across the private, public, and institutional sectors to support the transition to truly circular plastics - where materials are continuously reused and kept in the economy rather than becoming waste. Editour Interview with Plarebel // May 15, 2025 We talked to Manon Marlier Expert Recycling and Circular Plastics at Plarebel I met with the impressive Ms Manon Marlier. A bioengineer by training, she has been working for six years as an expert in recycling and circular plastics at Plarebel. She told me about the vision on Plarebel. At the heart of Plarebel’s identity is a clear mission: to promote, develop, stimulate, and increase plastic recycling and circularity throughout Belgium and Europe. The organisation strongly believes that plastics, despite often being associated with environmental challenges, are a versatile and valuable material that can play a key role in a circular economy when managed intelligently. Manon emphasises that plastics should not be viewed simply as waste but as a resource with many potential second lives. In this vision, plastics are continuously reused, recycled, and integrated into new products, contributing to sustainable innovation rather than environmental burden. She explains that Plarebel offers a broad range of expertise, services and activities aimed at supporting organisations and companies throughout the entire plastics value chain. According to her, its core strength lies in providing expert information, advice and guidance on all aspects of plastic recycling and circularity, ranging from product design and collection systems to sorting and recycling processes. Plarebel supports Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) organisations with quality control and process optimisation, while also helping companies to integrate circular design principles into their products. Its knowledge base is described as both extensive and highly technical. Manon emphasises that ensuring high-quality recycling is essential. Plarebel works closely with partners to monitor waste streams, verify sorting and processing standards and support traceability throughout the recycling chain. These measures help ensure that plastics are recycled efficiently and effectively, thereby increasing market confidence and improving the usability of recycled materials. In addition, Plarebel focus on circular design and market development. Manon explains that it actively promotes circular design by encouraging product developers and packaging designers to consider recyclability and end-of-life recovery from the earliest stages of product development. At the same time, the organisation explores new markets for recycled plastics in order to stimulate economic demand for high-quality recycled materials. Education, Manon adds, is a central pillar of Plarebel’s activities. They are organising training courses, workshops and awareness-raising events for industry professionals, policymakers and other interested stakeholders. The topics covered reportedly range from sorting technologies and recycling methods to a deeper understanding of EPR systems and consumer behaviour. Partnerships and collaboration Plarebel’s impact is magnified through collaboration. It works closely with a diverse network of partners, including: Fost Plus – the principal partner and Belgian EPR organisation responsible for household packaging recycling, with whom Plarebel has collaborated for over 25 years. European Association of Plastics Recycling and Recovery Organisations (EPRO) – where Plarebel co-chairs technical working groups that promote knowledge exchange and best practice across Europe. Styrenics Circular Solutions (SCS) – through a reciprocal membership agreement focused on enhancing circularity for styrenic plastics such as polystyrene packaging. Other partner organisations including Valipac, Valorlux, essenscia, RecyClass, Pack4Food, and VKCCentexbel, each contributing to multidisciplinary efforts to advance plastic recycling and reuse. These collaborations help Plarebel integrate technical innovation with practical solutions, moving beyond theory into real-world applications that improve recycling rates and material quality. Manon conludes that Plarebel stands as a central driving force for circular plastics in Belgium and beyond. With nearly three decades of experience, a strong commitment to collaboration, and a comprehensive suite of expertise-based services, the organisation is helping to transform how plastics are designed, used, and reused. Through knowledge sharing, quality assurance, training, and strategic partnerships, Plarebel continues to make a meaningful contribution to building a sustainable, circular future for plastics across Europe. www.plarebel.be Sponsors
PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 No. 01+02/26 www.petpla.net 11 EVENT PREVIEW
