The certification is based on the CHI Recyclability Standard, which aligns with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), specifically Category 12.
Herma’s Self-adhesive Materials division has received certification from the independent cyclos-HTP Institute confirming that seven PP- and PE-based self-adhesive materials can be removed from rigid polypropylene (PP) packaging during cold-water washing at 40°C. The company believes it is the first supplier to achieve this certification for the rigid PP recycling stream.
The certification is based on the CHI Recyclability Standard, which aligns with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), specifically Category 12.
Separating labels from rigid PP packaging presents challenges because PP packaging, PP or PE label films, and their adhesives have similar densities. Unlike PET recycling, separation cannot rely on conventional sink-float processes. Instead, labels must be detached during washing and subsequently separated through air classification.
By removing labels along with their printing inks, Herma’s certified materials can help improve the purity of recycled PP.
“Unlike in the long-established PET recycling process, PP packaging and PP or PE label film – including the adhesive – have an almost identical material density,” explains Stefan Kissling, head of Adhesive Coating and Special Coatings at Herma. “The fact that labels can now demonstrably be separated from the actual packaging material during a cold wash is a major step forward.”
The certified portfolio includes six PP films: HERMAtherm PP el (827), HERMAtherm PP plus (829), HERMA PP white super tc (881), Herma PP white light (884), HERMA PP 50 transparent super tc (886), and HERMA PP white 40 (892).
These materials utilize Herma’s multilayer permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive 72Hpw, which enables label removal under the certified recycling conditions.
Herma also obtained certification for its PE white film (850), which uses the company’s 62Xpc multilayer adhesive developed for flexible film applications.
The certified materials cover a range of labeling applications, including food packaging, cosmetics and logistics.
According to Herma, the development provides brand owners, packaging suppliers and label converters with additional options for designing recyclable rigid PP packaging in accordance with evolving European regulatory requirements.