BASF develops recyclable label adhesive for PET bottles

BASF has developed a labelling adhesive that is fully compatible with PET bottle recycling processes. This supports the production of high-quality recyclate and fulfils new EU requirements.
Mit dem Klebstoff acResin UV 3532 bieten Folienetiketten auf PET eine hohe Transparenz und sind gleichzeitig recyclingfreundlich. (Bild: mit KI erstellt)

BASF has developed a new UV-curing acrylate hotmelt adhesive that has been approved for use on PET bottles by the RecyClass initiative. The categorisation confirms its full compatibility with established European PET recycling processes.

The acResin UV 3532 makes it possible to reliably remove labels in standard recycling processes. This results in clean PET material streams and supports the production of high-quality recyclate. The RecyClass classification shows that existing pressure-sensitive adhesives can also fulfil demanding recycling requirements without compromising performance in labelling applications.

New opportunities for packaging design

In packaging design, high-performance film labels were long considered incompatible with the goal of clean PET material flows. BASF's new adhesive now opens up possibilities for recyclable PET packaging with highly transparent film labels that can be completely washed off in the recycling process. 

BASF has been a founding member of the CELAB association since 2020, which develops solutions to reduce the environmental impact of the labelling industry. The company strives to advance the circular economy of self-adhesive labels across all industries and supports customers in their green transformation in line with the European Union's Clean Industrial Deal.

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Source: BASF

BASF at the interpack 2026: Hall 10, Stand A44