EDITOUR PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 No. 01+02/26 www.petpla.net 12 Interview with Coen Vinke and Xandra van Turnhout, Holland Colours „Sustainability is more than a checklist“ by Heike Fischer The final destination of my round trip through the Benelux countries could not have been better. I was warmly welcomed in Apeldoorn, NL, about an hour south-east of Amsterdam, at Holland Colours B.V., one of the leading manufacturers of masterbatches, colourants and additives. Coen Vinke, CEO, who joined the company in 2018, together with Xandra van Turnhout, Head of Global Marketing & Communication, and August Dong, Growth Marketer, kindly took the time to answer my questions. I greatly enjoyed the interview and am delighted to share insights into this remarkable company, whose very first product was already produced sustainably. Editour F.l.t.r: Coen Vinke, CEO and Xandra van Turnhout, Head of Global Marketing & Communication at Holland Colours Interview with Holland Colours May 21, 2025 PETplanet insider: Is your company certified according to EcoVadis or other sustainability standards? Holland Colours: At Holland Colours Europe BV, sustainability is more than a checklist – it’s an ongoing commitment. We are currently completing our EcoVadis re-assessment. Since we are stock-market listed, we set our sustainability goals. We also make an ESG report as part of our annual report to evaluate and publish. We report according to CRSD guidelines, which will help us to continue the improvement of our ESG. PETplanet insider: What measures have you taken to reduce energy consumption in production? Holland Colours: In our production we strive daily to develop innovative products and reduce our carbon footprint. In fact, by 2030, we want to reduce our CO2 emissions by 50%. There are several ways to do this, including using less energy and optimising processes. But we can also do it by purchasing greener electricity. Over the last few years, we have already worked to use less energy compared to previous years with smart improvements in the various production locations, installing CFC lightbulbs, and similar endeavors. As this remains a focus in all divisions, we expect to keep seeing improvements. In July 2024, it was announced that HCA Apeldoorn had moved to 100% green energy. This was an investment in the sustainability of our company that will help us achieve our ambition and is, of course, good for the world. The difference between gray and green electricity is how it is generated. While gray electricity is generated from fossil fuels such as coal, green electricity is generated by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy. Along with other green undertakings, HCA Americas purchased and retired/used renewable electricity certificates (RECs) between Jan 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. These certificates represent a portion of wind energy outside of the normal coal energy offered by the local power company. HCA Asia also purchased green energy certificates within FY 24/25, reducing their kg CO2eq / kg to 0.52. As the HCA target is ≤0.58kg CO2eq / kg, this is great news for the Asia location. They also regularly plant trees (mangrove and on Surabaya streets) to help Earth’s health. Although this activity is not claimed as a CO2 reduction, it most certainly helps the effort overall. Reducing energy together with customers and partners, we cocreate sustainable solutions that reduce energy consumption, enable recycling, and cut waste. Our pigment encapsulation technology uses renewable resources where possible, helping us reduce energy consumption in production and meet growing sustainability demands from clients. In this way, the carbon footprint of our customers’ products is reduced. For example, our additives for packaging are designed to improve production efficiency. In line with our Accelerateto-Win strategy, we are working to establish a position in the circular value chain, using renewable ingredients and supporting the development of recycling markets. PETplanet insider: What strategies are you implementing to reduce production waste, and how do you ensure that it is returned to the circular economy? Holland Colours: Next to reducing our own production waste and increasing efficiency, our goal is to help our customers optimise their production processes, thereby reducing waste that results from rework and inefficiencies. Our additives are designed to support customers in achieving more efficient manufacturing processes, which ultimately leads to less waste and better resource utilisation. PETplanet insider: Are there specific programs for water and chemical savings in your company? Holland Colours: Yes, we have our own system in Europe and Americas. We have an Environment Sponsors
PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 No. 01+02/26 www.petpla.net 13 EDITOUR Swiss-engineered Preform Systems PERFORMANCE ASSURED. WITH SWISS PRECISION. Otto Systems high-performance PET preform production solutions: Tailored, turnkey, FRPSDFW DQG FRVW HIƓFLHQW 7RWDO SUHIRUP SURFHVV NQRZ KRZ DW \RXU VHUYLFH IURP WKH ƓUVW FRQFHSW WR WKH RSHUDWLRQDO VXSSRUW otto-systems.com yellow.agency
