GERMANY – HERMA, a specialist in self-adhesive technology, has recently launched a new label material that contains a high content of recycled PE.
Dubbed HERMA rPE white rv PE film (grade 857), the label consists of 50% post-consumer recycled material (PCR).
This comes, among other things, from the significant increase in end consumer waste in recent decades. The other half is made of new plastic.
According to the company, this combination enables production costs that are comparable to those of a conventional standard PE film. As a result, a significant plus in sustainability is possible, even for price-sensitive projects.
“The goal should be to initiate material cycles in a manner that maximizes the utilization of recycled materials,” explains Hendrik Kehl, product manager at HERMA.
“Flagship projects, in which costs only play a minor role and the proportion of recycled materials can also be 100 percent continue to send out an important message, but unfortunately do not often have a widespread effect.
“Although the use of recycled plastic is better for the environment and carbon footprint, it is still more expensive than new plastic due to the complex treatment processes. And for many mass applications, cost is critical.”
The recycled film is also suitable for labeling with thermal transfer printers; however, HERMA recommends conducting preliminary tests in this case.
The high flexibility of the film also allows for easy application on curved surfaces. With its so-called specks, the special film look of the HERMA rPE white rv (grade 857) makes the recycling approach visually clear.
“This new film is therefore an absolutely competitive option for standard applications in every respect, but with the advantage that it is more sustainable than conventional materials,” concludes Kehl.
Meanwhile, in August, the company unveiled a new versatile self-adhesive material for its labels, named 71N.
Designed in collaboration with the chemical company BASF, the new adhesive is capable of temporarily binding even more carbon dioxide (CO₂) than is emitted during its production, explains HERMA.
The emission balance of this material has already been calculated by the climate protection organization myclimate by considering the cradle-to-gate approach and the final disposal phase.
HERMA CSO Marcus Gablowski, at the time, said, “The cradle-to-gate approach alone does not take into account the utilization and disposal phases, as we have no control over them.
“Regardless of the label’s structure, the bound CO₂ is released again when it is incinerated at the end of its life cycle. But if it is recycled, for example, bound CO₂ remains in the material cycle for longer.”
