2016 Finat Recycling Awards open for entries

The goal of the Finat Recycling Awards is to raise awareness for the growing number of sustainable and economically-viable recycling programs for release liners.

Within two award categories, self-adhesive label end users and self-adhesive label converters, plus companies that are recycling paper and/or film release liners, are invited to enter the competition.

All entries will be judged by an independent panel. Eligible projects will be evaluated based on a comprehensive set of criteria, divided into three categories:

• Achievements (volume and percentage recycled) – how much liner (in volume and by percentage) does the company recycle? Is this traceable? Does the company recycle other secondary label materials?;
• Communication and promotion – is the company actively involved in the promotion of release liner recycling? Is the company making efforts to encourage partners/customers to engage in recycling?;
• Innovation/opening new markets – is the company using a new/innovative approach to logistics or recycling? Is the company representing a new end-user market for liner recycling?

The deadline for submitting entries is May 6, and the awards ceremony will be held on the opening night of the second European Label Forum in Amsterdam, which is scheduled for June 16-18.

‘Release liner recycling is picking up pace, and we like to think that our awards competition is contributing to that growth,’ said Jacques van Leeuwen, cairman of the Finat Recycling Awards competition. ‘As the number of recycling initiatives offering turnkey solutions increases, this valuable secondary material no longer needs to go to waste. Spent paper release liner is a high-quality feedstock, already being re-used in products ranging from new liners and copy papers to wall insulation. Similarly, reground PET and PP liners are used in a wide range of applications, such as new silicone film, outdoor jacket insulation and more.’

Van Leeuwen added that recycling of release liners provides a potential answer to legal or market requirements in the context of government or corporate environmental sustainability programs, both now and in the future.

‘The Finat Recycling Awards competition is an excellent opportunity to highlight the advances recycling programs are making in our industry.’

Read about the 2015 Finat Recycling Awards winners here.

To apply in the 2016 competition, please complete the application form online here.