Large-scale waste study proves: Folding cartons decorated by KURZ can be easily deinked

Fürth/Germany, September 08, 2021: Recycling is considered an important building block in LEONHARD KURZ’s corporate strategy for sustainability. After all, collecting, processing, and reusing materials can significantly reduce the consumption of valuable resources as well as CO₂ emissions. The expert in high-quality finishing options now uses the latest findings from a study commissioned by Fachverband Faltschachtel-Industrie e.V. (German Folding Carton Association, FFI) on the recyclability of folding cartons to further promote the reuse of decorated packaging. The innovative and wafer-thin KURZ transfer decoration, which enables state-of-the-art designs for packaging by means of hot stamping, cold transfer, or digital transfer, is more environmentally friendly in that it leaves no PET carrier foil on the product and does not use laminates. Extensive tests carried out in cooperation with the well-known hygiene paper manufacturer Essity now also confirm the unrestricted deinkability and recyclability of folding boxes decorated with KURZ finishing. High-quality fiber can be obtained from the corresponding monofractions, which can be used for light new papers, tissue papers, and cardboard covers. This is also confirmed by Anne-Katrin Klar, PfR Sourcing Manager, Essity Operations Mainz-Kostheim: “The printer waste provided by KURZ, which we use to manufacture paper towels made from recycled paper, could be processed without any problems and without needing to make any changes to the process. There were neither any increased dirt spots nor losses or impairment of the whiteness.”

25 tons of misprinted sheets provide valuable insights

“Products finished by us are recyclable. This has been confirmed by independent associations such as INGEDE for deinking or by certification in accordance with DIN EN 13432 for compostability for many years,” emphasizes Dr. Markus von Beyer, Environmental & Safety Manager at LEONHARD KURZ. “But we have now also been able to show that recyclers can fully accept our packaging and turn it into a new, high-quality product.” For the tests, around 25 tons of paper waste were collected over several months. “Such an elaborate approach to the reusability of industrial waste is unique in the industry so far, and it’s probably not so easy to copy us,” stresses Dr. Markus von Beyer. Axel Fischer, Head of Public Relations at INGEDE, is also pleased with the successful test series: “This operational trial, in which up to 30 percent of residues from finishing were used as a raw material, confirms our previous positive results with a range of different KURZ products.”

The new findings are a win-win situation for all involved: While processors have traditionally only been able to recycle and produce lower-quality material, they now have a profitable solution for their in-house waste. Thanks to the certifications initiated by KURZ on the deinkability of decorated folding boxes and sheets, it is now more worthwhile for paper recycling companies to accept this type of waste, as they receive high-grade materials that can be turned into new quality products. “We are pleased that we are now able to prove to our customers all the important aspects of a recyclable product,” says Dr. Markus von Beyer. “This is an important milestone in our sustainability strategy!”