Avery Dennison's AD CleanFlake RFID tags have received RecyClass Technology Approval in Europe for compatibility with mechanical PET bottle recycling.
The approval follows the product's existing Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) Design Recognition in North America, making Avery Dennison the first manufacturer to have an RFID solution recognised by both organisations for compatibility with mechanical PET recycling streams in the two regions.
According to the company, the approvals allow multinational brand owners to use the same RFID label construction across North American and European supply chains for rigid PET packaging and PET bottles, supporting product tracking while using a common packaging structure.
The AD CleanFlake RFID solution combines Avery Dennison's CleanFlake adhesive technology with a patent-pending RFID inlay and label construction. The company says the design enables RFID tags to separate from rigid PET during the mechanical recycling process, reducing adhesive and metal contamination so PET flakes can be reused.
The approval comes as the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requires brands to demonstrate recyclability at scale. Avery Dennison says RecyClass Technology Approval confirms the RFID products are compatible with existing mechanical PET recycling processes.
Pascale Wautelet, vice president, Global R&D and Sustainability at Avery Dennison Materials Group, said the approval builds on the company's earlier APR recognition in North America.
"When APR recognised the AD CleanFlake RFID products, it validated that RFID and PET recyclability no longer have to be in conflict. We're proud that RecyClass Technology Approval validates our RFID tag compatibility with the European PET bottles recycling stream. Brands operating across North America and Europe now have a single, approved solution that works within both recycling infrastructures, without compromise."
Paolo Glerean, chairman, RecyClass, said, "The core purpose of RecyClass Technology Approval is to advance and recognise circular packaging technologies through science-based testing methodologies that evaluate recyclability. Given the stringent criteria applied, combined with Avery Dennison's clear commitment to advancing circularity on a global scale, this Approval serves as a testament that recyclable solutions are readily available on the market and jointly we can work towards achieving the upcoming legislative targets."
RecyClass and APR said their recognitions apply specifically to the label component and adhesive construction under defined testing conditions, with brand owners remaining responsible for verifying the recyclability of complete packaging designs.
