The landscape of the European packaging industry is currently evolving, with the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which has been voted through and will soon be applicable in every member country of the European Union.
In this context, BUDDIE-PACK, founded by the European Union, aims to develop and demonstrate sustainable strategies for reusable plastic packaging in the food and cosmetics & personal care sectors, in order to meet the new regulations requiring the introduction of reusable packaging on the market.
Knauf Industries is a key player in the European BUDDIE-PACK project, launched on September 21 and 22, 2022 in Oyonnax, France. This project, funded by the new Horizon Europe program, is coordinated by the Centre Technique Industriel des Plastiques et Composites (IPC) and brings together 19 partners from six different countries. With a budget of almost 7 million euros, the project will run for three and a half years.
Six specific targets have been set for implementing reusability. They cover all aspects of the subject. Technological solutions are developed for the design and manufacture of packaging to meet the functional properties required and appropriate for reuse. Consumer expectations are analyzed to better understand the drivers and barriers to behavioral change.
Sustainable business strategies offering profitable economic models for reusable plastic packaging are developed. Consumer and product safety, risk management and reducing the release of microplastics into the environment are key parameters taken into account.
Large-scale trials are carried out to validate reusable plastic packaging along value chains from a technical, economic and social point of view. The promotion of reusable plastic packaging throughout the EU is part of the program.
Knauf Industries, as a specialist in packaging solutions and technical parts for various sectors such as food and industry, plays a crucial role in this project, contributing to the various case studies by participating in the technical definition of the packaging and its production.
With an international presence assured by 38 plants worldwide, we master several technologies: foam molding (EPS and EPP), custom foam cutting, extrusion, thermoforming and plastic injection (PP, CPET and PBT).
By actively participating in BUDDIE-PACK, Knauf Industries is committed to revolutionizing the packaging industry while respecting environmental standards and meeting its customers’ needs with advanced, sustainable solutions.
Stay tuned, until the end of 2024, to discover the products manufactured for this project.