EDITOUR PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 No. 01+02/26 www.petpla.net 14 Protection in the production facility that focuses on recycling and reuse of materials. If we look at chemical manufacturing, there’s a big amount of water used but our product production process is optimised with minimal water usage and intended for maximum environmental friendliness. PETplanet insider: What criteria do you use when selecting your suppliers to ensure environmental and social standards? Holland Colours: We also have a strong focus on understanding our suppliers’ product development processes and ensuring they align with our sustainability goals. Our ultimate target is to have 90% of our revenue derived from sustainable products by 2030. To achieve this, we continue to invest in innovation, supplier engagement, and sustainable product development, prioritising the use of renewable ingredients over fossil-based alternatives wherever possible. Together with our suppliers, we identify and select materials that are aligned with the criteria of sustainable products. By engaging in open discussions, we actively encourage them to adopt more sustainable practices. We are dedicated to minimising our carbon footprint and effectively managing greenhouse gas emissions across all three scopes: Scope 1: Directly from sources HCA owns or controls Scope 2: Indirect from electricity we purchase Scope 3: They include all indirect emissions that are not covered by Scope 2. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including the emissions from business travel, our employees’ commuting, waste generation and water usage. Through in-depth reporting on all three scopes of emissions, we assess, manage, and mitigate our carbon footprint. Our strategies to curb emissions span across the entire supply chain, including investments in renewable energy and collaboration with suppliers to enhance their sustainability efforts. PETplanet insider: Do you collaborate with partners or authorities to promote closed-loop recycling systems? Holland Colours: We are members of associations such as PETCORE where we work together with industry partners on the challenges the industry and look for innovations. We are part of a taskforce of PETCORE to work on improving the recyclability of white rPET opaque bottles. At Holland Colours, our products play a crucial role in supporting closedloop recycling by enabling materials to be recycled more effectively. For example, our CircStab technology is specifically designed to prevent material degradation during recycling, which helps keep the quality of recycled materials high and makes it easier to reuse them in new products. By improving the recyclability of materials and reducing degradation, we contribute to creating more circular systems for our customers. This not only helps close the loop but also reduces the need for virgin materials, ultimately supporting a more sustainable and circular economy. PETplanet insider: Do you use AI for transformation processes related to sustainability (process analysis, savings potential, etc.)? Holland Colours: We are preparing ourselves for the use of AI in support of further optimising our production, and the sustainability performance of our production. The current step we’re working on is to ensure that we unlock the relevant data end ensure data quality. PETplanet insider:What are you doing in regard to ESG? Holland Colours: On ESG implementation and strategy: We recognise the importance of integrating ESG principles into our products, operations, and overall corporate strategy. Leveraging technology and data plays a key role in driving innovation, particularly in developing solutions that contribute to a more sustainable industry. Our focus on collaboration, connectivity, and co-creation ensures that ESG remains central to our operations, allowing us to meet the evolving expectations of our stakeholders. Transition from CSR to ESG framework: We are actively integrating our previous CSR efforts into a more structured ESG framework. As part of our commitment to ESG, we have taken several steps, including embedding ESG factors into our internal processes, establishing robust governance structures, and making necessary changes based on double materiality analysis. This approach aligns with evolving compliance requirements and enhances our capacity for internal evaluation and external ESG communications. CSRD compliance and future steps: We are preparing for compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which will be mandatory starting in 2027/2028. Although the directive is not yet applicable, we have already begun aligning our processes with its guidelines. This proactive approach helps us gradually integrate the CSRD requirements into our operations, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and sustainability. Our efforts include emissions reporting for Scope 1, 2, and 3, and analysing our product portfolio for sustainability. Progress and reporting systems: In line with CSRD guidelines, we have made significant progress. Over 95% of our product portfolio has already been analysed for sustainability. Additionally, we have implemented reporting systems, including a dashboard to track non-financial data, and initiated limited assurance for our ESG reporting. These actions are part of our ongoing efforts to refine our data collection systems and improve transparency. Next steps and roadmap: As we move forward, we are refining our double materiality analysis and addressing gaps in our data collection systems. Our roadmap for 2024-2026 includes embedding ESG processes across the company, ensuring that sustainability is fully integrated into our decision-making and daily operations. By aligning with CSRD and its associated ESRS requirements, we are not only ensuring compliance but also strengthening our position as a responsible corporate citizen. Sponsors Editour
PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 No. 01+02/26 www.petpla.net 15 EDITOUR 15 EDITOUR Shall we? %X 7%'1- TEVXRIVWLMT MW JSVIZIV Choose everlasting excellence for your tethered cap production plant. With SACMI ]SYƅPP ƼRH E JYXYVI VIEH] WSPYXMSR XLEXƅW designed to stand the test of time. sacmi.com E N D L E S S I N N O V A T I O N S I N C E 1 9 1 9 PETplanet insider: What new technologies or materials are you testing to further advance the circular economy in PET processing? Holland Colours: We are focusing on advancing the circular economy in PET processing through functional additives, especially in PET packaging. Our innovations include ViscoBoost, which enhances PET viscosity during recycling, and CircStab, which stabilises PET during recycling process, reducing discolouration and degradation. Our efforts will continue to be in this field but also on other options that increase the use of recycled materials like our ReWhite product that enhances the ability to create circular use of white PET. In 2024/2025, we also introduced a new generation of Sublimation-stable TintMask, benefiting recyclers by improving stability during the recycling process. Additionally, we’ve optimised our HolcoPET liquid series for customers in EMEIA. We’re also testing to what extend specific combinations of these solutions can help our customers in recycling as well as in production of PET bottles. Our new venture Revive Colours provide low CO2 footprint – bio-based pigment. PETplanet insider: In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the European plastics industry in the next 5 to 10 years? Holland Colours: The biggest challenges facing the European plastics industry in the next 5-10 years include adapting to circular economy demands, improving recycling rates, and coping with rising energy costs. However, despite the economic pressures, there was a strong sense of determination to move forward in the right direction. Problems with recycling of plastics are: high electricity prices in EU, feedstock security, complicated logistics to have feedstock at the plant and closer to customers, low customer demand for recycled product, low margins (not mentioned but related: virgin prices due to cheap import lower than recycled plastics) and political struggles to solve issues. Holland Colours is conducting a global campaign, “Factory of the Future Packaging”, which includes interviews with partners across the entire supply chain. We’re gathering insights on market trends, opportunities, and challenges from all regions - Asia, EMEIA, and the Americas. PETplanet insider: Thank you very much for taking the time to provide such an in-depth insight into your company’s efforts in sustainable production. www.hollandcolours.com
EDITOUR PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 No. 01+02/26 www.petpla.net 16 Developing new chemical solutions for PET recycling by Ruari McCallion The growing trend towards circularity in packaging is driving the development of new technologies and solutions. PET bottles have a well-established recycling infrastructure - not perfect, yet, but progress towards a completely circular supply, consumption and recycling economy is well on the way, in the beverage sector in particular. This is not, so far, the case with trays, which present different challenges to recyclers. Editour Interview with MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions We met: Sebastian Laux, Global Business Development Manager Enrico Sobrero, Global Technical Manager MacDermid Enthone, headquartered in the USA and operating in countries across the world, has over 30 years’ experience in plastics recycling and its washing processes and has lately been focusing development resources on the mechanical recycling of PET trays. The company says that it is not merely responding to market shifts; it is working collaboratively with its customers and partners in order to shape the future. From automotive to food and beverage MacDermid Enthone is best known for its work in surface finishing; in developing plating and coating systems for automotive, and electronics applications. Its expertise in surface cleaning has also been applied to plastics for decades, shaping their approach to PET recycling, where cleaning agents and process additives must balance three key factors: performance, compliance, and operational stability. This is reflected in their formulation strategy, built on three pillars: “First, cleaning performance - removing adhesives, fats, and organic residues,” explained Laux. “Second, regulatory compliance - ensuring adherence to food-grade standards. Third, process behaviour - minimising foam and maintaining stability under turbulent conditions.” The company’s historical focus has been on PET bottles, which offer cleaner input streams and established infrastructure but growing interest in tray recovery, driven by packaging mandates and sustainability targets, encouraged the company to develop a new product line: ADDITIVE TR (Tray Recycling). Tray