GCR and RIGK Advance High-Quality Circular Solutions for Industrial Packaging in Europe

March 2026 – GCR Sustainable Plastic Solutions and RIGK GmbH have initiated a strategic collaboration to carry out an advanced industrial recycling trial for post-consumer packaging from the German PAMIRA system and the sector-specific GVÖ scheme. The initiative aims to ensure high levels of quality, traceability and safety for technical applications.

Pictured during the testing at GCR’s facilities are Mr. Markus Dambeck, Chairman of the Management Board at RIGK GmbH, and Mr. Santiago Sans, Industrial and Innovation Director at GCR. © GCR / RIGK

Traceability at source through PAMIRA and GVÖ systems

RIGK is one of Germany’s leading collective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system providers operating under the German Packaging Act and working with major chemical industry groups.

Through PAMIRA and GVÖ, RIGK established a controlled framework for collection and pre-treatment. This structure improves traceability at source and ensures consistent input quality for the recycling trial.

Advanced mechanical recycling infrastructure

The trial took place at GCR’s advanced mechanical recycling facilities in Europe. The trial forms part of GCR’s €100 million investment programme designed to anticipate the upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

The process integrates hot washing, advanced sorting and extrusion technologies. It also includes reinforcement boosters and high-efficiency deodorisation units that support the safe reintegration of recycled material into new production cycles.

Innovation capabilities supporting industrial validation

GCR’s Innovation Division supported the project with a specialised technical team of 58 professionals and comprehensive laboratory infrastructure.

The team performs advanced material characterisation, including mechanical testing, rheology and contaminant analysis. In addition, pilot-scale equipment allows simulation of customers’ production processes to validate industrial performance.

The facilities also include state-of-the-art gas and liquid phase chromatography. These tools help verify material purity, volatile compounds and potential contaminants, providing confidence for converters and brand owners seeking reliable circular raw materials.

Industry engagement and next validation steps

Following process and quality validation, several European industrial packaging converters expressed their willingness to anticipate PPWR requirements by progressively integrating these recycled materials into their production.

According to Santiago Sans, Industrial and Innovation Director at GCR, the project demonstrates that complex industrial waste streams can become high-value recycled raw materials when traceability and analytical control are ensured.

The initiative focuses on eliminating contamination and volatile compounds that traditional recycling systems have struggled to address. As a result, initial tests confirm that volatile substances have been successfully removed. Further trials with leading sector players will take place in the coming months to consolidate these results and strengthen circular solutions for industrial packaging in Europe.