Stahl joins Ceflex

Stahl, provider of speciality coatings for flexible materials, has become a member of Ceflex, a collaborative European initiative working to make all flexible packaging fully circular and in line with PPWR.  

Ceflex is a value chain initiative driving system change in flexible packaging - and a welcome match to Stahl’s mission to promote sustainability and innovation in every aspect of its operations. It brings together companies, associations, and organizations from around the world to ensure consumer flexible packaging is effectively designed, collected, recycled, and made available again to replace virgin materials in the circular economy. 

Angela Smits, sustainability manager packaging coatings at Stahl, said: ‘Joining Ceflex is an important milestone for Stahl. While we have recently strengthened our presence in the packaging industry, with the acquisition of Weilburger Graphics, we are determined to lead with innovation and contribute to shaping the future of this dynamic sector. As a pure-play speciality coatings formulator, we see it as our responsibility to support the transition to a circular economy. We believe it is our responsibility to contribute to a circular economy which requires collaboration on design and materials versus recycling capabilities. 

‘Ceflex provides an invaluable source of analysis, insight and action to help realize the circular economy and achieve PPWR. We are excited to bring our expertise to the table, helping to create flexible packaging solutions that are truly sustainable.’ 

Stahl’s packaging coatings business can benefit from and contribute to Ceflex’s mission. The company’s water-based and low-impact coating technologies are designed to support recyclability and improve the environmental performance of flexible packaging. With primary production facilities in Germany and the Netherlands, and active in many parts of the world, Stahl is well-placed to drive regional innovation while targeting solutions for the global market, focusing on recycling and advancing the worldwide agenda for circularity. 

‘We co-create and invest in new technologies through open innovation, fostering collaboration across industries and disciplines to support circular solutions,’ said Willem Jan Soer, open innovation manager, Stahl.

‘Becoming a Ceflex stakeholder highlights our dedication to leading by example and working collaboratively across the value chain,' added Smits. ‘This partnership underscores our belief that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.’  

This membership is part of Stahl’s purpose to enhance its frontrunner position in sustainability and speciality coatings. By showcasing its active role, Stahl not only strengthens its position in the packaging coatings sector but also reaffirms its vision of creating a more sustainable future through innovation and collaboration.