Herma: Certified for the first time for cold wash-off in PP Recycling

HERMA Self-adhesive materials division has achieved another breakthrough in the recycling of plastic packaging: HERMA is likely to be the first supplier to hold certificates confirming that seven PP- and PE-based self-adhesive materials can be completely released from rigid PP packaging even during energy-efficient cold washing – an important prerequisite for achieving the purest possible recycled material. The certification is based on the CHI Recyclability Standard developed by the cyclos-HTP Institute, a methodology for assessing the recyclability of packaging that is aligned with the requirements of the PPWR. The tests were carried out for the rigid PP recycling stream, taking into account PPWR Category 12. Wash-off solutions for the recycling of PP packaging are considered particularly challenging. “Unlike in the long-established PET recycling process, PP packaging and PP or PE label film – including the adhesive – have an almost identical material density. Separation is therefore carried out by air classification after the label material has been removed. Until now, there have been no certified solutions for this. So far, the focus has not been on the label, which carries the printing ink. However, this is now changing drastically as a result of the PPWR,” explains Dr Stefan Kissling, Head of Adhesive Coating and Special Coatings at HERMA. “The fact that labels can now demonstrably be separated from the actual packaging material during a cold wash is a major step forward.” As the label helps to remove the problematic printing ink from the recycling process in this way, purer recycled material can be produced.