Avery Dennison receives OCC-E label certification

Avery Dennison has become the first company to achieve Old Corrugated Container equivalency certification and How2Recycle pre-qualification for thermal paper label products, confirming that the labels can be recycled alongside the corrugated boxes they are applied to without contaminating the fiber stream.

The DT300LD PLUS with AT2550 adhesive and the TT with S2550 adhesive have passed both parts of the OCC-E certification, created by the Fibre Box Association and the American Forest and Paper Association and awarded by Western Michigan University. The certification confirms the labels break down safely during recycling, avoiding the gummy deposits known as stickies that can clog recycling mill machinery and reduce the quality and yield of recovered fiber.

Both products also hold pre-qualification from the How2Recycle program for a widely recyclable label on a corrugated box. The certified constructions are compatible with existing thermal printing systems, allowing logistics, shipping, e-commerce and retail companies to adopt the labels without operational changes.

'By solving the challenge of ensuring that paper-based labels can be recycled alongside the materials they are attached to, we are helping our customers reach their goals for a sustainable future,' said Abby Monnot, vice president of marketing at Avery Dennison. 'These new products allow logistics companies to embrace circularity without compromising on performance.'