Removal protocol for labels on rigid PE and PP packaging

Adhesion of labels to plastic components

After sorting, the disposal unit undergoes cold and/or hot washing, shredding, and cleaning with water and detergents. These steps are intended, among other things, to ensure that labels and flexible sub-components - including adhesives - detach and can be removed from the rigid main component (in this case, rigid PE or PP components). This also applies to labels on rigid sub-components made of the same material as the main component, as this material is also recycled along with it.

It is essential that adhesive residues do not re-adhere during the drying process. Adhesives that are not effectively removed - such as solvent-based and heat-seal adhesives - disrupt the recycling process and must be avoided.

Label removal protocol for PE and PP components

You assess the removability of labels and flexible components on PE and PP components using the Verpact label removal protocol or the RecyClass "Protocol for labels & Adhesives applied on HDPE / PP containers." The assessment framework is provided below.

Unlike with PET components, we have identified a number of critical parameters for PE and PP components that - in addition to label material and adhesive type - influence removability. To achieve a "highly recyclable" score according to the Verpact Recyclecheck, you must test the disposal unit or refer to an existing test result. When referring to an existing result, all critical factors must match exactly; if they do not, you must test the combination according to the protocol.

Test Protocol

New combinations of components, adhesives, and flexible sub-components must be tested using one of the following two test protocols:

• The ‘Assessment protocol of the releasability of plastic labels from rigid PP and PE packaging in the recycling process’. This protocol was developed by the NTCP, commissioned by Verpact.
• An NTCP label releasability calculation sheet is available for download with this protocol to record test results.
• The “Protocol for labels & Adhesives applied on HDPE / PP containers” from Recyclass.

Label Release Monitor

You can record test results based on both the Verpact and Recyclass protocols in a database: the Label Release Monitor. This tool allows you to filter by critical parameters and see which combinations—and associated critical parameters—have previously passed testing. Using the test reference number, you can identify the specific label/adhesive combination via the label supplier or the NTCP.

By combining the protocol and the Label Release Monitor, we aim to minimize the risk of misjudgment and clearly indicate which combinations of components, adhesives, and flexible sub-components require testing. Verpact wants to avoid the need to test every single PE and PP package individually to demonstrate label removability, as this would place an unnecessary burden on testing capacity. We also want to prevent the incorrect approval of packaging, which could disrupt the recycling process.

The Label Release Monitor contributes to the following aspects:

Producers and material suppliers can determine for themselves whether testing is necessary. During audits, Verpact can determine whether packaging has been correctly or incorrectly classified as optimally recyclable in the Verpact Recyclecheck.

As we centrally document all test results, our knowledge regarding label removability continues to grow.

Important: Various international bodies issue certificates for packaging recyclability. However, it is unclear to what extent these protocols align with the protocol Verpact uses for the Recyclecheck. Therefore, we do not recognize these protocols as assessments for the Verpact Recyclecheck.