recycling: breaking bonds and delaminating The TR series includes formulations tailored to two process types: batch-style (stirrer) and friction-based washing systems. These additives go beyond cleaning and address delamination in multi-layer trays. “Forty per cent of trays are made from multimaterial structures. These will, typically, be PET bonded with PE through a coupling agent like glue or another polymer (EVA, EVOH or TPU). These layers are designed for shelf life and functionality, not recyclability,” Sobrero said. ADDITIVE TR is engineered to break down these bonds between the layers and thus enable more effective separation and recovery of the PET layer. Trays are used for packaging foods such as meat, cheese and fish. This inevitably means that the trays will be subject to higher levels of organic contamination. The challenge that MacDermid Enthone has faced is the demand for more robust cleaning chemistry than beverage bottles. Tray recyclers are already using TR products and the company is actively working with recycling equipment manufacturers to optimise machinery output together with the new chemistries that it has developed. Tray-to-tray recycling is no longer a hypothetical ideal; it is here, now, it is technically viable and it is commercially scalable, Laux emphasised. Bottle-to-bottle recycling In addition to their products for trays recycling, Sobrero described ADDITIVE RP 34 and RP 38 as highperformance cleaning agents for bottle-to-bottle applications. “They are high-concentration, low-foaming formulations, designed for demand- Sponsors Sebastian Laux, Global Business Development Manager Enrico Sobrero, Global Technical Manager
PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 No. 01+02/26 www.petpla.net 17 EDITOUR ing environments where input material quality varies,” he said. The RP series is engineered to deliver food-grade output regardless of upstream variability. Regulatory compliance MacDermid Enthone’s approach focuses on alignment with global food-contact regulations. All cleaning agents and process additives comply with FDA (Food & Drug Agency, USA) and EFSA (European Food Standards Agency) standards for indirect foodcontact. This is a critical requirement to produce food-grade rPET. Compliance hinges not just on chemical inputs but on the integrity of the entire process. Besides sorting, cleaning is an essential step in mechanical recycling but it is only one part of the process. In order to gain direct food-contact approval, recycled PET must undergo polymerisation, a thermal process that restores polymer chains to near virgin quality. EFSA evaluates the full recycling process, including the washing process and polymerisation stage, before granting bottle-to-bottle certification. Eliminating bubbles “Consumers associate foam with cleanliness, but industrial recyclers require low-foaming cleaning agents, in order to avoid process disruptions,” Laux explained. “Our ADDITIVE series is designed to deliver effective surfactant performance while minimising foam generation, even under high-turbulence wash conditions.” To further control foam, the company offers both silicon-based and non-silicon defoamers tailored to different process requirements. While over 90% of customers choose silicon-based options for cost, performance, and safety reasons, certain machinery setups require non-silicon With production facilities in Germany, Italy, the USA, China and India, plus warehouses worldwide, they are well-placed to support recyclers globally with their service solutions. Their formulations integrate easily into existing workflows, to improve throughput quality and process stability. As tray recycling gains momentum and regulatory pressures mount, their additive technologies offer a modular toolkit for recyclers seeking both performance and compliance. www.macdermidenthone.com alternatives. Additionally, MacDermid Enthone provides separation agents that enhance the separation of PET from lighter plastics. Experience and partnership “Our team has worked for years in this business and across the entire process, not just the wash stage,” Laux said. According to the company, the team can demonstrate a depth of process knowledge ahead of its competitors, especially those who have entered the field more recently. Their expertise spans washing, wastewater treatment and line optimisation allowing them to support customers not just with chemistry, but with systemlevel troubleshooting. What sets MacDermid Enthone apart, according to Sobrero, is their partnership model. “We don’t just supply chemicals,” he said. “We help customers use them at their best.” This means on-site support, iterative laboratory trials and deeply collaborative problem solving. The team has been known to work closely on-site with partners, to improve not just performance but also process efficiency and energy savings, which translate into commercial value. “Our customers could solve these problems on their own but, with our help, they solve them faster.” Global operations MacDermid Enthone is a large, global company whose main business is in the engineering and manufacturing sector. PET recycling represents a niche within its portfolio but one the company has largely defined itself.
