October 27, 2025

Igniting the ‘Green Torch’ relay with China Packaging Federation to advance localized sustainable innovation

Henkel launches RecycLab in China to pioneer a new packaging ecosystem

Shanghai – The Henkel Packaging RecycLab has officially launched its operations in China. This specialized facility is dedicated to evaluating how adhesive solutions can drive innovation in packaging recycling and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Through localized testing and process optimization, the RecycLab will enhance Henkel's capabilities in serving the Chinese and broader Asia-Pacific markets. A delegation led by LI Hua, Chairperson of the China Packaging Federation, visited the lab and jointly initiated the 2025 ‘Green Packaging Recycling China Tour’ with Henkel.

Deepening localized sustainable innovation
Amid global circular economy efforts and the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Henkel is proactively responding by establishing the Packaging RecycLab in Shanghai. This integrated center combines development, testing, evaluation, and industry-academia-research collaboration. Built on the internationally recognized CEPI/4Evergreen testing framework, it simulates industrial recycling processes to provide critical data for packaging design. This supports customers in optimizing solutions and helps the industry establish a ‘design-for-recycling’ closed-loop system.

Dr. Alejandro Schoenhoff, Head of Packaging APAC at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, emphasized the pivotal role of the Chinese market in global sustainability. He stated that the launch of the Henkel Packaging RecycLab in China is a key strategic step, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment. He further explained that Henkel is taking concrete actions to lead the transformation of packaging by helping customers optimize material selection and packaging structures through systematic technical services. This initiative aims to reduce environmental footprints and achieve a win-win for both economic and ecological benefits, fulfilling the commitment to innovation in China.  

In-depth visit by China Packaging Federation 
A CPF delegation led by Chairperson LI Hua toured the Packaging RecycLab and discussed future cooperation. LI Hua acknowledged Henkel's contributions to China's packaging industry, stating, “The Packaging RecycLab combines an international perspective with local market needs. It will serve as valuable infrastructure for the entire industry.” 

Yanjie Zheng, APAC Sustainability Manager for Henkel Packaging Adhesives, outlined Henkel's comprehensive strategy for the packaging industry. He addressed critical challenges across the entire packaging lifecycle (from sustainable design and carbon footprint to end-of-life recycling and regulatory compliance) and demonstrated how Henkel's integrated solutions are designed to accelerate the industry's sustainability ambitions.

A highlight of the CPF visit was the torch relay ceremony for the 2025 ‘Green Packaging Recycling China Tour’. Since its inception by CPF in 2023, when the torch was first passed to Henkel during a past China International Import Expo, a historic moment that inspired hundreds of value-chain enterprises towards packaging upgrades, the campaign continues its mission.  

Building a collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable new packaging ecosystem
The Packaging RecycLab provides the Chinese packaging industry with a world-class recycling verification platform. Henkel will continue increasing innovation investments in China and expand the cooperative ecosystem. Achieving sustainable packaging requires coordinated efforts across the value chain, and Henkel looks forward to collaborating with more partners to advance the green transformation of China's packaging industry.

About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company's three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2024, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.6 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.1 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 47,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: "Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com 

Photo material is available at www.henkel.com/press

Contact	Amy Zou	
Phone	+86 135 2430 6431	
Email	amy.zhou@henkel.com	

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Henkel has launched its RecycLab in Shanghai to pioneer a new packaging ecosystem.

LI Hua, Chairperson of the China Packaging Federation and Dr. Alejandro Schoenhoff, Head of Packaging APAC at Henkel Adhesive Technologies during the torch ceremony.