Herma launches new label stock for enhanced recycling

Herma has developed a new range of adhesives and corresponding self-adhesive materials that can aid in the recycling process of shipping and other folding boxes.

The distinguishing feature of the logistics and other labels produced with the new label stock is that contamination caused by the adhesive during recycling is practically ruled out. Five of these self-adhesive materials have now been certified by PTS, the research and service institute of the German paper industry. The only condition imposed by the PTS certificates is that the mass of the label stock cannot exceed 25 percent of the total mass of the box.

‘In view of the light weight of a label, compared to the weight of the box to which it is applied, this condition will most likely be satisfied in every instance,’ says Dr Stefan Kissling, who oversees the development of adhesives and special coatings in Herma’s self-adhesive materials division. ‘It was important for us to obtain certification not only for the adhesives, but also for the finished materials – the label stock. This end-to-end certification best reflects the products’ practical application. To our knowledge, Herma is currently the only company in the industry to offer label stock certified in this way.’

For three of the four new adhesives, the multi-layer technology pioneered by Herma held the key to success.

The new adhesive 72Bpt is being used in combination with two light-weight coated papers, namely Hermawhite super (grade 240) and Hermaextracoat (grade 242). Each of these variants is characterized by good initial tack and is therefore ideal for labeling cardboard boxes.

For laser labels on sheets, as frequently used in shipping applications, Herma has developed label stock consisting of the new adhesive 72Apc and Hermalaser sheet (grade 135).

For optimizing the recycling of board and paper, Herma now offers a product, likewise certified by PTS, in the thermal label segment as well. It is a self-adhesive material that combines the new adhesive 72Eps with Hermatherm nature (grade 900) and is the first of its kind to dispense with chemical developers. Type 72Eps also shows good adhesion even at low temperatures and is suitable for use with very fast labeling lines as well.

The fifth of the PTS-certified materials is a universal variant for diverse applications consisting of the new single-layer adhesive 72C and the label material Hermawhite (grade 601). Its glazed surface gives rise to excellent print quality with conventional printing methods. It is also highly compatible with both laser and thermal transfer printing.

‘Our five new PTS-certified self-adhesive materials cover practically every application that arises in the cardboard and folding box labelling segment,’ said Dr Stefan Kissling. ‘Label printers and users are sure to find a suitable solution, no matter what the task, that will enable them to achieve further improvements in box recycling and thus the closed-loop material cycle.’