CAPS & CLOSURES 18 PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 No. 01+02/26 www.petpla.net Interview with Benoit Henckes, Chief Executive Offi cer (CEO) at UNITED CAPS “The US, EU and Asia are moving in different directions on industrial policy” The start of a new year invites reflection on the past and offers an outlook on the future. 2025 has not been a year that allows for simple headlines. It was a year of regulatory acceleration, shifting customer expectations, geopolitical pressure on supply chains and a rising demand for credible sustainability proof, not just positioning. CAPS & CLOSURES CEO Benoit Henckes reflects on a year shaped by regulatory acceleration, shifting customer expectations and deep operational transformation inside UNITED CAPS. In this interview, he discusses the challenges and opportunities that will define 2026 - from PPWR implementation to circular design, mass balance, automation and the future of supply chains. PETplanet: If you had to describe 2025 in one sentence, what would you say? Henckes: It was the year when ambition met reality. Many commitments were made in the last five years, but 2025 exposed who is actually prepared for PPWR, who understands the impact of mass balance, who is ready to secure credible recycled feedstock and who is still hoping the rules will soften. We do not think they will. PETplanet: Let’s start with that regulation. Is the industry ready for PPWR? Henckes: Not uniformly. UNITED CAPS is aligned with the direction of PPWR, but the wider ecosystem is uneven. We still do not have harmonised mass balance rules. Enforcement differs across Europe. And the chemical recycling sector has been unstable, with several European plants closing. There is a clear need for our industry to develop a much stronger voice at this table. But one thing I am certain of, customers who wait will find compliance more difficult. The smart ones are moving now. One positive development is the stronger collective stance emerging through EuPC. A coordinated communication effort is being built to defend fair competition and support the shift to a circular, low carbon plastics industry. UNITED CAPS intends to contribute actively to that work. PETplanet: Mass balance became a defining theme. Why will it matter even more in 2026? Henckes: Because it is the system that allows circular and bio-based feedstock to scale without building a parallel chemical infrastructure. Mass balance is not about shortcuts. It is audited accounting with chemistry attached. You match sustainable input with sustainable claims. The fuel use exclusion discussions are important here. If part of the feedstock ends up as fuel, it must be subtracted from what can be claimed as recycled or bio-based content. This is likely to become the default allocation method for SUPD and PPWR. It will bring clarity, and it will expose overstatement where it exists. We also increased our engagement with the European Commission this year. The message from Brussels is consistent. Industry needs to provide concrete input if PPWR is to drive real circularity. UNITED CAPS will be an active voice in that process. PETplanet: What concerns you most about recycled content as we look toward 2026? Henckes: Credibility. There is no shortage of material in a global sense, but not all of it is certified to the standards Europe will require. Imported recycled materials with inconsistent verification create market distortion and undermine European recyclers. Europe will need stronger enforcement to avoid that. At the heart of PPWR and SUP is a simple expectation. Circularity means recycling the waste generated within Europe, not relying on material produced elsewhere. PETplanet: The Sustainability Week at UNITED CAPS held in November 2025 highlighted real operational progress inside. What mattered most for you? Henckes: The work the team presented at Sustainability Week is fundamental. We reduced the carbon footprint of our closures through operational changes that touch every part of production. Switching to 100% green electricity across European plants, modernising compressors and energy systems, adding solar capacity, improving machinery efficiency, reducing internal scrap, installing LED lighting. These are mostly invisible improvements to customers, but they change the baseline of every closure we make. We also expanded product level carbon footprint measurement for our closures. That allowed us to reduce the cradle to gate footprint of standard products by more than 12% compared to 18 months ago. Progress is not theory. It is in the numbers. And most importantly, 2025 made one thing very clear: Recyclability starts at the design table. Most of a cap’s foot-
