Avery Dennison Launches New Compostable Label Material for Thermal Applications
Avery Dennison successfully obtained OK Compost certification for its new SX6030 adhesive, supplied together with a BPA-free and FSC® certified thermal label material, and has begun offering brands new options for more sustainable packaging.
Development Engineer Jennifer Bijkerk said the new material addresses a significant gap in supply for compostable thermal materials: "Demand for sustainable thermal labels, including compostable labels, is very large. Before the 'OK Compost' certification issued by TÜV Austria, the European EN13432 standard also sets extremely strict conditions.This new material, under product reference BW099 (Thermal Eco BPA Free FSC SX6030-BG40WH FSC), uses a new face stock and adhesive combination to provide a robust and practical material that does not require special storage conditions and has normal shelf life.
Since composting standards are limited, EN13432, compostability standard will also be accepted in many countries outside Europe."
The primary application for BW099 will be the labeling of compostable food packaging and compostable plastic bags, particularly last-minute direct-printed labels for fruits and vegetables weighed and packed by consumers at supermarkets.
The rapid expansion of bans on single-use plastics also means there is a shift towards the use of compostable carry bags and other packaging, all of which will require a compostable label.
The Global Commitment, launched by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and UN Environment in October 2018, underscores the issue and public opinion that composting is a potential solution.
Avery Dennison is one of more than 250 organizations working with other organizations, governments, NGOs and universities to eliminate plastic waste and pollution.
Select Solutions Product Manager Luuk Zonneveld said the new material is available in 2 m width and with optimized production efficiency to support broader market demand.
Zonneveld said "We understand how important this product category is for converters and end users, and we view this as a significant contribution to our own broader and highly ambitious sustainability targets.
We were able to use traditional technology to create this innovation by developing a unique face stock and adhesive combination, and work is already underway to expand our compostable product range with more certified products."
