German printing inks and coatings manufacturing firm Siegwerk has announced its collaboration with three industry partners to launch a new project, called ‘SleeveConnect’.

The three companies are flexible packaging solutions producer EMSUR, converting and packaging machinery provider Karlville, and polyester film manufacturer SK microworks.

SleeveConnect, according to Siegwerk, is being introduced to represent excellence in shrink sleeve technology.

Under this project, the companies have collaboratively developed an ingenious, sustainable bottle packaging solution with ‘striking’ designs.

The project is scheduled to be launched at the upcoming trade fair, Labelexpo Europe 2023, between 11 and 14 September.

During this event, the companies will demonstrate the production process of the new sustainable bottles at Karlville’s booth.

The entire production work is carried out on Karlville’s machines, after the packaging sleeve undergoes processing at Emsur.

Siegwerk is responsible for providing washable inks and coatings, while SK microworks provides crystallisable PET polyethylene terephthalate (C-PET) shrink film.

The recycled PET (rPET) bottles for this effort are being manufactured and provided by French start-up BTC Concept.

This 100% recycling friendly, uncoloured bottle is expected to act as a good source of high quality recyclate in future.

It features high opacity white sleeve, giving more “visual body” to the packaging design, while leaving a high-quality shelf impact.

The new packaging will be available in different finishes, including soft touch and matt effect.

Siegwerk stated that the washable inks used on c-pet sleeves of the new rPET bottle make this packaging an easy to recycle mono-material.

Additionally, the packaging design can support various innovations in recycling process, for instance a digital watermark for accurate detection during sorting.

Last year, Siegwerk collaborated with Germany company Henkel to launch a recyclable flexible packaging solution.