Avery Dennison has announced that its metalized films with AD CleanFlake technology have been recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for HDPE and PET recycling. The company becomes the first to be recognized for offering a portfolio of metalized label solutions capable of working with the recycling systems to enable rigid plastic recycling. 

This recognition results from a study spearheaded by Avery Dennison and the APR to test the performance of larger metallized labels (30 square inches) in the recycling process. Previously, the APR only recognized metalized labels under two square inches as complying with its critical guidance for HDPE and PET recycling. It was believed that larger metalized labels would cause a plastic bottle to be rejected by a recycler’s metal detection hardware. The results of the study confirm that these metalized films can be a total of 30 square inches or below and be recognized in existing recycling streams.

“We’re pleased to work with the APR to drive education around the compatibility of films with the recycling process while ensuring our own products promote circularity,” says Anh Marella, senior marketing director, strategic innovation and sustainability, Avery Dennison. “As a leading global provider of labeling solutions, Avery Dennison recognizes its responsibility to work with the industry to increase plastic recyclability. Advancing the circular economy is among our key sustainability priorities.”

This APR recognition also allows brands to balance packaging aesthetics and performance with their commitments to using recyclable materials.

“Ensuring packaging is designed to be compatible with the recycling infrastructure is critical” states Curt Cozart, chief operations officer, The Association of Plastics Recyclers. “Improperly designed packaging can be misdirected in the process at a time where we are critically short of material. We’re pleased that Avery Dennison has led this effort in providing a sustainable solution while at the same time meeting the brands desire for metalized labeling.”