Henkel Packaging Recyclab Shanghai Receives EU‑Recognised Recyclability Accreditation

Henkel announced that its Packaging Recyclab facility in Shanghai has successfully passed the official audit conducted by the cyclos‑HTP Institute (CHI). The CHI accreditation authorises the Shanghai site to perform EU paper packaging recyclability testing and to issue EU‑recognised external test assessment reports for customers throughout the Asia‑Pacific region.

The accredited laboratory now operates under two European test protocols – CEPI/4evergreen and CHI – allowing exporters in the region to test and assess paper packaging against EU standards locally rather than shipping samples to Europe. This local capability shortens development timelines and provides earlier clarity for market‑access planning.

Henkel highlighted that the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) imposes comprehensive requirements on packaging design, recyclability performance, recycled‑content targets, hazardous‑substance limits, reuse criteria and extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations for any producer placing packaging on the EU market. By offering EU‑aligned testing in Shanghai, Henkel aims to help manufacturers, converters and brand owners meet these obligations as part of their market‑readiness strategy.

"PPWR will reshape the competitive landscape of the packaging industry," said Dr. Alejandro Schoenhoff, Vice President, Packaging Adhesives, Henkel Asia Pacific. He added that CHI’s accreditation marks a milestone in bringing Europe’s authoritative recyclability assessment capabilities closer to Asian customers and underscores Henkel’s long‑term commitment to China and the wider region.

Yanjie Zheng, Sustainability Manager, Packaging Adhesives, Henkel Asia Pacific, emphasized that given the massive export volume from China and the broader Asia‑Pacific, addressing PPWR compliance is imperative. He noted that Henkel’s integrated, end‑to‑end solution covers the entire packaging lifecycle—from design and manufacturing applications to end‑of‑life recycling and regulatory compliance—providing an efficient and reliable path to international compliance.

Currently, the Shanghai facility focuses on paper packaging, with preparatory work underway to add plastic packaging recyclability assessments. Henkel plans to broaden the testing scope over time to include additional export packaging categories, generating performance data that informs design‑for‑recyclability practices and is shared with the wider industry.

Henkel Group Overview

Henkel is one of the world’s largest industrial adhesives suppliers, offering a portfolio that spans commercial packaging formats across the value chain. The company’s Adhesive Technologies business unit leads the global market for adhesives, sealants and coatings, while its Consumer Brands unit holds leading positions in laundry & home care and hair care. Henkel’s three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf.

In fiscal 2025, Henkel reported sales of approximately €20.5 billion and an adjusted operating profit of around €3.0 billion. The company’s preferred shares are listed in the German DAX index, and it employs roughly 50,000 people worldwide.

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