Henkel’s RecycLab in China Accelerates Circular Economy Growth, Redefines Packaging Recyclability and Inspires Asia-Pacific Industries Toward Sustainable Innovation, Cleaner Production, and a Greener Global Future 30-10-2025
Circular Economy – Henkel’s New China RecycLab Sparks Game-Changing Packaging Ecosystem Innovation Across Asia-Pacific in Circular Economy Era
The global packaging sector is undergoing a transformation, and the newly launched Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Packaging RecycLab in Shanghai marks a major step. This lab is dedicated to advancing packaging recyclability, leveraging adhesive solutions, and supporting a circular economy across China and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Localised sustainable innovation
Recognising the importance of regional solutions, Henkel built the RecycLab in China to serve local market needs while aligning with global regulations and frameworks. The facility integrates development, testing, evaluation and collaborations with academia and industry.
The RecycLab is designed around the internationally recognised Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) / 4Evergreen initiative testing framework, enabling simulation of industrial recycling processes. This provides critical data to support packaging design governed by the “design-for-recycling” concept and closed-loop systems. henkel.com+1
Strategic Chinese market commitment
Henkel’s senior leadership emphasises the strategic significance of the Chinese market for global sustainability efforts. By locating the RecycLab in Shanghai, the company demonstrates its long-term commitment to the region. The lab enables Henkel to help customers optimise material selection and packaging structure, thereby reducing environmental footprints while balancing economic value.
The ability to conduct localised testing and process optimisation strengthens Henkel’s service offering in China and throughout Asia-Pacific. This direct alignment supports faster innovation cycles and tailored solutions, rather than one-size-fits-all global models. henkel.com
Industry collaboration and ecosystem building
The lab’s launch was marked by a visit from a delegation of the China Packaging Federation (CPF), chaired by Li Hua. Together with Henkel, they initiated the 2025 “Green Packaging Recycling China Tour” to engage value-chain participants in sustainable packaging practices.
Li Hua highlighted that the RecycLab blends global expertise with local market demands and will serve as an important infrastructure investment for the entire Chinese packaging industry.
Furthermore, Henkel’s APAC sustainability manager underlined that the packaging lifecycle—from design, material sourcing and carbon footprint to end-of-life recycling and regulatory compliance—is addressed through the lab’s integrated approach.
Toward a new packaging ecosystem
The establishment of the RecycLab sets the stage for an inclusive and collaborative packaging ecosystem. Rather than simply developing new adhesives, the aim is to coordinate across materials, structures, recycling streams and industry partners to enable meaningful circular economy outcomes.
By offering a world-class recycling verification platform, Henkel intends to scale innovation, deepen investment in China and expand the cooperative ecosystem across the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative reflects the view that achieving sustainable packaging cannot be done in isolation—it requires value-chain alignment, shared infrastructure and technical services designed for recyclability.
