German manufacturer Herma is launching a new washable label adhesive that is certified recyclable. The special feature of this adhesive, dubbed 72Hpw, is its cost, which is virtually identical to that of a standard permanent adhesive.
"The cost argument, which is still frequently used, against switching from a permanent glue to a washable variant, is no longer valid" says Hendrik Kehl, Product Manager for the 1,100-employee German group. "We now offer an attractive entry-level solution, which can already cover a wide range of applications. This should convince label users who, up to now, have refrained from switching for economic reasons."
Thanks to its new formulation, this new adhesive, produced at almost the same cost as a conventional permanent adhesive, enables PET plastic flakes to be recycled in the usual industrial washing processes, without disrupting recycling by label residues or printing inks.
This new adhesive achieves initial adhesion levels similar to those of more expensive washable adhesives on the market, says Herma.
The cyclos-HTP Institute, the German institute that defines the recyclability of packaging and goods, has certified 72Hpw adhesive for wash-off applications in conjunction with Herma PP white super tc face material (grade 881). The 72Hpw adhesive has been developed for applications where the label has to be washed off with warm alkaline water. Good results are already obtained at 70 degrees in a 1% sodium hydroxide solution.
Other material combinations are currently being tested, including the extra-light Herma PP 50 white (grade 884) and Herma PP 50 transparent super tc (grade 886) frontals.
This means that PET bottles can be "visually appealing for products such as beverages, cleaning products like detergents, cosmetics and personal care" says Herma.
