The European pilot project launched by RIGK GmbH and GCR Plastic Solutions aims to demonstrate that complex industrial packaging streams can be recycled and reintegrated into industrial production while maintaining defined quality, traceability, and safety standards. This initiative focuses on packaging used in plant protection, liquid fertilizer containers, and lubricant containers, collected through controlled systems in Germany.

RIGK operates collective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems under the Packaging Act, working with the chemical industry to manage take-back and recycling schemes for industrial, commercial, and agricultural packaging. The project incorporates materials from two specific systems: the PAMIRA system, which collects plant protection and fertilizer containers, and the GVÖ system, which focuses on lubricant packaging. Both systems ensure controlled collection, pre-washing, and traceability to guarantee material consistency for recycling.

The recycling process takes place at a mechanical recycling facility operated by GCR Plastic Solutions, where hot washing, advanced sorting technologies, and extrusion are used. These processes help to reduce contaminants and improve material quality, ensuring that recycled materials can be used in technical applications without any residual substances from the original packaging interacting with new products. The project also incorporates deodorization units to eliminate any remaining odors, ensuring that the recycled materials meet the high standards needed for industrial use.

Extensive analytical testing is an integral part of the project, with laboratory tests conducted to validate the purity and performance of recycled materials. This includes gas and liquid phase chromatography systems to analyze volatile compounds, and mechanical testing to assess the recyclates' suitability for downstream manufacturing processes. The project ensures compliance with the upcoming European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which requires packaging materials to meet stringent environmental and safety standards.

Following successful trials, which were conducted in late February 2026, the project has sparked interest among European industrial packaging manufacturers, who are keen to integrate the recycled materials into their production processes. The goal of the pilot project is to establish reliable circular material flows, ensuring that packaging materials can be recycled efficiently and safely, while maintaining high-quality standards for technical applications.

The initial results of the trials showed a significant reduction in volatile compounds in the processed material. This marks a key step towards validating the process and improving the overall recycling quality. In the coming months, further trials with industry partners will be conducted to refine the process and ensure the consistent supply of high-quality recycled materials for industrial applications.