EUROPE – Multi-industry non-profit initiative RecyClass has approved a selection of Dow’s solvent-free and water-borne lamination for mechanical recycling.
The approval covers solvent-free MOR-FREE L 75-300/ CR88-300 and waterborne ROBOND L-350/ CR-3 lamination adhesives, which will add an adhesive component to the REVOLOOP technology platform from Dow.
RecyClass assessments follow rigorous scientific protocols to present a comprehensive evaluation of the recyclability of plastic packaging.
The assessments consider all criteria needed for a closed-loop value chain, looking at the most used technologies of sorting and recycling infrastructures used in Europe. This verifies that packaging is compatible with recycling or can be effectively recycled.
The approval by RecyClass will allow packaging converters and brand owners to improve the recyclability of their laminated, flexible PE-based packaging.
Dow says customers can benefit from this external validation as they apply these adhesives in their mono-material laminated packaging designs.
Additionally, the company says value chain partners already using these adhesive systems can now have an additional favorable data point when designing packaging for recyclability.
According to Dow, using these adhesives requires no changes to existing production processes, nor additional staff training, nor retooling of equipment.
Fabrizio di Gregorio, technical director at Plastics Recyclers Europe said: “Innovation is key in furthering the circularity of plastics, but at the same time it is essential to ensure that these new packaging technologies comply with existing recycling systems. This is exactly what the RecyClass Recyclability Approval awarded to Dow’s technologies proves.
“We are delighted to work with companies like Dow and strive to support companies in implementing recyclability principles into the core of their strategic decisions.”
Izzat Midani, adhesives marketing manager at Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics EMEA added: “Sustainability is front and center of our innovation strategy and the main focus for our industry.
“I am proud that two different technologies in our laminating adhesives portfolio have been approved for mechanical recycling by RecyClass.
“This enables our customers and brand owners to reach a wider scope of applications and performance requirements while facilitating packaging recyclability, which will be crucial as they strive to achieve ambitious sustainability targets.”
Dow said the RecyClass Recyclability approval marks another milestone in the company’s efforts to meet its global sustainability targets.
The company has pledged to make 100% of its products’ packaging reusable or recyclable by 2035.
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