Adhesive is the least visible part of packaging. And often the one that determines whether packaging can truly be circular. Here is why.
One gram can change everything
There is a blind spot in the packaging industry.
Companies develop packaging made from mono materials. They optimize every film, every board, every layer. And then they overlook the very thing that holds it all together.
The adhesive.
Yet this is often where circularity is won or lost. The wrong adhesive can turn recyclable material into waste. Just a few grams can change the footprint of an entire package.
This is not a side note. It reaches all the way into the PPWR. And it is exactly what our CTO, Julien Heusser , recently spoke about on stage.
But first, here is the point that makes all of this tangible.
ALFAPURA® proves that adhesives are key.
ALFAPURA® is certified according to the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Standard. The standard evaluates products based on circularity and material health. It is regularly updated by the institute.
We have now updated our certificate to the latest version, 5.0. And ALFAPURA® remains at Gold level. Valid until February 2028.
Gold is not a label. It is an exclusion list
Behind the Gold level is a rigorous review of every ingredient.
It contains no CMR substances, meaning no substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction. No SVHC from the European Candidate List. No PFAS. And no other organohalogen compounds that barely break down in the environment.
The real value is created for our customers
The real benefit is for our customers.
Anyone pursuing Cradle to Cradle certification knows the most demanding part: gathering the required documentation for every single component.
For the adhesive, we can take that part off your plate.
ALFAPURA® is already certified. That means one less component you need to document yourself. And with that, less uncertainty, less time, and lower costs.
The same applies when looking at the PPWR. Its first key requirements focus on the material composition of packaging. In particular, they address the restriction of heavy metals and PFAS.
Our third party verified Material Health assessment confirms that these substances are not intentionally added to the formulation. This gives you a solid basis for your own assessment.
The role of adhesives in sustainability
Our CTO, Julien Heusser, explained at Packaging Talks 2026 why the choice of adhesive plays a key role in determining the circularity of packaging.
Watch the presentation: The role of adhesives in sustainability
