Label Constructions Meet Canadian Recycling Protocol

MENTOR, Ohio—Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials announced that three additional Fasson® label constructions have met the protocol requirements of the Association of Post-consumer Plastic Recyclers (APR) for the recycling of PET thermoformed containers. The constructions are:

• 54# Semi-Gloss paper with AT-1 adhesive
• 2.0 mil Clear BOPP film with S2001 adhesive
• 2.6 mil White BOPP film with S490 adhesive

The three additions, along with the previously approved Fasson Direct-Thermal 200HD paper with S490 adhesive, provide Canadian brands, retailers, and converters a family of prime paper, filmic, and variable information labeling solutions to select from when adhering to protocol requirements.

The APR protocol was designed to improve recycling efficiencies and the quality of post-consumer plastics. The new protocol evaluates thermoform labels and adhesives to help advance greater recyclability by identifying pressure-sensitive laminates that satisfy the need to adhere and be removed prior to recycling.

“Avery Dennison understands the dynamics of the consumer products market and the increasing necessity to deliver innovative labeling and packaging solutions that reduce environmental impact,” said Kevin Clunie, product manager, Avery Dennison. “We develop ongoing solutions to meet the unique requirements of building a more sustainable value chain.”

Among the new Avery constructions meeting the protocol, the 54# Semi-Gloss paper with AT-1 adhesive is the most dynamic. The combination of a semi-gloss paper with an all-temperature adhesive provides brands the opportunity to design labels with rich, deep graphics for products stored at temperatures ranging from about -65° F to +250° F. In addition to its all-temperature performance characteristics, AT-1 was also selected for the label construction based on its impact on the recycling process. Unlike some washable adhesives, AT-1’s properties minimize the chance of contaminating a recycler’s caustic solution and are aqueous-friendly.

In June 2011, the grocer coalition in Canada announced it is requiring suppliers to shift to PET clamshell thermoformed packaging in an effort to streamline recycling. The requirement, which the new test protocol for labels and adhesives meet, becomes mandatory Jan. 1, 2012.