This is a significant improvement for the plastics recycling process. This new material allows manufacturers to eliminate the label removal process, which was previously required. If not separated, incompatible plastics can severely reduce the value of the recycled materials. The film and adhesive systems are both recycling compatible, this means they have no detrimental effects on the reuse of the materials. This is being announced just in time to meet new European directives on the disposal of electrical and electronics equipment waste.
European legislation bans the landfilling of durable goods.
In the past it has always been necessary to remove labels from plastic components before recycling them. This is because of pigments, films and adhesives used in the manufacturing of the labels. These standards have also spread to Asia and Latin America. Global Manufacturers cannot ignore this trend. This innovation can help meet both environmental and economic goals.