What role do printing inks play in recycling packaging materials? From chemical versus mechanical recycling to the differences between metal and plastic, Susanne Struck, current industry challenges and innovations in deinking technology are being discussed. While paper recycling is well-established in the industry, there isn't yet a standardised process for recycling plastic packaging. There are essentially two recycling methods: chemical recycling and mechanical recycling. In chemical recycling, plastic materials are broken down into their basic components. This method is still in the early stages of industrial development. However, current evidence suggests that printing inks ...