Easy to wash off labels have been launched by UPM Raflatac that should make PET and HDPE bottle recycling simpler.
Part of UPM Raflatac’s SmartCircle portfolio, the label materials have been certified by Institut cyclos-HTP for PET and HDPE recycling.
UPM Raflatac paper laminates SBU EMEIA vice president Sylwia Jurys said: “We are determined to develop solutions for circularity.
“While plastics have remarkable features to keep valuable content safe until consumption, we also seek ways to increase the share of certified renewable materials in the packaging that go beyond fossils.
“Now, in addition to our multiple plastic wash-off solutions, we are excited to expand the offer into sustainably sourced paper labels. These innovations enable high-quality recycled PET and HDPE flakes to be used again as the label material separates cleanly in the recycling process.”
As the labels separate cleanly during the recycling process, this should lead to greater yield of recycled PET and HDPE. This means PET and HDPE flakes can be recovered without contamination of label materials.
