CCL Label is planning to introduce a closed-loop recycling concept for stretch sleeves. EcoStretch is intended to support „design for recycling“ and open up new avenues in closed-loop recycling.
The recycling plant is scheduled to open on CCL location Völkermarkt in Austria which specialises in the production of stretch and shrink sleeves that are mainly used in the dairy and beverage industries as well as in the home care sector.
In Germany Stretch sleeve labels often used for returnable PET bottles, which are used in the mineral water market.
„In the coming years, we want to work more intensively on closed-loop solutions in order to offer ideal recycling solutions for our labels and sleeves. We are proud to be the first in the industry to present a closed-loop solution for stretch sleeves. Not only can our customers recycle and reuse their PET bottles multiple times, but now there is also a solution for recycling and reusing the labels with our sleeve-to-sleeve recycling.“ Reinhard Streit, Vice President and Managing Director CCL Food & Beverage
EcoStretch for sleeve-to-sleeve recycling
As soon as the bottles are empty, the empties are brought back to the shop by the customer, where they are collected and back to the bottler are brought to the bottling plant. The bottlers cut the sleeve off the bottle, which is then turned into CCL transported.
The sleeves are then washed („de-inking process“), melted down and moulded into new pellets that can be fed back into the extruder. This produces new films for stretch sleeves, which can be used up to almost 100 per cent from the original material exist - the cycle is complete.
„The entire packaging industry is currently in a state of upheaval and we need to break new ground. The new EcoStretch service concept is part of our sustainability strategy to support „design for recycling“ with our labels on the one hand and to break new ground in closed-loop recycling on the other. We assume that more deposit systems will be introduced in order to increase the recycling rate. This makes it possible to get our labels and sleeves back and recycle them by type.“ Reinhard Streit
For a circular future
Last year, CCL Industries acquired the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Global Commitment of the New Plastics Economy signed. By 2025, CCL Label aims to offer all customers labelling products and solutions in which the end packaging is recyclable, reusable or compostable. One component of the sustainability strategy is collaboration with the entire value chain in projects and initiatives to drive change as a market leader.
Stretch sleeves are in themselves a very sustainable way of labelling bottles and other containers. The Stretch sleeve material is very thin and is applied to the containers without the use of adhesives or heat - this reduces the CO2 footprint through energy efficiency and saves on raw materials.
In addition, cost savings of up to 50 per cent are possible compared to other technologies. Stretch sleeves are often used in the beverage industry, but are also customised solutions for larger canisters.
Source: CCL Industries
