A trial of self-adhesive labels used on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and laboratory tests afterwards demonstrated that these bottles and labels are fully recyclable, PET recycling company Petco says.

PET plastic bottles with adhesive labels have hampered South African recycling processes, as the labelling glue has discoloured the recyclate.

This has meant that discoloured recycled PET from those bottles could not be repurposed into high-quality, clear plastic beverage bottles and could only be used to produce a limited range of new products.

Post-consumer PET bottle recycler Extrupet trialled a new wash-off label adhesive in April in conjunction with Petco, which is the national industry organisation supporting PET plastic bottle recycling and collections.

Self-adhesive label manufacturer UPM Raflatac and label printers Java Print participated in the trial, along with bottler Oasis Water.

“Laboratory results following the trial have shown a more than satisfactory result and the new wash-off label adhesive used in the trial easily washed off the PET flakes created as the plastic bottles underwent recycling,” says Extrupet joint-MD Chandru Wadhwani.

“The chemical composition of the new wash-off label adhesive makes it easier to remove during recycling and the glue retention on the label has met our recycling standards requirements.

"Plastic producers will benefit from the new technology, as it will help them comply with new government legislation on extended producer responsibility (EPR),” he says.

While self-adhesive labels are not the preferred choice for ideal design of a PET bottle pack (a polyolefin wrap-around label with minimal or no glue is preferred) the wash-off adhesive label is a preferred option when a brand owner insists on the use of a self-adhesive label.

“We are not promoting the use of self-adhesive labels, but if you have to use one, make sure it is eco-friendly. However, as long as a label is made from polyolefin, it can be recycled. Once the label is separated from the bottle, it is melted together with the glue, and used to manufacture products such as outdoor furniture, pallets and school desks,” Wadhwani points out.

The trial was significant for plastic packaging producers who needed to comply with sustainable product design and production practices, Petco CEO Cheri Scholtz notes.

“We successfully changed the chemical composition of the adhesive, making it easier to wash off and remove the label during recycling, with no residual adhesive,” says UPM Raflatac packaging solutions manager Trevor Isaacs.

Extrupet extensively tested 10 000 Oasis Water bottles that featured the new labelling as part of the trial.

“We welcome the new Section 18 requirements and are happy to say we are compliant. Although we use recycling-friendly wrap-around labels as far as possible, the new wash-off labelling will feature on our products with self-adhesive labels as soon as possible,” says Oasis Water director Naas du Preez.

Oasis Water is currently investigating using recycled bottles and labels in shop fittings, such as post-formed counters for its stores.

“We are privileged and excited to be part of innovative and industry-leading projects like these, and this confirms our commitment to being a responsible brand that cares for the environment,” Du Preez notes.

Java Print, which printed the new wash-off labelling, is excited at the trial’s prospects, says Java Print MD Mark Groves.

“We are excited about taking the product to scale and hope that suppliers, manufacturers and producers get on board quickly so that sustainable labels are soon the norm,” he adds.