Digital tool for a greater recycling economy
Henkel offers its EasyD4R software tool for evaluating the recyclability of packaging as a free download.
Recyclable packaging is a prerequisite for a functioning circular-flow economy. In order to determine the recyclability of new packaging quickly and reliably, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA uses the EasyD4R software tool developed for this purpose throughout the entire company. Henkel is now making this evaluation tool available to interested companies and organizations free of charge on its website.
For cooperation along the value chain
“We want to promote open cooperation and accelerate the transition to a circular economy,” says Dr. Thorsten Leopold, Head of International Packaging Development for Cleaning Agents at Henkel. “This can only succeed if all those involved along the value chain work together – with clear definitions and uniform evaluation. We want to contribute to this with our evaluation tool for the recyclability of packaging”.
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According to Henkel, the EasyD4R software tool is based on public and recognized criteria catalogues, such as those from Plastics Recyclers Europe. Henkel says, it enables the recyclability of packaging to be checked already during product development. They add that this has been confirmed by an independent audit conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology (UMSICHT). “With this tool, the recyclability of product packaging can be assessed very well,” confirms Dr.-Ing. Markus Hiebel, Head of the Department for Sustainability and Resource Management at Fraunhofer UMSICHT.
Analysis at the touch of a button
The recyclability of packaging is assessed on the basis of its composition and the individual weight proportions of the respective components, such as base materials, closure systems, labels or inks. The respective suitability for the sorting and recycling processes is stored for all components. On this basis, EasyD4R uses a traffic light evaluation system to indicate which design is recyclable to what extent and where there is potential for improvement.
Henkel has been sharing its evaluation tool with selected companies and organizations already since the beginning of 2019. In addition, Henkel presented the application in the Recyclate Forum, to which 32 dealers, manufacturers, disposal companies and packaging producers belong. According to Henkel, the feedback from the Forum participants was very positive. The firm dm-drogerie markt GmbH + Co KG has already introduced the tool as a standard for its suppliers.
