Europe

Celab makes label waste recycling accessible

Selah Zighelboim — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:59:56 +0000

Celab Europe, the European association dedicated to advancing the circular economy for self-adhesive labels, has relaunched its website, featuring a platform that helps label users and other stakeholders access practical information about recycling.

At the heart of the new website is an interactive map of recyclers handling release liner and label waste. This key service enables label users to search for recycling services close to their location, making it easier to identify potential recycling partners and explore opportunities to divert materials from disposal.

For brands and label users, the map provides a practical starting point for finding local recycling options, supporting waste management efforts and advancing sustainability goals. For label converters, material suppliers, recyclers and other stakeholders, the website offers a central source of information on Celab Europe’s activities and its collective efforts to improve the circularity of self-adhesive label materials, including an FAQ that answers most common questions on label and matrix waste recycling.

The relaunched website also makes Celab Europe’s mission, initiatives and resources easier to discover, reinforcing the importance of collaboration across the value chain to develop and scale circularity.

The relaunched website is located at celab-europe.org.

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2 days 10 hours ago

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Celab makes label waste recycling accessible

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Its relaunched website features a platform that helps label users access practical information about recycling.

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Its relaunched website features a platform that helps label users access practical information about recycling.

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Martin Euwe becomes CFO at Apex International

Adyasha Sinha — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 12:53:28 +0000

Apex International has promoted Martin Euwe to chief financial officer (CFO), based at the company’s global headquarters in Hapert, the Netherlands. His appointment further strengthens the company’s global leadership structure and supports its ambitions for sustainable, profitable international growth.

Euwe joined Apex in August 2023 as manager, financial planning and analysis. His promotion recognizes his financial expertise, commercial understanding and contribution to improving the company’s systems, processes and business insight.

As CFO, Euwe will oversee financial management across Apex's international operations, strengthening financial controls, cash flow management, capital allocation and financial performance transparency. He will also advance the use of technology and business intelligence to improve reporting, support disciplined investment decisions and provide timely insights into operational performance.

Ruud van Cuijk, CEO of Apex International, commented: 'Martin has earned this promotion through sound judgment, ownership and the ability to translate complex financial information into clear business direction. His achievements have given us every confidence in his readiness to lead our global finance function. I am pleased to appoint him as CFO and welcome him to the Executive Leadership Team.'

Euwe added: 'Apex is entering an exciting next phase, with significant opportunities for international growth. I am committed to ensuring that our finance, IT and data capabilities develop at the same pace as the business. That means building a scalable financial and digital backbone, making better use of data and AI, and enabling faster, better-informed decisions across the organization. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to building this together with our strong teams around the world.'

Euwe’s professional background spans financial planning and analysis, business control and revenue management. He holds a Master’s degree in Finance, which he completed cum laude, and is currently undertaking the Executive Master of Finance and Control (EMFC), with completion expected in June 2027.

His appointment further strengthens Apex International's global leadership structure. Within the Group's established governance framework, the chairman provides strategic direction, oversight of major decisions and protection of long-term shareholder interests. Cuijk leads the executive leadership team and is responsible for executing the agreed strategy, managing the Group's operations and delivering sustainable, profitable growth and measurable shareholder returns.

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2 days 16 hours ago

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Martin Euwe becomes CFO at Apex International

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His appointment strengthens the company’s global leadership structure and supports its ambitions for sustainable growth.

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His appointment strengthens the company’s global leadership structure and supports its ambitions for sustainable growth.

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Customark completes two acquisitions

Selah Zighelboim — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:05:28 +0000

Customark has completed the acquisition of two regional industry players, BSP Labels and Screens and Graphics.

The transactions, finalized in July, mark a milestone in Customark’s growth strategy, expanding its client base, technical capabilities and geographical footprint.

The acquisition includes the assets and goodwill of BSP Labels, previously located near Royston, alongside the entire share capital of Cottenham-based Screens and Graphics. Together, these acquisitions integrate more than 300 active accounts into Customark’s existing operations, further strengthening its established market sector penetration.

