Alternative Materials
Environmental awareness is an integral part of our corporate strategy – as evidenced, among other things, by our numerous certifications. We consistently apply this principle when developing new packaging solutions using alternative materials. We also actively seek out environmentally friendly packaging alternatives without compromising the exclusivity of the end product.
Green line is our corporate concept: We offer our entire product portfolio using alternative materials – including options with documented recycled content or bio-based components.
Recycled PET / rPET
We offer packaging solutions made from recycled PET / rPET with varying percentages of recycled material. Post-consumer recycled (PCR) material comes from used plastic products that have been collected, processed, and reused as raw material. Depending on material quality, packaging design, and technical specifications, different recycled content levels can be achieved.
The sample bottles shown in the first two images demonstrate different rPET materials and recycled content levels in the bottle body.
Recycled HDPE / rHDPE
Packaging solutions made from recycled HDPE / rHDPE can be produced with a recycled content of up to 100%, depending on the packaging design and material requirements. We will determine the specific percentage achievable for your product as part of our technical evaluation. For certain applications, tested HDPE recycled materials with “Certificates of Conformity” are available for rinse-off and leave-on products. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
We also incorporate rHDPE in co-extrusion processes – up to 50% rHDPE can be used in the middle layer and up to 80% rHDPE in the outer layer. Technical suitability is assessed on a case-by-case basis according to the specific packaging requirements.
Bio-based Polymers
Today, bio-based polymers are primarily produced from agricultural raw materials – that is, from carbohydrate-rich plants such as corn or sugarcane. At the same time, the bioplastics industry is investing heavily in research and development to diversify the range of biogenic raw materials used to produce bio-based plastics. The industry is also focusing, for example, on forestry byproducts (tall oil).
Bio-based and partially bio-based, durable polymers have technical properties comparable to those of conventionally produced polymers.
Ocean-Bound Material
Ocean-bound material refers to plastic material recovered from plastic waste near the coast and subsequently mechanically recycled and processed to produce recycled materials. We offer corresponding material solutions, particularly those based on rHDPE.
The technical properties of the material are tested based on the source material, processing method, and material quality. For specific packaging applications, material selection and technical requirements are defined in collaboration with our specialists.
Carbon Black-free
A significant portion of the plastic packaging used is black to block out light and protect the contents. Black packaging is also popular because it attracts attention and has a sophisticated, high-quality appearance. However, it poses a major challenge for the recycling value chain due to the carbon black-based pigment that has been used until now.
Recycling facilities use near-infrared (NIR) technology, whose optical sensors identify packaging for recycling based on light reflection. Black packaging cannot be reliably detected by these optical sensors, so it is sorted out and ends up in the residual waste.
The solution now comes in the form of carbon-black-free color pigments, which we at REBHAN also use to color our black vials and bottles. Instead of carbon black, “similar” dark shades are used that are also suitable for direct food contact. In the recycling process, plastics colored in this way are correctly detected and sorted, unlike carbon-black-containing packaging.
