Lindner, in collaboration with Procter & Gamble (P&G), has launched Flexloop, a new mechanical recycling technology making its debut at K 2025. The system introduces a solvent-based extraction step to improve the quality of post-consumer recyclate, enabling its use in sensitive applications such as cosmetics and personal care packaging.
The technology removes non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), odours, adhesives, and printing inks from polymer chains without damaging the structure, achieving a recyclate quality previously out of reach for mechanical processes. Flexloop is modular and can be integrated into existing Lindner washing and recycling systems, offering recyclers a low-cost, scalable solution.
“This is a logical and necessary development in mechanical recycling and an extension of cold and hot washing,” said Michael Lackner, CEO of Lindner Group. “Flexloop gives recyclers a valuable tool to produce high-quality recyclates for advanced applications.”
The technology originated from discussions at the previous K trade fair and has since evolved into a licensed collaboration, with Lindner holding exclusive rights to commercialise the process.
Lee Ellen Drechsler, Senior Vice President of R&D at P&G, noted: “We foresee a growing demand for high-quality recycled resin. Flexloop, developed by our researchers, offers a solution through mechanical solvent extraction to help scale plastic-to-plastic recycling.”
Yannick Stanau, Business Development Manager at Lindner Washtech, emphasized that Flexloop addresses contamination challenges common in mixed post-consumer waste. Gian De Belder, Technical Director at P&G, highlighted its ability to support circularity in film packaging by producing grades suitable for reuse in sensitive applications.
Compared to chemical recycling, Flexloop requires lower investment and energy, positioning it as a commercially viable alternative for recyclers aiming to upgrade resin quality within existing infrastructure.