The expansion also brings immediate financial and operational scale, introducing 16 skilled professionals to the Customark workforce and injecting an additional 1.2m GBP (1.6m USD) in projected annual revenue.

In tandem with the acquisitions, Customark has announced a major infrastructural consolidation. The company will merge the operations of BSP Labels, Screens and Graphics, and its own existing Royston facility into a single, unified production hub.

The combined entity will relocate to new, modern premises strategically positioned in Swavesey, just north of Cambridge. This new location offers transport links via the A14, M11, A1(M) and the M1, ensuring easy distribution and improved service logistics for clients nationwide.

Customark director and owner Greg Lerigo said: 'These acquisitions allow Customark to reach even more customers requiring our broader technical labeling expertise. The additional print and labeling capabilities of Screens & Graphics and BSP Labels complement Customark’s current capabilities.

'We welcome all of the staff of both businesses to Customark’s growing family of dedicated and skilled employees.'

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3 days 14 hours ago

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Customark completes two acquisitions

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Customark has acquired BSP Labels and Screens and Graphics.

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Customark has acquired BSP Labels and Screens and Graphics.

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Zecher expands sales network in Scandinavia

Akanksha Meena — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 06:22:19 +0000

Kurt Zecher continues to expand its international sales presence and has appointed a new partner, CoPriTech, for the Scandinavian markets.

Going forward, the company, led by Ronni Nielsen, will be responsible for serving customers and prospects in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. With this new partnership, the anilox roller manufacturer is strengthening its regional presence and laying the groundwork for even closer support of the printing and packaging industries in Northern Europe.

As an international manufacturer of high-quality anilox rolls and sleeves, Zecher has been committed to the printing industry for over 75 years. A key component of its international sales strategy is collaboration with knowledgeable local partners who understand the needs of their respective markets and provide on-site support to customers.

With CoPriTech, Zecher has gained a partner that will serve as the regional point of contact for the three Scandinavian countries. The goal of the collaboration is to further develop existing customer relationships, tap into new market potential, and provide companies in the printing and packaging industries with direct access to Zecher’s product and service portfolio.

Thomas Reinking, sales director at Kurt Zecher, explained: ‘Scandinavia is an interesting market for us, with high standards for quality, efficiency, and process reliability. With CoPriTech, we have a partner at our side with whom we intend to expand our presence in the region in a targeted manner. We look forward to working with Ronni Nielsen and to jointly bringing new momentum to these markets.'

CoPriTech is also looking forward to the collaboration. Ronni Nielsen, CEO and owner of CoPriTech, emphasized: ‘Zecher stands for quality, technical expertise, and many years of experience in anilox roller technology. We are very much looking forward to representing these solutions in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway in the future and, together with Zecher, offering our customers real added value. Our goal is to build long-term customer relationships and support companies in optimizing their printing processes.’

With this new partnership, Zecher underscores its commitment to offering customers worldwide not only high-quality products, but also professional, application-oriented advice and direct lines of communication. The collaboration with CoPriTech is another step toward continuously strengthening its international partner network and expanding its presence in regional markets.

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3 days 23 hours ago

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Zecher expands sales network in Scandinavia

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Anilox roller manufacturer strengthens its regional presence with new partner, CoPriTech.

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Anilox roller manufacturer strengthens its regional presence with new partner, CoPriTech.

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Kurz receives EcoVadis Silver

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 21:25:19 +0000

Kurz has again been awarded the EcoVadis Silver Medal for its 2026 sustainability performance, ranking among the top 15 percent of all companies assessed worldwide and the top 10 percent in its industry despite stricter assessment criteria than the previous year.

EcoVadis rates companies on environmental standards, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement, with independent experts carrying out the assessments to international standards. Kurz, based in Fuerth, Germany, improved its ratings compared with the previous year, particularly in environmental standards and ethics. Its sustainability strategy follows the motto 'Be a green leader' and includes improving processes and products to reduce CO2 emissions and material consumption.

