INNOVATION | LABEL REMOVAL


Improved PET recyclability and rPET yield are the benefits


reported by teaming Eastman Embrace LV copolyester and SunLam De-seaming Adhesive


sacrifice of label performance. The label removal occurs prior to colour, NIR and manual sorting. The efficacy of SunLam De-seaming Adhesive was tested on bottles with shrink sleeves made from Eastman Embrace LV copolyester. The tests utilised whole bottle wash equipment at commercial recycling facilities and yielded results of greater than 95% label removal, with results typically exceeding 99%. Little said that SunLam De-seaming Adhesive


de-labelling equipment is used. This is where the SunLam De-seaming Adhesive benefits both the brand and recyclers by allowing a strong seam that can withstand the product life cycle but will release during the PET recycling process.” The challenge of removing shrink labels during


Right: The Sun Chemical/ Eastman collaboration means labels de-seam and release during whole bottle washing


PET recycling was brought to the industry’s attention by the APR and the National Association for PET Container Resources in 2012, and Eastman organised a consortium to collaborate on ways to solve this issue. “PET bottle bales typically contain 5% shrink-labelled PET bottles,” Little said. “Many of those labels do not come off in the PET recycling process, reducing rPET yield. We are pleased to have partnered with Sun Chemical in this process to develop a technology that satisfies the consum- ers’ desire to recycle, a brand’s goal to be both responsible and recognisable, and the APR’s mission to eliminate barriers to successful commer- cial recycling.” Russell Schwartz, Chief Technology Officer at Sun Chemical, adds that consumers and brand owners alike expect PET bottles to be recycled, but unfortunately, far too many end up in landfills because the label would not come off. On learning of these concerns, Sun Chemical initiated a major project to solve this industry-wide challenge as part of a contribution to the circular economy. The companies say that by using the new technology, brand owners can continue to use full-body shrink labels on their containers. An additional 20% of label surface area is regained with full-body shrink labels, compared to the portion of the bottle that must be left uncovered to avoid near-infrared (NIR) or colour missorting, as bottles with full wrap shrink sleeves could get rejected by the NIR or colour automated sorting equipment. By changing from a traditional solvent to


de-seaming adhesive, Eastman says that shrink labels de-seam and release during the whole bottle wash step of the wet recycling process, without


36 PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD | March/April 2018 www.plasticsrecyclingworld.com


probably requires the least amount of change to existing processes for brands that want to use a product recognised by the APR. “Print convertors can recognise the same run rates when going from a solvent to the de-seaming adhesive,” he said. “As with seaming with a solvent, the seam area needs to be kept clean from contaminants. Application requires the needle method and not the wick method. SunLam de-seaming is qualified with APR on the same Embrace LV shrink resin from Eastman that brands use today, so there is no change in the printing or the sleeve label application processes. In addition, no changes are required with bottle production. Optimising label application and shrink tunnel performance is key to always having great looking, high performing shrink labels. De-seaming allows the continued use of high-per- forming Embrace LV shrink labels, while meeting the performance needed by brands during the product life cycle. It allows brands to take the next step during the PET recycling process to remove the label from the bottle.” Eastman claims its polymers that are used for shrink labels produce some of the best performing shrink labels with the highest shrink rates on the market. The company adds that its portfolio of shrink label resins offer timely, smooth shrinkage onto the container without the negatives of high shrink force or the label becoming too short in the shrinkage process. Shrink film labels are consid-


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