Recycling is vital for building a sustainable future, but it comes with challenges—particularly for PET and HDPE plastics. One significant issue is label contamination in the recycling process. According to the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR), label contamination greatly reduces the yield of high-quality recycled PET and HDPE materials.
The labels commonly used on thermoformed packaging are made from paper or film pressure-sensitive materials (PSLs) with adhesives that perform to meet packaging demands. Historically, PSLs were sometimes misperceived as having a negative impact on recycling processes due to certain adhesives and inks that hinder PET and HDPE recycling. However, advancements in pressure-sensitive adhesive technology have transformed them into a circular packaging enabler, supporting sustainability efforts.
The Growing Need for rPET
Brands and retailers are increasingly pushing for recyclable packaging options and incorporating post-consumer recycled content, like rPET, into their products. Using rPET not only supports recycling efforts but also enhances a company's environmental reputation and appeals to eco-conscious consumers.
However, the current recycling infrastructure faces significant challenges, limiting the amount of recycled plastic available for industries. This is especially problematic for high-volume packaging segments, where demand for rPET is strongest. In response, some states are implementing minimum PCR legislation specifically focused on the beverage industry. To truly move toward a circular economy, solutions are needed to address these recycling obstacles.
The Solution: Avery Dennison’s CleanFlake™ Technology
Avery Dennison's CleanFlake™ technology is a groundbreaking adhesive that enables cleaner recycling of rigid plastic packaging, enhancing sustainability by increasing the availability of recycled materials, and reducing reliance on virgin resources.
Since achieving APR recognition in 2017 for PET recycling, CleanFlake™ technology has grown to encompass HDPE packaging as well. The CleanFlake portfolio now includes a versatile range of films, including clear, white, and metallized BOPP and Machine Direction Oriented (conformable films) options, offering innovative solutions for sustainable packaging.
For PET, CleanFlake enables pressure-sensitive label materials to separate cleanly during recycling, leaving no adhesive residue on PET flakes. For HDPE, the label remains with the bottle but does not disrupt the recycling process.
CleanFlake™ adhesive technology delivers strong adhesion, clarity, and print quality when paired with film facestocks, maintaining packaging shelf appeal while supporting sustainability.
A Step Toward a Circular Economy
Avery Dennison’s CleanFlake™ technology is revolutionizing PET and HDPE recycling, playing a crucial role in advancing a circular economy. By enabling the effective recycling of rigid plastics, CleanFlake™ is paving the way for a more sustainable future.
To learn more about Avery Dennison’s CleanFlake™ technology, visit label.averydennison.com/cleanflake.