The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has recognized Henkel’s Loctite Liofol LA 4220 RE/Loctite Liofol LA 3180 RE adhesive for recyclability. This two-component adhesive system for PE film lamination is the first 100 percent solids, solvent-free adhesive system for flexible packaging to receive this recognition by the association.
APR’s process required that the two-component system be tested against guidelines set forth in its Critical Guidance Protocol for PE Film and Flexible Packaging. The Henkel system was tested under challenging test conditions and strict guidance criteria.
‘The Critical Guidance protocol, FPE-CG-01, is the product of multi-industry consensus of key issues related to the recycling of postconsumer polyethylene films,’ Stephen Alexander, president and CEO of APR, noted in the recognition letter.
‘The protocol is intended to improve the quality of recycled PE films by helping innovators to make informed decisions about the consequences of PE film innovations. Meeting the Critical Guidance Protocol guidelines is a truly significant step in demonstrating overall recyclability of your product.’
With this recognition, Henkel has been able to expand its RE Designed for Recycling product range.
‘Many of our converting and brand partners are requesting circular economy solutions that enable the recyclability of flexible packages,’ said Gary Rzonca, vice president, Packaging and Consumer Goods, North America. ‘We are proud to receive this recognition, and we remain fully committed to the continual expansion of our RE range to provide our converting and brand partners with comprehensive solutions.’
Products in this range are designed particularly with recycling in mind, as they are able to effectively bond multiple compatible layers and have excellent mechanical recycling properties, according to Henkel. This material compatibility is central to achieve the optimal result in the mechanical recycling process. The new Henkel RE adhesive range can be used in a closed loop recycling process for flexible packaging.
Clay Kellam, head of Product Development for Henkel Packaging Adhesives, added: ‘The APR recognition and subsequent addition to our RE range is the result of hard work and dedication by our technical team. Compatibility with recycling is an important focus for Henkel innovations and we are proud of this recognition that enables our customers achievement of their sustainability targets.’
In the recognition letter, APR thanked Henkel for its cooperation in using this important protocol, which has global impact.
‘We can only achieve sustainability and a circular economy by working together across the entire packaging value chain,’ added Colleen Zielske, director of Technical Customer Service for Henkel Packaging Adhesive.
‘Henkel is committed to actively supporting a circular economy by making it possible to return high-quality materials into the loop after use, turning waste back into valuable resources. Adhesives are typically less than 5 percent of total package weight, but their properties make the difference when it comes to the overall recyclability of the material.’
