PRINTING AND LABELING SPECIAL EDITION

Lean and green: Recycling-friendly PET labels land a packaging award

By Jenni Spinner

- Last updated on GMT

PureVue pressure-sensitive labelling reportedly avoids many challenges associated with recycling labels on PET containers.
PureVue pressure-sensitive labelling reportedly avoids many challenges associated with recycling labels on PET containers.

Related tags Recycling

The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR) is hailing The Kennedy Group for its PureVue recycling-friendly, sustainable labels for PET containers.

PureVue labels, a line of recyclable, pressure-sensitive labelling products, has received recognition from the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers for their sustainable properties.

Sustainable packaging

John Standish, APR technical director, told FoodProductionDaily the PureVue products could be beneficial in helping packaging companies and brand owners boost their environmental profile.

The Kennedy Group has taken a huge step in helping to generate good clean material available for recycling, and for working with the industry to ensure their innovations are compatible with existing recycling technology​,” he said.

The APR’s recognition program is designed to support creation of innovative packaging and products that support material sustainability and recycling efficiency. PureVue reportedly labels can be processed in conventional recycling streams, without having to fret about contamination of the stream.

Recycling obstacles

Pressure-sensitive packaging labels can cause headaches for recyclers, if the label adhesive does not wash off or float in the recycling processing water. The PureVue label (available in clear and white stocks) is said to use stock and adhesive that can easily, cleanly be removed from PET containers; the label floats for simple separation, and the label ink reportedly will not bleed.

The labels are lightweight, with a density factor of less than 1.0. According to the manufacturer, the ultra-thin PET liners help packaging producers support sustainability goals.

Additionally, the proprietary adhesive adheres or releases from the PET container, depending on external forces. The water-based adhesive sticks to the bottle during its useful life, but readily releases during the sink/float stage of the recycling process.

Additionally, the Kennedy Group’s inks are engineered to separate completely from the PET, which is required in recycling food-grade materials. They also are said to keep the recycling bath from discoloring, and keep flake and precipitate out of the solution.

Related topics Processing & Packaging

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