Labels & labelling Label lingo: matrix waste
Matrix waste is the other of the two main label waste components, along with release liner waste. Matrix waste is created wherever labels are die-cut from a web of label stock – the amount of waste created depends on the shape, size and arrangement of the labels in the web. Although it is difficult to estimate, Herma believes that European converters currently generate around 7,300t of matrix waste annually.
matrix and release liner recycling, including analysing technical issues, promoting the use and creation of recycling networks and solutions, interacting with government regulators and developing educational materials for both industry and public.”
“[CELAB] initiatives and activities are coordinated across a global consortium, which ensures that communication and best practices are shared between the regions.”
Knowledge is power
Indeed, sharing knowledge is absolutely critical to the successful completion of CELAB’s mission, which, inevitably, has been disrupted by the pandemic of 2020. Global lockdowns have presented immense commercial and practical challenges. But despite this, the consortium has steadfastly continued to work towards its goals.
High-speed printing on an offset machine.
“Starting a global consortium at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has certainly extended our targets and timelines,” Lawrence admits. “The pandemic, however, has created unique challenges for all industries, and how we interact as a consortium has evolved with technology. We have full commitment from our members to work to accomplish our mission, and that is reflected in the very active CELAB work streams that meet by video several times a month.” The organisation’s core activities – sponsoring research, sharing information and education stakeholders, policymakers and the public through
targeted communications – have continued to good effect. For example, in November 2020, it published a white paper titled ‘Label paper release liners: Paper- based silicone release liners from labels can and should be recycled’. It is designed to provide basic technical information on recycling on a global basis, and is framed around a review conducted by Alex Knott, senior scientist at Dow Chemical Company, which looks into release liner recycling and existing recycling technology. This release joined another CELAB research study, ‘Pressure-sensitive labelling release liner generation and recycling’, with another paper due to be released imminently, this time looking into the recycling of filmic liners. “We are planning to conduct additional research and produce more publications,” adds Lawrence. “This will include case studies, interactive maps and other materials to educate industry members in line with our mission to create a more sustainable pressure-sensitive labelling industry by offering solutions and providing education to enable matrix and liner recycling.” Such knowledge-sharing efforts will be crucial as the packaging and labels industries grow. According to market intelligence company Smithers, the value of the global packaging sector will increase from $917bn in 2019 to $1.05trn by 2024 (although those figures were published before the pandemic), growth that will be steered by several major trends.
Those numbers include rising real incomes in Asia and other developing regions, which will result in greater purchases of packaged products such as food, luxury goods and cosmetics. The shift towards flexible packaging will also continue, with high-barrier films and retort stand-up pouches displacing rigid pack formats like metal tins and glass jars. Key consumer- driven trends include the already cited demand for convenience products and a growing concern for health and wellness. Smithers expects the healthcare packaging market value to grow ahead of pharmaceutical consumption. Most significantly of all, however, is the continued focus on sustainability and pressure being placed on non-recyclable plastics. There is a growing appetite for more easily recyclable and sustainable packaging materials, and a reduction in what is seen as excessive secondary packaging. These consumer trends can and are being applied to strategic thinking in the labels category.
“The most important trend we are seeing is that companies in the pressure-sensitive label industry are more committed than ever to making our industry more sustainable,” Lawrence concludes. “We are very optimistic that CELAB can help achieve this goal by offering solutions and providing education to enable matrix and liner recycling.” CELAB’s work is only set to become even more relevant given how integral labelling is to product packaging. ●
18 Packaging & Converting Intelligence /
www.pci-mag.com
Aleksander Krsmanovic/
Shutterstock.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53
