Henkel, an adhesives and chemical solutions company, has launched Technomelt EM 335 RE, a hot melt adhesive designed to improve PET bottle recyclability.
Recycling of PET bottles can be hindered by adhesives that do not separate cleanly, leaving residues that affect the quality and applications of recycled PET. Inefficient removal can restrict the use of flakes in sensitive applications such as food contact packaging and reduce the overall efficiency of the recycling process.
According to a Henkel spokesperson: “Conventional hot melt adhesives, which are commonly used for PET bottle labelling, are difficult to remove during the recycling process. Even in the hot caustic soda bath, which is part of the standard processing procedure, only 12 to 30 percent of the adhesive typically dissolves.”
Contamination reduction
Technomelt EM 335 RE is alkali-dispersible and can be removed up to 98 per cent during standard recycling processes. Residue separates along with the label, reducing contamination in PET flakes. The adhesive is suitable for both paper and plastics labels.
The Henkel spokesperson added: “This hot melt adhesive is ideal for paper and plastic labels. It can reliably bond up to 40,000 bottle labels per hour and boasts a low processing temperature of 110 to 140°C. This protects equipment, saves energy, and increases operational reliability.”
Regulatory pressures are increasing the importance of effective PET recycling. The EU’s proposed Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation requires single-use PET bottles to contain a minimum of 25 per cent recycled material from 2025, rising to 30 per cent by 2030. Although more than 60 per cent of PET bottles are collected in Europe, inefficiencies in recycling processes mean that billions of additional bottles could be successfully recycled if adhesive contamination is minimised.
Technomelt EM 335 RE is mineral oil-free and complies with food contact regulations. Its packaging in X-tra chubs allows safe handling while limiting packaging waste. The adhesive has been approved by PETCYCLE in Germany, providing a mechanism for bottlers and recyclers to meet regulatory requirements and support circular economy objectives.
