ITENE showcases its technological solutions at Interpack to promote packaging circularity and PPWR compliance
- Under the slogan “Research, consulting, and testing for the packaging industry challenges” the ITENE booth presents solutions for the development of materials that comply with Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR), as well as for the validation and demonstration of compliance.
- The research center showcases successful cases with direct application in industry, as well as progress on various ongoing research projects.
The ITENE research center will participate in the new edition of the Interpack trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, from May 7 to 13. At booth F02 in Hall 9 of the Messe Düsseldorf exhibition center, visitors will be able to discover the research center’s most innovative solutions designed to support companies in their transition towards more sustainable, functional packaging adapted to the current challenges facing the industry.
Under the slogan “Research, consulting, and testing for the packaging industry challenges,” ITENE will showcase how it is leading the shift toward circularity in packaging through its ready-to-market solutions for incorporating recycled material and improving packaging recyclability, cellulose-based materials with enhanced properties, new raw materials obtained from the valorization of agricultural residues, and advanced compostable materials.
Advanced solutions to promote circularity in the packaging industry
Among the new developments that ITENE will showcase at its booth are solutions that simplify packaging structures to improve recyclability, such as monomaterial plastic films for sliced cheese and nuts packaging applications, and high barrier monomaterial lid film for cured meat packaging applications.
In terms of cellulose-based packaging with improved barrier properties and good sealability capabilities, the exhibition will showcase developments for products such as cocoa powder and nuts, as well as recyclable wet moulded cellulose trays with improved barrier properties for fresh products and ready-to-eat meals.
Meanwhile, ITENE is stepping up its efforts to promote the circular economy by transforming post-consumer waste and agricultural byproducts into high-value materials. It will showcase advanced grades from rHDPE post-consumer through reactive extrusion and pilot-scale validation, as well as recycled detergent packaging based on post-consumer polyolefins produced by water vapour decontamination processes. It will also showcase new materials obtained through the recovery of agricultural byproducts, such as labels made from grapevine pruning waste and 100% recycled cellulose pulp.
Finally, in the field of advanced compostable materials, ITENE will present 100% biodegradable and home compostable polymeric single-dose packaging.
Research in progress
The ITENE research center has been developing technological solutions through R&D for over 30 years, focusing on materials and technologies for the circular economy. In 2025, R&D represented 81% of its activity, resulting in 262 projects carried out with companies, as well as 66 research projects funded by European, national, and regional programs.
In fact, between 2020 and 2025, ITENE has worked on 54 European Union projects, 16 of which were coordinated by the research center in collaboration with more than 400 companies and organizations, reflecting its role as a key player in the development of innovative solutions for the packaging sector.
In the “Research in Progress” area that ITENE will set up at its booth at Interpack, the industrial sector will be introduced to some of the innovations that are driving the evolution of packaging toward more sustainable, circular, and safer models.
The center coordinates European projects such as Be-Up, which aims to accelerate the industrial adoption of biodegradable biopolymers by developing new biopolyesters derived from renewable raw materials. Also the MoeBIOS project, which aims to develop new technologies for the mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic recycling of bioplastic waste from packaging and other applications. Meanwhile, Insoil will launch a range of products based on polyhydroxyalkanoates that are fully biodegradable in soil and safe for the environment.
In addition, it is part of the consortium behind projects such as ZeroW, which aims to develop innovative solutions to reduce food waste by half by 2030. Terrific seeks to create eight bio-based packaging solutions with improved mechanical and barrier properties for food applications, such as thermoformed packaging for dairy products. For its part, the E-OilÉ project aims to develop sustainable packaging for single-use oily products. ITENE contributes with its expertise in biodegradable materials capable of providing the required barrier properties against oils and fats.
In terms of circularity and material recycling, the Ecotron project aims to reduce the environmental impact of printed electronic devices, while Redol seeks to promote the circular economy in cities by redesigning five urban solid waste value chains.
Finally, some of the research projects funded by the regional government’s Instituto Valenciano de Competitividad Empresarial (IVACE+i) – Generalitat Valenciana and by the European Union through ERDF funds will be presented. Among the projects highlighted in the field of packaging is Pulpfiction, focused on the development and optimization of 100% recyclable and biodegradable moulded cellulose packaging with improved functional properties. Also Recyscale, which works on technologies for the decontamination of plastic films and the recycling of laminated papers; Fibrec, for the recycling of complex fiber-based waste for its recovery in the packaging sector; and Efficient-IA-Pack, which will develop a virtual risk simulation system to improve the transport and distribution of palletized unit loads using artificial intelligence tools.
Technical support services, pilot-scale and testing for packaging validation
Finally, ITENE highlights its role as a strategic partner in helping companies ensure both regulatory compliance and the performance of their products under the new European regulatory framework. Visitors will be able to learn about ITENE’s main services, which include comprehensive technical support for adapting to the requirements of the PPWR Regulation, and the testing of food safety in its ENAC- and ILAC-MRA-accredited laboratories in accordance with applicable European and international standards.
We also hold ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) accreditation for the application of distribution cycle simulation test protocols, as well as recognition to conduct recyclability assessment tests by organizations such as RecyClass for plastics and Cepi and Aticelca for paper and cardboard. As well as compostability and biodegradability by entities such as TÜV Austria, DIN CERTCO, BPI, European Bioplastics, Compostable Materials, and Australasian Bioplastics. These services are complemented by Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) using the Environdec® system, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Ecodesign, focused on optimizing packaging development.
In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about ITENE’s capabilities in pilot-scale production of packaging innovations—including adhesives, inks, and packaging materials—through its electronic printing and processing facilities. The center also applies its expertise in the synthesis of additives and in the formulation and processing of materials to improve their performance and facilitate their industrial scaling.
With its presence at Interpack, ITENE reinforces its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the field of packaging, establishing itself as a leading player in the development of technological solutions aimed at promoting circularity, improving packaging functionality, and facilitating adaptation to the new European regulatory framework. Its participation in Düsseldorf will give companies and professionals the opportunity to see firsthand how applied research, R&D projects, and specialized consulting services translate into specific solutions for moving toward a more sustainable and efficient model.
