Sustainability is one of the most important subjects in the plastic industry, especially in the area of packaging. A representative study shows that sustainability in packaging is important to one in two consumers. This not only applies to the material used to make the packaging, but also to its entire life cycle.

As a leading film manufacturer, RKW assumes responsibility for a worthwhile future. Sustainability is therefore a key component in the RKW corporate policy. As a new member of CEFLEX, a European consortium of companies promoting the recyclability of flexible packaging and the increased use of recycled plastic, RKW will become active in enhancing the sustainability of packaging solutions and developing new industry standards. Dr. Thomas Gröner, corporate director of R&D since March 1, 2018, and responsible, amongst others, for sustainability at RKW, says: "As a supplier of innovative, sustainable packaging solutions and high-performance film for the packaging sector, RKW works together with CEFLEX to support the future-oriented demands of our customers."

CEFLEX is the collaborative initiative of a European consortium of companies that promotes the recycling of flexible packaging. The CEFLEX consortium includes more than 70 well-known member companies that cover the entire value chain of flexible packaging, from raw material producers and flexible packaging manufacturers, to fast moving consumer goods manufacturers and recycling companies. CEFLEX aims to increase the contribution of flexible packaging to the circular economy by refining suitable system design solutions.

RKW assumes responsibility – and this includes company-wide involvement in sustainability committees. RKW is a member of many associations and organizations concerned with sustainability, such as IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen e.V. (sustainability working group), P&G Suppliers Sustainability Board, EDANA Sustainability Forum, BKV – Plastics, Recycling Concepts, ERDE Recycling and the Zero-Pellet Initiative. The company is also active in many areas of sustainability, for example, through its efforts to reduce film thickness, through developing environmentally-friendly packaging alternatives (FPO) and in the Zero-Pellet Initiative, where companies commit to minimize the loss of pellets or plastic granulates throughout the process chain.