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In a bid to advance circularity of HDPE packaging, Avery Dennison and UPM Raflatac have successfully tested non-removable labels for the first time with RecyClass, a cross-industry initiative for advanced plastic packaging recyclability.

The choice of adhesives and labels are among the key design aspects considered for HDPE packaging circularity, however, according to RecyClass, complying with both usage and recycling requirements is a challenge for most packagers.

The laboratory findings show that both Avery Dennison’s acrylic adhesive label materials (Global MDO with S7000, PE with S692N, and PP60 with S7000 and S692N), and UPM’s SmartCircle PE labels with acrylic and hotmelt technologies, do not hinder the recycling process of the coloured HDPE stream.

Results indicate that even if not removed during the recycling process, the named technologies will only have a limited impact on the HDPE stream when designed under the specified conditions.

In accordance with the new laboratory findings, the RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines for coloured HDPE and PP rigids have been updated to allow, as limited compatibility, the use of the mentioned structures. 

As for most packaging features reported in the guidelines, these technologies will downgrade the packaging recyclability by one class on the Online-Tool and for the Certification Audit, as opposed to three classes for any other non-removable labels. 

However, the use of washable and releasable adhesives remains the preferred option, according to RecyClass.

The RecyClass Decoration Taskforce is planning additional testing campaigns on labels and adhesives to increase the know-how of the industry and provide further guidance.

Food & Drink Business

Heat and Control has successfully wrapped up FoodTech Forum 2025, a three-week event hosted at its Lelystad facility in the Netherlands. The forum brought together experts from across the globe to explore the latest advancements in sustainable food processing.

Wine Australia has released its five-year Strategic Plan 2025–30, outlining how it will support Australian grapegrowers, winemakers and exporters in navigating current pressures while building a more resilient, profitable and sustainable future. 

Global beverage giant, Suntory, has officially launched its combined Australia New Zealand business, Suntory Oceania, as it unveiled the $400 million Swanbank factory in Ipswich, Queensland. It was more than three years ago that then CEO of Frucor Suntory, Darren Fullerton, outlined the ambitious build and two years since Suntory Oceania was announced. With plans realised, there is now a $3 billion beverage behemoth in the arena, representing the fourth largest in the region with ambitious growth plans in the works.