Avery Dennison receives RecyClass recognition for HDPE recycling for its film portfolio

Avery Dennison's film products have been recognized by RecyClass for compliance with HDPE recycling guidelines, a first on the market
.
Label producers and brand owners in the home, personal care and food industries will benefit from this achievement, which will help them increase recycling rates
.

Currently, RecyClass guidelines state that for packaging to be fully recycled, polyethylene (PE), machine oriented (MDO) or polypropylene (PP) labels must be removed in this "cold wash" process using water heated to 40°C
.
This is the most common way to recycle HDPE packaging in Europe, but labels that can be removed at these temperatures can also fall off during normal use, such as holding a shampoo bottle in the shower
.

Avery Dennison's PE-White, MDO-White and PP-Clear labels feature permanent acrylic adhesives that remain in place when washed in cold water and have been approved by RecyClass after extensive independent testing
.
These self-adhesive materials are somewhat compatible with RecyClass' relevant HDPE recycling guidelines and will also have a limited impact on the current recycling process for coloured HDPE containers in Europe, provided that the entire packaging is designed in accordance with the conditions specified by the organisation
.
Approval is based on meeting RecyClass specifications for factors such as label size, ink coverage and adhesive
.

According to Rob Groen, director of paper and film marketing at Avery Dennison: “Our film portfolio includes clear and white PE, MDO and PP films made with pressure-sensitive emulsified acrylic adhesives
.
These products are RecyClass compliant standards and make it easier for brands and label producers to increase recycling rates and ensure a second life for HDPE packaging
.
We are currently conducting further independent testing with the aim of getting our full product portfolio approved
.
”