BASF wins RecyClass approval for label adhesive

BASF's UV-curable acrylic hotmelt acResin UV 3532 has received RecyClass approval confirming its full compatibility with established European industrial recycling processes for PET bottles, demonstrating that high-performance filmic pressure-sensitive adhesives can meet demanding recycling requirements.

During standard recycling operations, labels using acResin UV 3532 as a pressure-sensitive adhesive wash off reliably, enabling clean PET streams and supporting high-quality recyclate. The approval aligns the label system with Design-for-Recycling criteria under current EU guidance and supports compliance with the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and its mandatory recycled content targets.

The product builds on acResin UV 3532's existing track record with recycling-friendly, high-clarity labels on glass bottles, and extends its application to filmic labels on PET packaging, a combination previously considered incompatible with clean PET material streams.

'Now, acResin UV 3532 opens new opportunities for recyclable PET packaging: high-clarity filmic labels that fully wash off during recycling,' said Mike Zott, global senior marketing manager in BASF's adhesives business. 'We are demonstrating how innovative adhesive solutions can help brand owners and converters comply with regulations such as the EU's PPWR while maintaining design freedom and performance.'