Avery Dennison Receives First RecyClass Technology Approvals Supporting PET Thermoform Recyclability Under Emerging Legislative Requirements

Avery Dennison has received the first RecyClass Technology Approvals for the PET Thermoforms recycling stream for its AD CleanFlake™ Thermal PP White S7000ER and AD CleanFlake™ Thermal PP White C7010ER technologies. The approvals confirm the compatibility of the label solutions with existing European PET thermoform recycling processes, supporting the development of packaging designed for circularity.

The approved technologies combine a direct thermal polypropylene (PP) facestock with a releasable adhesive, enabling the replacement of conventional paper-based direct thermal labels used on PET trays. This solution enables the industry to retain its current setup of direct thermal printing equipment, while enhancing the recyclability of PET thermoform.

The Technology Approvals were granted following testing conducted according to the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for Labels & Lids Applied on PET Trays.

As the first provisions of the PPWR have started to apply, the packaging industry is facing increasingly ambitious circularity objectives. Innovations such as Avery Dennison's demonstrate how well-designed label solutions can support recycling processes and contribute to more recyclable packaging systems.

Labels play a critical role in the recyclability of PET thermoforms. According to the RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines and EN 18120-5 requirements, labels should detach under caustic hot washing conditions and leave no significant adhesive residue on the tray surface to ensure compatibility with recycling processes. The ability of labels and adhesives to separate efficiently during recycling is essential to maintaining recyclate quality and process efficiency.

By validating technologies that facilitate label removal and minimise contamination, RecyClass continues to support innovation aligned with plastic circularity objectives. The approval also creates new opportunities for packaging manufacturers, converters and brand owners seeking to improve the recyclability performance of PET thermoform packaging and pursue RecyClass Recyclability Certification.

RecyClass encourages companies to assess the compatibility of their innovations through dedicated recyclability testing. Advancing scientifically validated solutions remains essential to improving the recyclability of plastic packaging and increasing the availability of high-quality recycled plastics in Europe.

_{About RecyClass}

_{RecyClass is a non-profit, cross-industry initiative advancing recyclability, bringing transparency to the origin of plastic waste, and establishing a harmonised approach toward recycled plastic calculation & traceability in Europe. RecyClass develops Recyclability Evaluation Protocols and scientific testing methods for innovative plastic materials, which serve as the base for the Design for Recycling Guidelines and the RecyClass Online Tool. RecyClass established Recyclability Certifications for plastic packaging, Sorting Process, Recycling Process, and Recycled Plastics Traceability Certifications for plastic products.}

^{New RecyClass Academy Courses - Online Learning}

^{Follow the latest news on RecyClass channels: LinkedIn | YouTube}

^{Contact: communication@recyclass.eu, https://recyclass.eu/}