German researchers and packaging firms are developing ways to seal paper and cardboard packaging without adhesives or labels, aiming to remove "stickies" that can damage recycling machinery and degrade recycled paper. The push matters because Europe's incoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, taking effect in August, will require packaging to be at least 70% recyclable by 2030 and 80% by 2038, alongside stricter German reporting and licensing rules, giving manufacturers strong commercial incentive to eliminate non-recyclable adhesives.

Three German firms are behind the innovations: Fraunhofer's PAPURE project has created a laser-based heating process to seal paper without adhesive, while Hermann Ultraschall has developed a patented ultrasonic "welding" technique, and Henkel is also involved. Fraunhofer hopes to bring its technology to market within about two years after the project formally closes in September, while Hermann Ultraschall says it is already in talks with major industry players. Both companies acknowledge the main obstacle is cost: existing packaging machinery is built around glue-based processes and would need modification or replacement to adopt the new adhesive-free methods.