'Sustainability is not a short-term trend for us, but a long-term commitment that requires perseverance and consistent action. The recognition from EcoVadis confirms that we have taken important steps in the right direction over the past few years,' said Dr Andreas Hirschfelder, member of the executive board at Kurz. 'We take a long-term approach and accept responsibility for our employees, our customers, our partners and the environment. At Kurz, we do not view sustainability as a stand-alone initiative, but as an integral part of our corporate culture.'

The company is investing in photovoltaic systems and a power-to-heat system with thermal energy storage. It is also introducing measures to cut energy consumption, emissions and material use, and operates its own recycling system. Kurz plans to expand these initiatives in the coming years.

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4 days 8 hours ago

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Kurz receives EcoVadis Silver

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Thin-film specialist ranks in the top 15 percent of companies assessed.

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Thin-film specialist ranks in the top 15 percent of companies assessed.

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RecyClass approves Avery Dennison labels

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 21:20:58 +0000

Avery Dennison has received RecyClass Technology Approvals for pressure-sensitive labels on PET trays, which it says is a market first, covering its AD CleanFlake Thermal PP White (S7000ER) and the newly introduced AD CleanFlake Chilled Thermal PP White (C7010ER) as the packaging industry prepares for the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

RecyClass evaluated both technologies and confirmed they are compatible with clear transparent and colored transparent PET thermoform recycling streams within existing European recycling processes. The new Chilled adhesive is designed for PET trays in chilled environments, with high tack at low temperatures and compatibility with air-blown dispensing. It lets converters and brand owners move from paper to film labels while using the same direct thermal printing technology.

According to RecyClass guidelines and EN 18120-5, labels on PET thermoforms must detach cleanly during caustic hot washing and leave no significant adhesive residue on the tray. The AD CleanFlake releasable adhesive system is designed to let labels and adhesive separate from the package during recycling, which helps reduce contamination and supports the yield and quality of recycled PET flakes.

Avery Dennison says that, depending on the design of the complete package, using RecyClass-approved label technologies may contribute to a high RecyClass recyclability classification, potentially class A. Components that meet RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines may also contribute to lower Extended Producer Responsibility fees in countries where eco-modulation applies.

'Our AD CleanFlake portfolio was developed 13 years ago to enable PET bottle recycling, and we are proud to announce that it also continues to be designed to be compatible with PET thermoforms recycling processes. This approval showcases our leadership in bringing to market technologies designed to help customers prepare for upcoming recyclability requirements without compromising on convenience, flexibility and performance,' said Vincenzo Palumbo, marketing manager for variable information labels at Avery Dennison Materials Group.

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4 days 8 hours ago

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RecyClass approves Avery Dennison labels

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PET tray labels receive first RecyClass technology approval in Europe.

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PET tray labels receive first RecyClass technology approval in Europe.

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UPM tests starch barriers

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 21:15:03 +0000

UPM, Ingredion and Paramelt have co-created a paper-based food packaging structure with a plant-based starch grease barrier that has passed Part 1 recyclability testing at Western Michigan University.

The structure is based on UPM Solide Lucent 78 gsm paper, and the three companies also worked with UPM Asendo 65 gsm paper. Ingredion contributed its starch-based barrier coatings, which show promise for improving grease resistance, and Paramelt added its bio-based heat-seal and barrier coatings. The aim was to understand how complementary technologies from across the value chain can work together in paper packaging for demanding food applications.

'Expanding the range of paper-based packaging options available to converters and brand owners requires innovation across the value chain. This collaboration with Ingredion and Paramelt demonstrates how complementary technologies can help broaden the possibilities of paper-based packaging for food applications in the Americas and globally,' said Sarah Dembroski, sales director, packaging papers Americas at UPM Specialty Materials.

