Henkel Shanghai packaging gains EU testing accreditation

A major leap forward in global packaging standards has landed in Shanghai, as Henkel’s Packaging Recyclab facility has secured crucial international accreditation, positioning the Asia-Pacific market at the forefront of sustainable packaging innovation.

The Shanghai facility has officially received accreditation from the cyclos-HTP Institute (CHI). This prestigious recognition grants the site the authority to conduct EU-recognized paper packaging recyclability testing and issue external assessment reports for customers throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

This development means that packaging manufacturers, converters, and brand owners across Asia-Pacific can now assess their paper packaging against stringent European recyclability standards locally. No longer is the reliance on shipping samples to Europe necessary, streamlining the process and significantly reducing the time required for compliance demonstration.

The accreditation expands Henkel’s extensive global Packaging Recyclab network, which also includes its Düsseldorf facility, creating a powerful regional hub for technical readiness. This move is perfectly timed as companies prepare for the upcoming EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), setting a new pace for environmental responsibility.

By providing this accessible, localized testing capability, the Shanghai operation offers a faster and more direct route for packaging exporters to demonstrate compliance with increasingly demanding EU requirements. This not only accelerates market entry but also solidifies Henkel’s position as a vital technical partner in packaging design, testing, and regulatory readiness across the region.

Looking ahead, Henkel is further strengthening this capacity by preparing to extend the Shanghai laboratory’s expertise to plastic packaging recyclability assessments, further cementing its role as a global leader in sustainable material solutions.

By Sophia Harris