Multi-industry non-profit initiative RecyClass has approved two packaging adhesives developed by chemical company Dow as suitable for mechanical recycling.
The solvent-free MOR-FREE L 75-300/ CR88-300 and water-borne ROBOND L-350/ CR-3 lamination adhesives are commonly used for a broad range of polyethylene (PE) film packaging applications.
Dow will add them to its REVOLOOP technology platform.
The approval by RecyClass will allow packaging converters and brand owners to improve the recyclability of their laminated, flexible PE-based packaging.
Its award was based on a ‘rigorous’ scientific evaluation, which considered all criteria required for a closed-loop value chain in line with common sorting and recycling infrastructures technologies in Europe.
The approval will benefit customers who use these adhesive systems in their mono-material laminated packaging designs.
In addition, value chain partners using these solutions will have access to another ‘favourable’ datapoint when designing packaging for recyclability.
These adhesives fit in existing production processes and do not require additional staff training or equipment retooling.
Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics (P&SP ) EMEA adhesives marketing manager Izzat Midani said: “Sustainability is front and centre of our innovation strategy and the main focus for our industry.
“I am very proud that two different technologies in our laminating adhesives portfolio have been approved for mechanical recycling by RecyClass.
“This enables our customers and brand owners to reach a wider scope of applications and performance requirements while facilitating packaging recyclability, which will be crucial as they strive to achieving ambitious sustainability targets.”
Dow said the RecyClass Recyclability approval marks another milestone in the company’s efforts to meet its global sustainability targets.
The company has pledged to make 100% of its products’ packaging reusable or recyclable by 2035.
In June this year, Dow announced that its P&SP business unit had had one of its recyclable packaging solutions certified in China as reducing carbon emissions by 35%.