As sustainability grows as a major trend in the label and package printing industry, material suppliers are focusing on the recyclability of their materials. In an industry that generates waste, Avery Dennison has made it a priority to promote recyclability with its newest product launches.

Over the past year, Avery Dennison has launched several new sustainable products that promote recycling or contain recycled content. The company has strived to make choosing sustainability a simpler and more attractive process than it has been historically.

“Avery Dennison is the first to offer AD CleanFlake Technology on all film labels, enabling and advancing rigid plastic recycling,” states Matt Wilkinson, sustainability technical manager, Avery Dennison. “Regardless of application, AD CleanFlake Technology offers excellent performance on all types of packaging – making sustainability the easy choice.”    

During this time period, Avery Dennison has also introduced seven new facestocks to its Wine and Spirits portfolio with 30-100% PCW content. Plus, Avery Dennison recently announced its metallized films with AD CleanFlake technology have been recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for HDPE and PET recycling.

“We are the first to be recognized for offering a portfolio of metallized label solutions capable of working with the recycling systems to enable rigid plastic recycling,” explains Wilkinson.

While Avery Dennison has long been a proponent of sustainability, there has been significant demand from the entire supply chain, including brands and consumers, to offer environmentally friendly products. The recyclability of these products is a critical factor for many consumers nowadays when selecting a brand.

“In an effort to meet upcoming EPR and PCR legislation, there has been a strong push by the decoration industry to include bio-based and PCR content in their raw materials,” comments Wilkinson. “We have seen a lot of interest in our PCW facestocks, and we continue to look at opportunities to expand our collection.”

There are numerous recycling initiatives taking place at Avery Dennison, too. The company has launched the AD Circular program, which connects converters and brands with vetted recycling providers throughout the US who can offer opportunities for landfill diversion, recycling, and circularity.

“We also have an exclusive agreement with Mitsubishi Chemical’s Polyester Film division in North America,” states Wilkinson. “Through the agreement, Mitsubishi will offer a closed-loop process for PET liner recycling, helping to increase the recycled content in PET liners supplied to Avery Dennison and the industry.”

“This program is not only a significant milestone in realizing our goal of diverting waste away from landfills, but it represents a giant step forward for the entire industry,” adds Jeroen Diderich, senior vice president and general manager, Avery Dennison Label and Graphic Materials North America. “We are thrilled to have an opportunity for liner circularity and to help meet the recycled content goals for converters, brands and label manufacturers.”

Even though material recyclability has made considerable strides in recent years, there are still challenges and opportunities on the horizon. However, the demand is there. “Legislation, technology advances, and CPG sustainability goals should lead to an increase in collection and recycling and a more efficient process into PCR resin,” says Wilkinson. “We would also expect this to drive the circular economy. As supply starts to catch up to demand, we would expect to see more PCR and Bio-based sources in packaging.”

Plus, Avery Dennison has focused on becoming a true partner and collaborator in the recycling process. Its team of experts is available to help guide those in the industry looking for viable ways to grow recycling.

“As a leading global provider of labeling solutions, we recognize our responsibility to work with the industry to increase plastic recyclability,” remarks Wilkinson. “Advancing the circular economy is among our key sustainability priorities. Over the past decade, we’ve worked closely with the APR to help drive education around the compatibility of films with the recycling process while ensuring our own products promote circularity.”