LABELLING PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 07+08/23 www.petpla.net 18 Enabling PET bottles to achieve circularity Advances in adhesive technology Changes in the food and beverage packaging sector never stop, with new materials, design updates, and sustainability demands creating challenges for manufacturers and suppliers alike. However, many believe the race to produce even thinner and low weight PET bottles might be reaching its limits with PET per litre of bottled water reaching an all-time low. Adhesives play several crucial roles, from helping to ensure the recyclability of the package and bottle, to product security, extending shelf life, and reducing waste. That is also why adhesive formulations add value to this industry while providing the necessary versatility to perform across different applications and in various production environments. For the PET bottle recycling stream, it is paramount to have the best possible collection, sorting and cleaning process to reach the highest possible quality. The entire chain, starting with the consumer participating in the collection within a separate and dedicated stream for PET bottles, reduces the need for sorting. Cleaning the PET bottles to free them from leftover liquids, labels, and adhesives is a key step in the process. A hot alkali bath washes off specifically formulated adhesives for this purpose and removes any contamination from previous filling goods. The wrap-around and full surface label adhesives are customised for efficient wash-off and are certified by third party bodies. Qualification requirements for certification bodies in Europe, the U.S., and other countries such as South Korea, South Africa, or Australia can differ somewhat. Plastic waste reduction and leakage into the oceans is on the top of the agenda of the international community with on-going United Nations negotiations to end plastic pollution and finalise a legally binding document by the end of 2024 to this effect. Considering the trends and these international forces, certification bodies are seeking greater cooperation and are working towards mutual recognition of testing institutes and possibly testing protocols and certifications. International brands seek to use packaging components that are certified for as many geographies as possible to satisfy the export strategies of international products, highlighting the need for greater international coordination. How can adhesive suppliers support beverage manufacturers using PET bottles? As a well-known adhesive manufacturer worldwide, H.B. Fuller provides global support while working to qualify and certify products for local markets across the world. The alkali wash-off labelling product line, H.B. Fuller Earthic 4001 and 4010, are wrap-around labelling grades for plastic labels on PET bottles LABELLING
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