'By combining Ingredion's plant-based starch barrier coatings with UPM's Specialty Materials substrates and Paramelt's heat-seal coatings, we have demonstrated a paper-based packaging structure that supports the transition to more sustainable food packaging. This collaboration highlights how complementary technologies can help accelerate the adoption of renewable, fiber-based packaging,' noted Anand Sundararaman, project leader, sustainable packaging coating applications at Ingredion.

'At Paramelt, we believe the future of packaging lies in combining renewable materials with high-performance functionality. By bringing our expertise in bio-based heat-seal and barrier coatings together with UPM's advanced paper substrates and Ingredion's starch-based technologies, we have created a compelling structure that helps brand owners meet both performance and sustainability objectives,' added Neill Dutton, research and innovation director at Paramelt.

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4 days 8 hours ago

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UPM tests starch barriers

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Paper packaging structure combines starch barrier with heat-seal coating.

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Paper packaging structure combines starch barrier with heat-seal coating.

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AM Labels turns 30

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 21:10:07 +0000

AM Labels has marked its 30th anniversary with a visit from the mayor of Kettering, Cllr Lauren Glanfield, who unveiled a commemorative plaque in its reception area on Friday, October 16, 2026.

The company was established in 1996 as a one-man operation, with Tony Mariani producing custom labels from his home on two printers. As demand grew, it began supplying customers with their own labeling equipment. It now operates from a 14,000 square feet site that includes a label manufacturing and production facility and a Technical Experience Centre, where customers can watch label printers and automation equipment run live before buying.

AM Labels supplies label applicators, print and apply systems, color label printers, label finishers, RFID technology, handheld scanning and barcoding technology from many leading manufacturers to businesses across the UK. In 2022, it introduced sugar cane paper labels and labels made from 30 percent sun-dried grass fiber (hay) and 70 percent sustainably sourced pulp, and it received the Epson ColorWorks Sustainability Award 2026.

'Reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement for everyone at AM Labels and I am truly proud of how the business has grown over the past 30 years. AM Labels' success is the result of the hard work and dedication of our incredible team, the loyalty of our customers and the strong partnerships we have developed over the years. We never stand still, and that mindset will continue to shape our future, as we invest in new technologies, embrace more sustainable ways of working and continue delivering the high levels of service that our customers expect from us,' said Mariani, managing director of AM Labels.

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4 days 8 hours ago

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AM Labels turns 30

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Label supplier marks three decades with mayoral visit and plaque.

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Label supplier marks three decades with mayoral visit and plaque.

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Siegwerk wins deinking patent

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 23:37:36 +0000

Siegwerk has secured a European patent, EP4107326, for a primer technology that lets printing inks which cannot be deinked under commercially used conditions be removed from plastic substrates during recycling, as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) raises recycled-content requirements.

The patent covers solvent-based and water-based deinking primers, and the Siburg-based company's wider deinking portfolio also includes UV printing applications. At its core is a functional primer between the plastic substrate and the printing layer, which allows the print layer to be released and removed during alkaline washing before the polymer is reprocessed. The concept also covers constructions with ink between additional layers, extending to complex flexible packaging, labels and shrink sleeves.

Under the PPWR, plastic packaging will need minimum shares of post-consumer recycled material from 2030. According to CEFLEX, around 2.5 million metric tons of flexible packaging-derived post-consumer recyclate will be required by 2030 to meet the targets for flexible packaging alone. Siegwerk says effective ink removal can improve recyclate quality by reducing discoloration, odor and contamination. For flexibles, printing inks often cover larger surface areas or sit within laminated structures, while adhesives, barrier layers and multilayer constructions complicate sorting, washing and recycling.

Siegwerk has validated the technology across different substrates, ink technologies and packaging constructions in its internal deinking laboratory and in collaborative research and industry projects. One example is a deinkable mono-material flexible pouch concept, which Siegwerk and partners showed could achieve effective print removal while keeping the structure recyclable, and which won the German Packaging Award in Gold.

