Why Label Converters Should Prioritize Mechanical Circularity 

Circularity in general refers to materials, products and services being kept in use for as long as possible However, mechanical circularity specifically refers to shredding down packaging, such as PET plastic bottles and trays, into PET flakes via mechanical processes. The PET flakes then undergo a thorough washing process to remove any other materials, such as labels or adhesives, to purify the PET material for its second generational use. The clean PET flakes are then melted and formed into a molten mass that will be extruded into pellets to create new packaging, including bottles and trays. Once the end-user is done with that container, it will undergo the same process again and extend the PET lifecycle. 
 
Why mechanical circularity is critical for your label manufacturing success 

While mechanical recycling occurs with the end-user of a PET package, you as the converter play an integral part in the overall value chain to keep mechanical circularity in motion. This is because you hold the authority to choose suppliers for materials that either do or do not offer proper wash-off capabilities for your end-use label. Additionally, brand owners rely on you to provide them with a label that they can trust will enable PET packaging to easily move through mechanical recycling streams. However, if your label does not fulfill this need, it could cause a variety of issues for them, such as: 
 

• Extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations are starting to implement taxes to brand owners that do not sell products in sustainable packaging, which includes offering recyclable capabilities. If a label adhesive does not allow brand owners’ PET packaging to be properly recycled, they may face additional expenses depending on if lawmakers in their state have implemented this tax.   
• Non-governmental organizations (NGO) are also holding brand owners accountable for sustainability initiatives they promote to consumers by tracking whether those goals are met online. This includes tracking whether brand owners are fulfilling their contribution goals to mechanical circularity. If a brand owner is unable to address wash-off problems with a label adhesive, they could risk meeting sustainability goals in the expected time frame. If failed progress gets online attention, this may result in their consumers feeling the brand does not value initiatives like mechanical circularity.  

These potential consequences that brand owners face also create pressure for you as the converter to ensure your label adhesive is not causing a smaller yield of PET packaging that is deemed recyclable.  

Even though a general-purpose wash-off label adhesive will provide clean separation between a label and PET packaging, choosing an all-temperature, wash-off label adhesive solution can help you increase mechanical circularity while also meeting your production needs.  
 

• High performance range: An all-temperature, wash-off label adhesive will remain tacky down to 0°F (-17°C), whereas other wash-off label adhesives can’t provide strong adhesion below 40°F (4.4°C). This allows you to use the same adhesive technology for labels being used for room temperature packaging, as well as cold-fill or freezer-grade applications. You’ll be able to offer brand owners wash-off capabilities no matter the temperature of their packaging while decreasing changeouts on your production line. 
• Meets APR standards: You can save time and resources by choosing an all-temperature, wash-off label adhesive that is already proven to meet or exceed APR critical guidance for PET recycling. This allows you to show your brand owners you’re serious about meeting key guidelines for mechanical circularity and start the process of implementing wash-off capabilities fast.  
• Simplified production: An all-temperature, wash-off label adhesive is formulated to be coater-ready, taking away the prep work so you can streamline your processes. Further, it will perform at the same levels as other wash-off label adhesives without  pretreatment. It is also compatible with water-based emulsion equipment, allowing you to use equipment you already own.