BASF enhances paperboard box recycling with easy removal label adhesives

15 Feb 2022 --- BASF is launching adhesives for labels that do not interfere with paper and paperboard recycling. When coated with the Acronal RCF 3705 or Acronal RCF 3706 adhesive, paper labels combine adhesive properties with easy removal from the recovered paper stream during transport box recycling.

“Papiertechnische Stiftung” (PTS foundation) has certified the adhesives’ recyclability. PTS is a German research and service institute that supports companies in all sectors in developing and applying modern fiber-based solutions. The institute carries out materials testing for paper and cardboard packaging.

“As we work to achieve worldwide climate neutrality, greater circularity and more effective recycling are a must. By developing the recycling-friendly adhesives, BASF has made a decisive contribution toward more [environmentally] sustainable labeling, for example, in the logistics sector,” comments Uwe Düsterwald, project manager for sustainability in Adhesives at BASF.

Enhancing recyclability
These adhesives solve a fundamental problem for paper and cardboard packaging recycling. While most of the adhesives used for paper labels interfere with the paper recycling process, these new adhesives are easy to remove early in the process, making it possible to reuse and print recycled paper or paperboard packaging without further issues.

BASF’s new adhesives are easy to remove early in the recycling process, making it possible to reuse paperboard.This solution reaffirms BASF’s commitment to achieving a circular economy as outlined in the EU’s Green Deal. The EU’s objective is to achieve climate neutrality in industry and society by 2050.

BASF became a founding member of the cross-industry coalition CELAB (Toward a Circular Economy for Labels) in 2020 to help reach this target. The global network is working on solutions to reduce the labeling industry’s environmental impact and to promote a circular economy for self-adhesive labels in all industries.

Cross-industry demand
In addition to the food and automotive industries, logistics is another sector with a high demand for pressure-sensitive labels, says BASF. For several years, transport labels have comprised the fastest-growing market share.

According to BASF, the pandemic has reinforced this trend, with rapid growth in e-commerce and mail order sales, currently accounting for almost 15% of the demand for labels in Europe.

“The constantly growing demand for packaging has made its recyclability a key issue for the packaging industry,” explains Thomas Schiele, vice president for adhesives, Fiber Bonding and Paper Coating Chemicals at BASF.

“Steps need to be taken, not only with respect to the packaging materials, but also the adhesives that are being used. Our innovative adhesive technologies open up completely new possibilities for a working circular economy, both in the packaging industry as well as in many other sectors.”

PackagingInsights recently explored the latest in food-grade additives with BASF and other leading suppliers.

Edited by Joshua Poole

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