Republished by Newlife - Flexstone. All rights belong to the original publisher; see Source below.
Avery Dennison has received RecyClass Technology Approvals for the polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, thermoform recycling stream for its AD CleanFlake Thermal PP White S7000ER and AD CleanFlake Thermal PP White C7010ER technologies. The approvals confirm that the company’s label solutions are compatible with existing European PET thermoform recycling processes, supporting the development of packaging designed for circularity.
The approved technologies combine a direct thermal polypropylene (PP) facestock with a releasable adhesive, enabling the replacement of conventional paper-based direct thermal labels used on PET trays. These solutions enable the industry to retain its current setup of direct thermal printing equipment while enhancing the recyclability of PET thermoforms.
As the first provisions of the European Union’s PPWR, or Paper and Packaging Waste Regulation, begin to apply, the packaging industry faces increasingly ambitious circularity objectives. Innovations such as Avery Dennison's demonstrate how well-designed label solutions can support recycling processes and contribute to more recyclable packaging systems, RecyClass says in a news release about the approvals.
Labels play a critical role in the recyclability of PET thermoforms. According to the RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines and EN 18120-5 requirements, labels should detach under caustic hot washing conditions and leave no significant adhesive residue on the tray surface.
By validating technologies that facilitate label removal and minimize contamination, RecyClass says it continues to support innovation aligned with plastic circularity objectives. The approval also creates new opportunities for packaging manufacturers, converters and brand owners seeking to improve the recyclability performance of PET thermoform packaging and pursue RecyClass Recyclability Certification.
RecyClass encourages companies to assess the compatibility of their innovations through dedicated recyclability testing. Advancing scientifically validated solutions remains essential to improving the recyclability of plastic packaging and increasing the availability of high-quality recycled plastics in Europe, the Brussels-based organization says.
Source
- Recycling Today (2026-11-02) - Original article: Avery Dennison receives RecyClass Technology Approvals supporting PET thermoform recyclability - https://www.recyclingtoday.com/avery-dennison-receives-recyclass-technology-approvals-supporting-pet-thermoform-recyclability
