FTM19

recycling compatibility of
self-adhesive labels

introduction test material

The method is based on research of the INGEDE, which
was conducted at TU Darmstadt and PTS Munich. The
testing procedure should provide the basis for further
developments in adhesive technology as well as for
assessment of ex-istent techniques. It simulates the
recycling conditions applied in the Paper and Board
Industry. As some paper mills are converting 100%
recovered paper, “stickies” have become a serious
problem in the papermaking process. Self-adhesive labels
are, among others, a source of adhesive residue within
the re-covered paper. Scattered labels are considered
insignificant. However, label supplements of magazines
returned in batches may cause substantial interfer-ence
and expense in the process of papermaking from recovered
paper.
scope
This test method allows the user to determine the
behaviour of self-adhesive labels in the recycling process of
recovered paper.
Recovered paper contains variable types of labels which
may generate stickies and thus reduce the quality
of recovered paper products or lead to problems in
processing.
Label paper coated with adhesive.
test methods
INGEDE-methods 4 and 12
www.INGEDE.Org.
results
European Recovered Paper Council (ERPC)
http://www.paperforrecycling.eu/publications/erpc-
publications
Publications: 18 July 2011
Assessment of Printed Product Recyclability
Scorecard for the Removability of Adhesive Applications
Basis for the scorecard is INGEDE-project 129 09
“Preparation of an Adhesive Application Database and
Development of a Recyclability Scoring System (Adhesive
Applications) dated 13 October 2010, Paper Technology
and Mechanical Process Engineering (PMV),
Technische Universität Darmstadt

definition evaluation
Recycling compatible labels are paper labels whose As described in the assessment of the scorecard, self
adhesive does not interfere with the processing of adhesive laminate must reach a positive score in order to
recovered paper. The adhesive should preferably form large attain a satisfactory recyclability.
stickies which can be removed via screening process. The
particle size should exceed 2000 µm. Issued December 1995
Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
Addresses revised February 2009
Revised June 2012
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