Henkel Can Now Certify Paper Packaging Recyclability in Shanghai

Henkel has received accreditation for its Shanghai packaging lab to certify paper packaging recyclability under EU standards–without sending samples to Europe. The cyclos-HTP Institute (CHI) audit cleared the Packaging Recyclab Shanghai to issue external test assessment reports for customers across Asia-Pacific. The accreditation follows the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which tightens design, recycled content, and recyclability requirements for packaging sold in the bloc.

Asia-Pacific exporters will now test against two European protocols–CEPI/4evergreen and CHI–locally. Henkel said that cuts development time and gives customers earlier clarity on market access. "PPWR will reshape the competitive landscape of the packaging industry," said Dr. Alejandro Schoenhoff, Vice President, Packaging Adhesives, Henkel Asia Pacific. He called the accreditation "an important milestone in bringing Europe's authoritative recyclability assessment and testing capabilities closer to customers in Asia-Pacific." The Shanghai lab is the second in Henkel's global Packaging Recyclab network, alongside the facility in Düsseldorf. It sits inside Henkel's Inspiration Center, where customers can work through packaging development from concept to recyclability assessment.

For packaging exporters to Europe, the shift is from compliance check to market readiness. PPWR sets rules on packaging design, recyclability performance, recycled content, and hazardous substance limits, as well as Extended Producer Responsibility obligations. Until now, many Asia-Pacific companies sent samples to European labs for recognized paper packaging recyclability testing.