CAPS & CLOSURES 19 PETplanet Insider Vol. 27 No. 01+02/26 www.petpla.net print is decided before the tool ever runs. That principle will guide how we design the next generation of products. Beyond our own operations, we are supporting efforts to improve carbon data quality from material producers. Reliable upstream information is essential for real decarbonisation, and a collective approach will help the entire value chain move faster. PETplanet: Where does product innovation sit within this? It has been a demanding year operationally. Henckes: Innovation becomes more important, not less. We advanced our lightweighting work, especially in edible oil caps where we will deliver lighter, more recyclable solutions without sacrificing performance. We also introduced our PPWR Ready range to help customers act early rather than waiting for the rules to harden. At the same time, our teams are preparing the product platforms we will take to Interpack. Interpack only comes once in a cycle. It’s a great opportunity to show where the company is heading. We intend to use that opportunity fully. tomers, but to help them understand what is coming and why waiting is the risky option. Sustainability Week helped here because it provided clarity. It removed the noise and showed the facts. PETplanet: So, what is your outlook for 2026? Henckes: Demand will remain cautious at the start of the year. But the regulatory wave is not slowing. PPWR will continue to move from discussion to implementation. Carbon reporting will harden. Mass balance will become central. And Interpack will be the first major moment to show how design, carbon and circularity come together in real products. For UNITED CAPS, the priority is clear. Stay credible. Stay science based. Stay ahead of the rules. And help customers move from ambition to action. PETplanet: Thank you very much! www.unitedcaps.com PETplanet: Let’s talk supply chains. Are they any more predictable than last year? Henckes: Not really. Energy is more stable than 2023 to 2024, but it is still a structural cost risk. The geopolitical picture is fragmented. The US, EU and Asia are moving in different directions on industrial policy. Tariffs are on and off… trade no longer outpaces GDP, which tells you supply chains are shortening. Europe risks becoming less competitive if it does not address carbon competitiveness. PETplanet: Let’s finish with customers. Are they really ready to move with urgency on sustainability? Henckes: Some are. Many are not. Consumers say they will pay more for sustainable packaging but often do not follow through. Brands behave the same. Commitments are made, but action follows slowly unless cost can be shared. Trust is low. Scrutiny is high. And the rules are tightening. This is why we ask our sales teams to discuss sustainability in every meeting. Not to pressure cus4–5 March Cologne (Germany) ai-circulareconomy.eu Be Part of the Future! SPONSOR the transformation. EXHIBIT in the very heart of the conference hall. MEET valuable contacts and shape the circular economy. >200 Participants Expected Unlocking the Potential of Renewable Carbon from Biomass, CCU and Recycling through Artificial Intelligence • Digital Twins, PINNs & Process Intelligence • Data-Driven & Optimised Operations in Manufacturing • AI for Sustainable Materials Discovery • Mechanical & Chemical Recycling with AI • Smart Sorting & Feedstock Intelligence Systems • Predictive Economic Modelling & Strategic Market Intelligence • Waste-to-Value & Bioeconomy Innovation • Society, Skills & Responsible Innovation with AI
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY0MjI=