Why is the label and adhesive important for recycling? Why the recyclability of the packaging depending on the label and the glue?

The a. material, b. density and c. print of the label as well as adhesives are relevant for recyclability of the packaging.

• a. The material: Is important, because of the detectability and the density. PVC prevents the detection of the packaging material, so the whole packaging can’t be sorted right and recycled. Labels for HDPE containers should be made from PE and with water soluble adhesives, because it will end up in the PE stream. Paper labels are not optimal, but if they are used they have to be as small as possible (<50% of packaging surface) and have to had a water soluble adhesive.
• b. The density and adhesive is important, because if the adhesive of the label is not water soluble and can’t be removed from the packaging. Because it subsequently can’t be separated by density, it may remain in the flakes and effects a discolouration of the recyclate, e.g. for PET, so it can’t be further used for recycled products. For PET containers, OPP or PE labels are probably ok if they are >50% of the packaging surface, because they have a different density as PET. Water- or alkali-soluble adhesives suitable for PET should always be used (adhesives are named by PETcycle).
• c. Even if every parts of the packaging are fit for recycling, the print of the label can influence the detectability. So, it would be the right way to let the detectability check by a recycling institute to prove it.