Avery Dennison has announced it has become the first and only pre-qualified intelligent labels provider to receive the How2Recycle label for RFID paper hang tags. The label has been assigned based on a number of factors that How2Recycle considers: applicable law, collection (access to recycling), sortation (MRF package flow), reprocessing (technical recyclability), end markets.

This development follows many years of research and development within Avery Dennison Smartrac to develop a combination of materials, adhesives, and inlay construction to enable RFID labels to be recycled alongside any other residential recycling stream, meaning they can be transformed with any other paper-based materials.

Packaging design is diverse and complex, as well as the recyclability of the final packaging can change based on product application, final packaging design and other factors. The How2Recycle label was created to provide consistent and transparent on-package recycling information to consumers in North America and involves a coalition of forward-thinking brands who want their packaging to be recycled and are empowering consumers through smart packaging labels. How2Recycle is a part of GreenBlue, an independent 501(c)(3) environmental non-profit organization.

Tyler Chaffo, manager, global sustainability at Avery Dennison Smartrac, comments, “This recognition follows many years of R&D to develop the right materials and design to ensure that our labels are as easy to recycle as many of the products they appear on. We are proud to be the first intelligent labels provider to meet the exacting requirements of How2Recycle and look forward to receiving confirmation from similar bodies globally.”

Hal Hikita, head of product line management, Avery Dennison Smartrac concludes: “This development follows the launch of Avery Dennison’s Sustainable ADvantage in July, a portfolio of products and solutions that enables companies across global industries to use fewer natural resources, cut carbon emissions, reduce waste, and build towards a low-carbon, circular economy. By solving the challenge of ensuring that paper-based RFID labels can be recycled alongside the materials they are attached to, this ensures our customers can help reach their goals for a sustainable future.”