Herma Introduces 52W Washable Label Adhesive

Herma, a German manufacturer specializing in self-adhesive technology, has recently launched 52W, a new washable label-removing adhesive specially developed for PET bottles, which can meet the strict requirements of the collection scheme
.

The new adhesive ensures that the label washes off the bottle without leaving any residue and without any stickiness, which, if any, will allow the label to stick after washing
.
Even standard PP film washes off PET bottles at 65 degrees Celsius without leaving any residue
.
In addition, its unique formulation ensures reliable separation of labels and PET bottles throughout the recycling process
.

The new adhesive has been approved by the Norwegian collection group Infinitum and added to the list of recommended adhesives by a similar agency in Sweden, Returpack
.
Approvals and recommendations relate to adhesives combined with label materials such as Herma PP white super tc (grade 881) and Herma PP 50 transparent super tc (grade 886)
.

“52W enables us to ensure that the label particles do not regain stickiness during drying, and the resulting re-adhesion on the cleaned PET flakes
.
This is a key requirement of Norwegian and Swedish recycling regulations in terms of recycling separation
.
Thus, using sink-float technology or air-sorting technology, the PET flakes can be separated from the labels and ready for recycling and processing," says Dr.
Ulli Nägele, Head of R&D at Herma
.

“Actual tests have shown similar performance with our 62Rpw adhesive, which we introduced in 2019.

Grade 52W allows us to comply even at wash temperatures as low as 65 degrees Celsius
.
Typically in other countries, 80 Temperatures in degrees Celsius are standard
.
Our development team was tested again, but previous experience in this area allowed us to get results quickly," adds Nägele
.

Scandinavian countries are one of the drivers of PET bottle recycling
.
In Sweden, for example, around 90% of used plastic bottles have been recycled, while the corresponding figure in Norway is said to be over 95%
.

“Furthermore, in Scandinavia, adhesive labels are generally more widely used for PET bottles
.
Absolute process reliability is therefore crucial.

PET is the only plastic, even as a post-consumer material, It can also be converted into recycled pellets that meet statutory requirements for direct food contact by appropriate recycling methods
.
”