As the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) reshapes packaging requirements across Europe, RecyClass has reached a milestone: over 500 plastic packaging features have been assessed for recyclability according to the organisation's science-based protocols. This achievement highlights the growing need for robust scientific data to support the design of recyclable packaging and help companies prepare for upcoming regulatory demands.
RecyClass has developed a comprehensive, fact-based assessment protocol that is based on scientific data. These protocols enable companies to assess and improve the recyclability of their packaging. Paolo Glerean, Chairman of RecyClass, emphasised that the results achieved show that innovation, packaging functionality, and recyclability can be successfully combined. The assessments help to develop a better understanding of how key recyclability challenges can be overcome.
The results of the assessments have confirmed the validation of numerous packaging innovations aimed at improving recyclability while maintaining product performance. Examples include laminating adhesives for flexible packaging, alternatives to nitrocellulose-based inks, plastic spray head components as a replacement for metal springs, or adhesive solutions for labels on PET and HDPE bottles.
Examples of successful certifications
A notable example of successful RecyClass certification is Sun Chemical. The company has received RecyClass certification for its solvent-based alternatives to nitrocellulose in flexible packaging. These alternatives improve recyclability without compromising packaging performance. The company has developed a recycling-compatible system that combines NC-alternative printing inks and certified laminating adhesives.
Recently, nitrocellulose-based printing inks have come under increased scrutiny, as NC content can negatively impact the recyclability and value of recycled plastics. To address these challenges, Sun Chemical has developed NC-alternative technologies for flexographic and gravure printing with its SunUno SoliCycle polyurethane (PU)-based ink series.
In addition to printing inks, Sun Chemical offers RecyClass-certified laminating adhesives within its SunLam portfolio. These adhesives are suitable for flexible PE packaging recycling streams and are fully compatible with coloured PE.
Recycling-friendly RFID tags
Another example is Avery Dennison, which has achieved „RecyClass Technology Approval“ for PET bottles with its AD CleanFlake RFID tags. These RFID tags are designed to cleanly separate from PET during the recycling process, thus avoiding contamination. This supports the circular economy and improves material recovery.
Building on the existing „Design®“ recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) in North America, Avery Dennison is now the first manufacturer to offer an RFID solution recognised as compatible with mechanical PET recycling streams by both key regional bodies. Regional recognitions – including rigid PET packaging in North America and PET bottles in Europe – allow multinational brand owners to use a technically consistent label construction across international supply chains.
The AD CleanFlake RFID solution is based on the CleanFlake adhesive technology developed by Avery Dennison, combined with a patent-pending RFID inlay and label construction. This combination ensures that the RFID tags can be cleanly separated from rigid PET during the mechanical recycling process. This separation avoids contamination from adhesive and metal, keeping the PET flakes suitable for reuse.
Stretch film with PCR content
Amcor has received RecyClass certification for its Bontite Sustane stretch film specifications for traceability of recycled plastics (EN 15343). These films contain a defined amount of post-consumer recyclate (PCR) and will primarily support customers in preparing for the upcoming changes to the UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) in 2027.
Bontite is manufactured at the Amcor sites in Leominster (UK) and Zele (Belgium) and is a product range of blown LLDPE stretch films designed to secure and stabilise palletised goods during transit. The films combine the robustness of blown films with the clarity of cast films, offering high holding force, puncture resistance and excellent stretchability depending on specification and area of application.
The RecyClass certification confirms that the recycled plastics contained in the end products have been independently tested, are fully traceable throughout the production process, and comply with recognised European standards. This supports customers in preparing for the changes to UK PPT regulations from April 2027, when the proportion of pre-consumer recycled (PIR) materials will no longer count towards the 30 per cent threshold and only the proportion of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials will be accepted.
Sources: RecyClass / Sun Chemical / Avery Dennison / Amcor
