Pressure-sensitive label adhesive compatible with PET bottle recycling, says BASF
During recycling, labels using acResin UV 3532 adhesive can reportedly be removed reliably.
Chemical company BASF developed the UV-curable, acrylic, hot-melt acResin UV 3532, which has been approved by RecyClass as compatible with existing European industrial recycling processes, under typical conditions.
Cross-industry initiative RecyClass is a leading authority for recyclability assessments, helping packaging producers align with Design-for-Recycling guidelines.
During standard recycling operations, BASF reports that the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) can be removed, enabling clean PET streams and supporting high-quality recyclate.
With this approval, BASF demonstrates that existing PSAs can meet demanding recycling requirements while maintaining high performance in label applications.
High-performance, filmic PSA labels in packaging have long been considered incompatible with ‘clean PET’ material streams and the required high-quality recyclate.
The acResin UV 3532’s RecyClass approval marks an important step from a regulatory perspective, aligning the label system with the established criteria and EU guidance for recycling.
The adhesive will reportedly help brand owners and converters meet future legal requirements, particularly with the upcoming implementation of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and its mandatory recycled content targets.
