Leading sustainable packaging company RecyLoop Sürdürülebilir Ambalaj A.Ş. and Michelman, one of the world’s foremost companies in water-based barrier coating technologies, have advanced their strategic partnership to a new stage during Interpack 2026 in Germany. The two companies agreed to further expand their joint efforts in sustainable packaging technologies and recyclable paper cup solutions on a global scale.

During a high-level meeting held at the RecyLoop booth at Interpack, RecyLoop Board Member Ömer Erhan Eroğlu met with Richard Michelman, President and CEO of Michelman. The discussions focused on new development opportunities for the HydroLoop product line, which won the “Most Sustainable Project” award at the Sustainable Business Awards, widely regarded as the “Green Nobel of the Business World.” RecyLoop had received the award alongside senior executives from the McDonald's supply chain at the end of 2025, further validating the project’s success and scalability among global brands.

“WE WANT TO PREVENT BILLIONS OF PLASTIC-COATED CUPS FROM POLLUTING NATURE”

RecyLoop Board Member Ömer Erhan Eroğlu emphasized that the plastic-based coatings traditionally used on the inner surfaces of paper cups significantly complicate recycling processes, adding that sustainable alternatives are no longer a choice, but a necessity.

“We could not remain indifferent to the environmental damage caused by conventional packaging solutions. In line with the standards of the European Green Deal, we combined Michelman’s advanced water-based coating technology with our own specialized production processes to develop our award-winning HydroLoop product. Our goal is to make this technology more accessible and prevent billions of plastic-coated cups from polluting the environment.”

“RECYLOOP ENABLES OUR TECHNOLOGY TO REACH ITS TRUE POTENTIAL”

Michelman President and CEO Dr. Richard Michelman highlighted RecyLoop’s technical manufacturing capabilities and innovation strength within the sustainable packaging sector.

“At Michelman, we are proud to be at the center of the transformation in the packaging industry through our next-generation environmentally friendly water-based barrier solutions. However, even the best technologies cannot reach their true potential without the right manufacturing partners. RecyLoop’s passion for innovation, expertise in technical processes, and pioneering role in its region make a significant contribution to the global success of our technology.”

HYDROLOOP OFFERS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PLASTIC COATINGS

The jointly developed HydroLoop technology eliminates the need for polyethylene (PE)-based plastic barriers traditionally used in paper cups. By combining Michelman’s water-based barrier technology with RecyLoop’s process engineering expertise, the cups can be reprocessed through standard paper recycling streams.

While HydroLoop presents a significant alternative from a circular economy perspective, RecyLoop aims to expand globally in sustainable paper cup manufacturing through this technology and its growing network of international partnerships.