Avery Dennison’s AD CleanFlake RFID tags have secured RecyClass Technology Approval in Europe, officially certifying their compatibility with mechanical PET recycling streams.
Described as a ‘dual-innovation breakthrough’, the AD CleanFlake RFID solution combines Avery Dennison’s proprietary CleanFlake adhesive technology with a patent-pending RFID inlay and label construction.
This is set to ensure that the RFID tags separate cleanly from rigid PET during the mechanical recycling process – thus avoiding adhesive and metal contamination, keeping the PET flakes suitable for reuse, and avoiding disruption to the established PET recycling process.
Using recycling-friendly RFID inlays, tags and adhesives is expected to help brand owners improve material recovery and sortation rates in pursuit of their sustainability goals – including the recyclability and waste management set by 96% of the top 50 CPG brands, Avery Dennison suggests.
It is also set to align with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s expectation for brands to demonstrate recyclability at scale.
The AD CleanFlake RFID portfolio has already received Design Recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (EPR) in North America. Avery Dennison claims that its tags are the first RFID solution to be recognized by both major regional bodies for their recyclability in mechanical PET streams.
This ‘cross-regional compatibility’ is expected to support brands in deploying high-performance tracking across international supply chains, as well as streamlining material sourcing and structural packaging data to meet reporting requirements.
“When APR recognized the AD CleanFlake RFID products, it validated that RFID and PET recyclability no longer have to be in conflict,” says Pascale Wautelet, vice president, global R&D and Sustainability, Avery Dennison Materials Group.
“We’re proud that RecyClass Technology Approval validates our RFID tag compatibility with the European PET bottles recycling stream. Brands operating across North America and Europe now have a single, approved solution that works within both recycling infrastructures, without compromise.”
Paolo Glerean, chairman, RecyClass, adds: “The core purpose of RecyClass Technology Approval is to advance and recognize circular packaging technologies through science-based testing methodologies that evaluate recyclability.
“Given the stringent criteria applied, combined with Avery Dennison’s clear commitment to advancing circularity on a global scale, this Approval serves as a testament that recyclable solutions are readily available on the market and jointly we can work towards achieving the upcoming legislative targets.”
The news comes after Avery Dennison launched its AD IdentiFresh inlay series, which uses RFID technology to provide real-time inventory visibility in fresh food categories. The series allows both in-store and supplier tagging of fresh food items, offering flexibility and high-volume scalability.
In other news, Checkpoint Systems has developed its Chinook RFID inlay for reusable food packaging. The solution intends to facilitate supply chain traceability without compromising on microwave safety or durability.
Sweden’s Returpack/Pantamera has also become the first deposit return system in Europe to receive RecyClass certification for its PET bottle sorting process. This certification verifies the recycled plastic is food-safe and meets EU traceability requirements.
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