It's been a while since we last reported on HolyGrail 2.0 - so it's high time to take another look at this exciting initiative.
As a reminder, HolyGrail 2.0 is a joint project under the umbrella of the European Brands Association (AIM) with the aim of using digital watermarks on packaging to significantly improve the sorting and recycling of plastic packaging. What sounds like a minor technical detail at first glance actually has the potential to be a real game changer in the circular economy.
Why digital watermarks?
The invisible codes, which are applied directly to the packaging material, allow important information to be read by machine during the recycling process - such as material type, product category or previous use. This enables finer and more precise sorting, which in turn improves the quality of the recyclates. This is particularly relevant for us as a manufacturer of packaging solutions for the food industry: It is currently a challenge to return food packaging to the cycle after use in a pure and food-safe form. HolyGrail 2.0 could fundamentally change this.
A lot has happened since our last article: the technology has been successfully trialled in industrial test environments and has shown that digital watermarks are a reliable solution for sorting by material type and product category - particularly relevant when it comes to separating food and non-food packaging.
As a packaging manufacturer focussing on the food industry, we see great potential in this development. HolyGrail 2.0 can help to close the material cycle by enabling our packaging to be better sorted and recycled at the end of its life. This is not only a plus for the environment, but also a clear signal to our customers that we take responsibility along the entire value chain.
For us as a member, this means that we are part of a movement that is driving real change in packaging recycling. And we will keep at it - because innovation in terms of sustainability is more than just a trend for us.
I look forward to further developments and hope to be able to report more about the next important steps on the way to a functioning circular economy soon!
For more information have a look at: https://www.digitalwatermarks.eu/
