The new adhesives combine advanced properties and the labels can be easily removed from the recovered paper stream during recycling
BASF’s new adhesives will make labelling more sustainable. (Credit: BASF SE)
German chemical company BASF has developed new adhesives for paper labels, Acronal RCF 3705 and Acronal RCF 3706, which do not affect the recyclability of packaging.
According to the company, adhesives used in paper labels in e-commerce packaging often interfere with the recycling process.
Its new adhesives are said to solve a fundamental problem related to recyclability of paper and cardboard packaging associated with the labels.
The new adhesives can be easily removed early in the process, allowing for reuse and printing recycled paper or paperboard packaging without any issues, said BASF.
BASF adhesives sustainability project manager Uwe Düsterwald said: “As we work to achieve worldwide climate neutrality, greater circularity and more effective recycling are a must.
“By developing the recycling friendly adhesives Acronal RCF 3705 and Acronal RCF 3706, BASF has made a decisive contribution towards more sustainable labelling, for example in the logistics sector.”
The new adhesives have been certified by Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS), which conducts materials testing for paper and cardboard packaging.
PTS is a German research and service institute that supports the development and application of modern fibre-based solutions for companies.
The European Union (EU), through its Green Deal initiative, sets a goal of achieving climate neutrality in industry and society by 2050.
BASF said that its new solution complements its commitment to achieving a sustainable circular economy, in line with the EU’s Green Deal.
BASF adhesives fibre bonding and paper coating chemicals vice president Thomas Schiele said: “The constantly growing demand for packaging has made its recyclability a key issue for the packaging industry.
“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.”
In September last year, BASF rolled out IrgaCycle, a new range of additive solutions to address the imminent needs in plastics recycling.