The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has recognized a new Mactac pressure sensitive adhesive for the association’s highest recyclability standard.

The recognized adhesive – PUREfloat – is a permanent acrylic emulsion adhesive intended for polyester (PET) bottle labeling applications. It was designed specifically for applications where labels applied to PET containers can be washed off cleanly to allow the container to be recycled.

“Meeting APR standards is a significant step for Mactac in demonstrating our company’s commitment to the environmental impact and recyclability of our products,” says Kim Hensley, senior marketing manager, Mactac Performance Adhesives.

To receive APR recognition, product innovations like PUREfloat must meet or exceed the most challenging test conditions and strictest guidance criteria developed as the result of a multi-industry consensus of key issues related to recycling post-consumer PET bottles. The criteria met is known as the “APR Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Label for PET Bottles Critical Guidance” requirements and applies to Mactac labelstocks pairing the PUREfloat adhesive with a 2.6-mil white topcoated polypropylene facestock or a 2.0-mil clear topcoated polypropylene.

The clear and white polypropylene product combinations can undergo common PET recycling processes without contaminating any PET flake by-products. During the washing process, Mactac’s labels easily separate from the PET container and float, allowing high-value, clean PET flakes to be recovered.

“PET plastic is used widely for consumer packaging and brand owners and packaging designers seek packaging that supports recycling,” Hensley adds. “Our new product will wash off PET clamshells, bottles, and other containers during recycling – leaving no adhesive residue behind. This allows the recycled PET to be utilized for high-value new products such as food and beverage containers.”

Created for labeling PET water and juice bottles, additional common end uses for PUREfloat includes PET bottle labeling for health and beauty products, household items, and other food and beverage applications.

In the APR’s recognition letter to Mactac, the association thanked Mactac for its cooperation in using this important protocol. The APR states, “The protocol is intended to improve the quality of recycled bottles by helping innovators make informed decisions about the consequences of PET bottle innovations. The impact of this protocol is worldwide.”

“At Mactac, we want to be part of the solution to reduce environmental impact. Developing a labeling product that removes cleanly during the recycling process is another example of our continued effort,” Hensley says.

A team of Mactac experts, including Hensley, sustainability lead Rachel Finkler and R&D senior scientist Rahal Rasheed, presented PUREfloat to the APR membership group in July. Mactac received the recognition letter from the APR’s president on August 4.