Ahlstrom launches Acti-V RRF Natural for PSA tapes

Ahlstrom has introduced Acti-V RRF Natural, the next product of the Acti-V Industrial RF Natural release liner for double-sided PSA tapes. The product advances circularity with a recyclability rating of recyclable with paper.  

The new liner builds on Ahlstrom's low-impact design, leveraging recycled and unbleached fibers and enabling end-of-life recyclability. The new repulpable RRF formulation enables recyclability even when silicone-coated on both sides.

Double-sided PSA tapes are used in countless products, joining materials with strength, durability and precision. Its silicone-coated paper release liners protect and carry the adhesive until application, ensuring consistent processing and performance. Liners that are typically high-density supercalendered papers, silicone-coated on both sides, have been difficult to recycle into new pulp and paper products. They score as 'not recyclable' in laboratory testing due to hydrophobic surfaces and high rejection rates.  

The claims that the new Acti-V RRF Natural addresses these challenges and offers further improvements. 

It is measured using the CEPI recyclability test method, Europe’s paper recyclability standard of reference, marking the first time a double-sided silicone-coated supercalendered release liner has been assessed under this standard, as per the company. It supports PSA tape producers and users in meeting ambitious circularity targets, according to the company.

The unbleached fiber mix delivers greater mechanical robustness, enabling the use of a lower paper-based weight without sacrificing performance. Lower liner weight further reduces the carbon footprint per square meter of product or per tape unit. 

It builds on Acti-V RF Natural’s low-impact raw material composition, allowing a carbon footprint reduction of more than 25 percent compared to standard Acti-V industrial liners, claims the company. 

As with all Ahlstrom Acti-V RF Natural liners, the new RRF formulation incorporates at least 15 percent PCR fibers and contains no dyes, supporting fiber recovery and simplified repulping. 

Ahlstrom’s proprietary Acti-V release liner technology maintains coating and converting efficiency, with opportunities to reduce energy, catalyst and silicone consumption during silicone coating. 

'Developing better materials is our ongoing commitment. This innovation sets out a new benchmark for double-sided tape liners. By combining recyclability, lower impact and weight, and proven performance, we help tape producers and users meet ambitious sustainability goals without compromising quality and efficiency,' said Marco Troglia, vice president, release liners.

The company has paper release liner manufacturing across multiple sites in Europe and the Americas.