'We recognized early that removing printing inks can contribute to improving the quality of recycled plastics. This becomes even more relevant as the value chain needs to deliver significantly more recycled material at the quality required for its next application. Especially for flexible packaging, there will not be one answer for every structure and recycling stream. Our early investment in deinking technologies and the expertise we have built put us in a strong position to support the industry wherever ink removal becomes an important lever for recyclate quality,' said Lara Kleines, recycling and polymer expert at Siegwerk.

The European patent complements US Patent US12291051B2, granted in May 2025.

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5 days 5 hours ago

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Siegwerk wins deinking patent

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Primer technology helps remove inks from recycled plastic packaging.

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Primer technology helps remove inks from recycled plastic packaging.

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Weavabel team grows

Selah Zighelboim — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 17:37:09 +0000

Weavabel has expanded its care labels team with three new hires in Portugal and China. The team has doubled in size in a year, from four people in 2025 to eight in 2026, as demand for compliant care labels accelerates.

Weavabel produced 3.6 million care labels in Q2 2026, up from around 900,000 in Q2 2025, an increase of 300 percent. Care labels is now Weavabel's fastest-growing department, with annual care label volumes on track to roughly double in the next two years.

The new team members are Leyla Liu, Joao Melo and Jorge Miguel. Liu is variable data account manager, China, a role in which she gives brands and garment factories local customer support in the region. Melo is variable data production manager, Portugal. He is Weavabel’s first care label production worker, marking the first time the company has produced labels in-house from its base in Portugal. Miguel is variable data production specialist, Portugal. He works alongside Melo, taking in-house production in Portugal from one person to a full-time team of two.

This growth is being driven by regulation. As EU rules multiply, brands selling into Europe, wherever they are based, need every label across their supply chain to be consistent and compliant. Rather than leaving garment factories to source their own labels, brands are asking garment factories to order through Weavabel, so that the brand approves every label and keeps full visibility of what goes on their garments.

The EU's Digital Product Passport (DPP) requirements are adding to that demand. Brands increasingly use the care label to carry a QR code or RFID tag linking to the garment's digital record, covering where it was made, what it is made from and how to care for, repair and recycle it. Care instructions themselves must still appear on the physical label.

'A care label can look like the simplest thing on a garment, but there's a lot going on behind it,' said Laetitia Surtees, variable data operations manager at Weavabel. 'With regulations multiplying, brands want one place to design, approve and order labels that are compliant everywhere they sell. Growing the team and bringing production in-house in Portugal means Weavabel can give every brand a fast, personal service as volumes keep climbing. The care label is fast becoming a garment's permanent ID card, and brands are treating it that way.'

Travis Stutterheim, variable data manager, Weavabel, added: 'The biggest misconception about care labels is that they're simple. Behind every one is artwork, translations, approval and production that has to be right first time. Our portal takes that complexity away, and with Digital Product Passports the care label is becoming the obvious place to connect a garment to its digital record.'

To reflect the increase in demand, Weavabel has launched an online portal where brands create, approve and order label artwork, backed by a managed translation database. The company added printers, increasing production capacity by 50 percent in Europe. It extended its production partner network across Bangladesh, Vietnam and Turkey, and integrated with DPP partners Bombiix and osapiens. It split the department into technical and systems, led by Travis Stutterheim, and
operations, led by Laetitia Surtees.

Philip Fulcher, global head of operations, said: 'Care labels is now the fastest-growing part of Weavabel, and that tells you where the fashion industry is heading. Compliance is no longer something brands can leave to individual factories. By doubling the team, adding
capacity in Europe and producing garment labels in-house in Portugal for the first time, we're making sure brands can centralize their care labels with us and stay compliant as the rules change.'

Over the next 24 months, Weavabel aims to double the number of brands onboarded for care label supply. It is also developing an AI-driven platform that will give customers live order tracking.

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5 days 12 hours ago

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Weavabel team grows

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The company has hired three people in Portugal and China as demand for compliant care labels accelerates.

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