Digital watermark initiative to improve milk bottle recycling in the Netherlands

The HolyGrail 2.0 Initiative is launching a project in the Netherlands to test CurvCode watermarking technology for recycling HDPE milk bottles. This effort aligns with the upcoming EU packaging and waste regulations requiring a higher percentage of recycled content in plastic packaging, pushing the industry towards a circular model.

The initiative involves collaboration between packaging converter ALPLA, dairy producer Farm Dairy, technology provider FiliGrade Sustainable Watermarks, machine supplier Pellenc ST, and HolyGrail 2.0. The goal is to enable the circular use of HDPE beverage containers in the Netherlands.

The project will start with sorting trials on HDPE milk containers marked with the CurvCode watermark. These containers, produced by ALPLA and mimicking post-consumer use, will be tested at Pellenc ST's headquarters. Over the summer, around 4,000 items will be tested using the FiliGrade/Pellenc ST prototype sorting module, supervised by the HG2.0 technical team. If successful, the CurvCode technology will reach TRL 7, and the results will be shared with relevant stakeholders, paving the way for future phases.