Ahlstrom unveils recyclable Acti-V RRF Natural liner for double-sided PSA tapes

FINLAND – Ahlstrom has launched Acti-V RRF Natural, a next-generation addition to its Acti-V Industrial RF Natural portfolio, targeting improved circularity in double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape applications.

The new release liner has achieved a “recyclable with paper” rating and is measured using the CEPI recyclability test method, Europe’s reference standard for paper recyclability.

According to the company, it marks the first time a double-sided silicone-coated supercalendered release liner has been assessed under this benchmark.

Double-sided PSA tapes are widely used across automotive, construction, electronics and general industrial markets, where silicone-coated paper release liners protect adhesives until application.

However, conventional high-density, supercalendered liners coated with silicone on both sides have historically been classified as non-recyclable in lab testing due to hydrophobic surfaces and high fiber rejection rates during repulping.

Acti-V RRF Natural is engineered with a repulpable RRF formulation that enables fiber recovery even when silicone-coated on both sides.

The product leverages recycled and unbleached fibers to reduce environmental impact while supporting end-of-life recyclability in standard paper streams.

The liner contains at least 15% post-consumer recycled (PCR) fibers and no added dyes, supporting simplified repulping and fiber recovery.

Ahlstrom states that, compared with its standard Acti-V industrial liners, the RF Natural range can deliver a carbon footprint reduction of more than 25%, depending on configuration.

Lightweighting and process efficiency

The unbleached fiber mix enhances mechanical robustness, allowing converters to reduce basis weight without compromising strength or converting performance. Lower material weight translates into reduced carbon emissions per square meter of liner or per finished tape unit.

In addition, Ahlstrom’s proprietary Acti-V release liner technology is designed to maintain coating and converting efficiency, with potential reductions in energy use, catalyst input and silicone consumption during the coating process.

Marco Troglia, vice president of release liners at Ahlstrom, said the product sets “a new benchmark for double-sided tape liners” by combining recyclability, reduced environmental impact and performance reliability.

The launch reflects growing demand from PSA tape producers and brand owners for recyclable ancillary materials that align with circular economy targets and tightening packaging and product sustainability regulations across Europe and the Americas, where Ahlstrom operates multiple paper release liner manufacturing sites.

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