RecyClass advances recyclability evaluation for labels & adhesives applied on PET bottles
Over 40 laboratory trials enhance the robustness of testing protocol 11 Dec 2025
RecyClass released an updated version of its Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for Labels & Adhesives applied on PET bottles. This revision followed several months of collaborative work within the RecyClass PET Technical Committee, which brought together experts from across the packaging value chain, including label and adhesive manufacturers, recyclers, and converters.
‘We believe that understanding how each packaging component behaves during the recycling process is key to increasing the quality of recycled plastics and their consequent uptake in new products. The enhancements made to this protocol enable a more precise and consistent evaluation of how labels and adhesives perform throughout the recycling process,’ said Paolo Glerean, Chairman of RecyClass.
The revised protocol introduces new success criteria, focusing on the effective separation of labels from PET bottles, ensuring that adhesive residues remain predominantly on the label, and verifying that PET flakes do not degrade after the oven test.
Testing was conducted in four different RecyClass Recognised Testing Facilities, resulting in the approval of more than seven adhesive technologies. All Approval Letters are publicly available on the RecyClass website.
RecyClass invites all companies producing labels and adhesives for PET bottles to test their technologies according to the updated protocol. By doing so, they will help improve the recyclability of PET packaging and advance the circularity of 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.
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Contact: communication@recyclass.eu, www.recyclass.eu
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