Henkel Extends “Design for Recycling” Tool
With EasyD4R, packaging made of paper, cardboard, glass, aluminium and tinplate can now also be tested for recyclability in addition to packaging made of plastic. Henkel offers the tool as a free download on its homepage to promote the recycling economy.
Henkel has further developed its EasyD4R software tool and significantly expanded its field of application. With the latest version, packaging made of paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum and tinplate can also be analyzed for recyclability. Henkel uses the evaluation tool for itself. But other companies and organizations can also use the tool free of charge.
“Findings from the EasyD4R tool have helped us to develop new sustainable packaging solutions that contribute to our 2025 targets,” said Colin Zenger, responsible for the development of sustainable packaging solutions in Henkel’s Laundry & Home Care business sector. “In addition, we have also received very positive external feedback”. By the end of July 2020, EasyD4R had already been downloaded over 2,500 times. “We are taking the next step with further development.”
Composition and weight percentages under the microscope
Design guidelines created by the University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna and the German minimum standard for packaging were integrated for the tool. According to Henkel, an independent test by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology (UMSICHT) confirmed that the tool reliably evaluates recyclability. The software evaluates the recyclability of packaging based on publicly recognized criteria catalogs. It analyzes the composition and the individual weight proportions of the components – for example 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 displays a clear result according to a traffic light evaluation system: It illustrates which design is recyclable to what percentage and where there is potential for improvement. In this way it supports the development of sustainable packaging solutions. Interested parties can download the tool at www.henkel.de/easyd4r.
