Avery Dennison has secured a major breakthrough in sustainable packaging, becoming the first company to receive RecyClass Technology Approvals for pressure-sensitive labels (PSL) specifically designed for PET trays. This industry-first recognition validates the compatibility of Avery Dennison’s innovative label technologies with European recycling streams, marking a pivotal advancement in the push for circular economy standards.
The approvals cover two key solutions: the established AD CleanFlake Thermal PP White (S7000ER) and the newly launched AD CleanFlake Chilled Thermal PP White (C7010ER). Both products have been rigorously tested and confirmed as fully compatible with the recycling processes for both clear and colored transparent PET thermoforms.
A central component of this development is the introduction of the AD CleanFlake Chilled adhesive. Engineered specifically for the food industry’s demanding chilled environments, this adhesive offers high-tack performance at low temperatures and seamless compatibility with air-blown dispensing systems. By utilizing this technology, brand owners and converters can now transition from traditional paper labels to more durable, high-performance film labels without abandoning their existing direct thermal printing infrastructure.
These approvals arrive at a critical time as the packaging industry accelerates efforts to comply with the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). By incorporating RecyClass-approved labels, consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies can significantly improve the design-for-recycling profile of their PET tray packaging. Depending on the broader package configuration, these labels can help firms achieve a top-tier “Class A” recyclability classification. Furthermore, using materials that align with RecyClass Design for Recycling (DfR) guidelines may offer financial incentives through reduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees in various European markets.
The technical success of the AD CleanFlake portfolio relies on its advanced releasable adhesive system. In accordance with RecyClass guidelines and EN 18120-5 requirements, the labels are engineered to detach cleanly from PET thermoforms during caustic hot washing. This process ensures that no adhesive residue remains on the tray, effectively eliminating contamination and maximizing the yield and quality of recycled PET (rPET) flakes.
“Our AD CleanFlake portfolio was developed 13 years ago to enable PET bottle recycling, and we are proud to announce that it also continues to be a solution designed to be compatible with PET thermoforms recycling processes,” said Vincenzo Palumbo, marketing manager for variable information labels at Avery Dennison Materials Group. “This approval showcases our leadership in bringing to market solutions designed to help customers prepare for upcoming recyclability requirements without compromising on convenience, flexibility, and performance.”
As regulators and consumers continue to demand higher standards of sustainability, this advancement provides the packaging sector with a clear, validated pathway to improve the environmental footprint of PET trays while maintaining the functional integrity of their products.
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