What Does “Recycling Friendly Labels” Actually Mean?

At Yerecic Label, we’re passionate about sustainability and helping our customers achieve their environmental goals. One of the questions we often hear is, “What does it mean for a label to be recycling-friendly?” Let’s break it down!

 

What Does It Mean for a Label to Be Recycling-Friendly?

A recycling-friendly label is one that’s designed to minimize its impact on the recycling process, ensuring the highest possible yield of usable, high-quality recycled material. This means the label, adhesive, and ink systems are carefully engineered to meet rigorous recyclability standards, such as those outlined by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR).

It’s important to note that designing a label to be recycling-friendly depends on the specific type of plastic or resin it’s being applied to. For example, labels designed for PET (polyethylene terephthalate) must meet entirely different requirements than those for other plastics, like HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene). Identifying the plastic type using the Resin Identification Code (RIC) and aligning the label design with those requirements is critical to ensure compatibility and recyclability.

RIC codes

The newly released APR PET Thermoform Guidance, co-drafted with input from Yerecic Label, provides specific design criteria for recycling-friendly labels on PET thermoform packaging. Unlike PET bottles, thermoforms have unique recycling challenges, reinforcing the importance of designing labels to meet the specific needs of different plastic types and applications.

Is This the Same Thing as a Wash-Away Adhesive?

Not necessarily! While wash-away adhesives are a key component of some recycling-friendly labels, they’re only one part of the equation. A true recycling-friendly label, like Yerecic Label’s SustainLabel!® Preferred Design Recognition label construction, also incorporates:

  • A non-bleeding ink system that doesn’t bleed into the wash water or discolor the PET flake.
  • A label substrate that floats in caustic solutions, ensuring easy separation from the PET container.
  • Surface coverage evaluations, ink density analysis, and more.

It’s also crucial to clarify that Yerecic Label’s SustainLabel!® Preferred Design Recognition label construction is specific to PET packaging.

 

What Is a Wash-Away Adhesive?

Yerecic Label is proud to be transitioning to a wash-away adhesive for film pressure-sensitive labels applied to PET packaging. This adhesive allows labels to separate cleanly from PET containers during the recycling process. The clean separation helps maintain the quality and reduce loss of yield of recycled food-grade PET, allowing it to be reused in a circular economy.

 

Why Are Recycling Friendly Labels Important?

  • Higher quantity and quality yield of food-grade recycled PET, contributing to a circular economy where plastic can re-enter the value chain as high-quality recycled content.
  • Reduced contamination in the recycling stream, benefiting both recyclers and companies committed to sustainability.
  • Greater availability of post-consumer recycled content (PCR), which supports companies striving to use more sustainable packaging.

At Yerecic Label, we encourage all brand owners and packaging designers to consider the recyclability of their labels and packaging. Learn more about Yerecic Label’s SustainLabel!® product line by visiting our website or contacting us at YLMarketing@yereciclabel.com.