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BASF has now developed two new pressure-sensitive adhesives that do not interfere with the recycling of logistics cartons. Both adhesives have received a certificate from the Paper Technology Foundation (PTS) for this property.
Cardboard boxes with paper labels labelled with Acronal RCF 3705 or Acronal RCF 3706 coated can be recycled without any problems. Both adhesives have now been certified by the Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS). The PTS is a German research and service institute that supports companies from all industries in the development and application of modern fibre-based solutions and offers a wide range of services. Material testing for paper, cardboard or paperboard is carried out.
„More circularity and better recycling is a must on our way to a climate-neutral world. With the recycling-friendly adhesives Acronal RCF 3705 and Acronal RCF 3706, BASF is now making a decisive contribution to more sustainable labelling, e.g. in logistics.“
Uwe Düsterwald, Project Manager Sustainability in Adhesives at BASF
In addition to the automotive and food industries, the logistics sector in particular has a high demand for pressure-sensitive labels. The market share of transport labels has recorded the highest growth for several years. This is confirmed by Alexander Watson Associates (AWA) market studies such as „European Labelling and Product Decoration 2017“ and the „Global Annual Review Labelling and Product Decoration 2020“. This trend was further reinforced in the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 by strong growth in e-commerce and mail order. In the meantime almost 15 per cent of the label demand in Europe to this area.
The new adhesives solve a fundamental problem in the recycling of paper and cardboard packaging. While most adhesives for paper labels disrupt the paper recycling process, the newly developed pressure-sensitive adhesives can be removed earlier and more easily in the recycling process. The recycled paper or cardboard packaging can be easily reused and printed.
Underpinned by the solution BASF its commitment to a sustainable circular economy in line with the European Union's Green Deal. With the Green Deal, the EU has set itself the goal of achieving a climate-neutral industry and society by 2050. To this end BASF has been a founding member of the cross-industry association CELAB since 2020 (Toward a Circular Economy for Labels). The global network is working on solutions to reduce the environmental impact of the labelling industry and promote the circular economy of self-adhesive labels in all sectors.
„The constantly growing demand for packaging makes its recyclability a key issue in the packaging industry. In addition to the packaging materials, the adhesives used must also contribute to this. Our innovative adhesive technologies open up completely new possibilities for a functioning circular economy, not only in the packaging industry, but also in many other sectors.“
Thomas Schiele, Vice President Adhesives, Fibrebonding and Paper Coating Chemicals at BASF
SourceBASF
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