Sun Chemical, Eastman Introduce Recycle-Friendly PETG Shrink Sleeves

Sun Chemical has launched its SunLam De-seaming Adhesive for shrink-labeled containers. This new de-seamable adhesive helps recyclers improve recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) yield without process changes.
 
Developed in partnership, Sun Chemical and Eastman tested SunLam on labels made with Eastman Embrace LV copolyester. It has received a “Responsible Innovation Acknowledgment” by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) after passing stringent testing outlined by the APR.
 
By changing from a traditional solvent to SunLam De-seaming Adhesive, shrink labels deseam and release during the whole bottle wash step of the wet recycling process, without sacrifice of label performance.
 
The efficacy of SunLam De-seaming Adhesive was tested on bottles with shrink sleeves made from Eastman Embrace LV copolyester. The tests utilized whole bottle wash equipment at commercial recycling facilities and yielded results of greater than 95% label removal, with results typically exceeding 99%.
  
“Consumers and brand owners alike expect PET bottles to be recycled, but unfortunately, far too many end up in landfills because the label wouldn’t come off,” said Russell Schwartz, CTO, Sun Chemical. “On learning of these concerns, we initiated a major project to solve this industry-wide challenge. We are pleased to introduce the environmentally friendly SunLam De-seaming Adhesive as part of our contribution to the circular economy.”
 
By using SunLam De-seaming Adhesive, brand owners need not sacrifice full body shrink sleeve label coverage, shrinkage or quality. 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 or color missorting, as bottles with full wrap shrink sleeves could get rejected by the NIR or color automated sorting equipment.