The rise of recycled content in label substrates

‘Integrating recycled content into filmic substrates is on the rise,’ comments Marika Knorr, head of sustainability and communication at CCL Label. This shift towards sustainability is seen in various forms, from mechanically recycled post-consumer waste to chemically recycled resins. 

These advancements are crucial, as they align with global legislative trends that mandate higher recycled content in packaging materials. Marika points out that these innovations aren’t limited to plastic. ‘When it comes to paper label substrates, especially in the wine and spirits industry, there are recycled-content papers and many options based on renewable sources such as cotton.’

Marika emphasises the importance of floatable label and sleeve materials in the PET recycling process, a critical area where significant progress has been made. ‘Our EcoStream and EcoFloat brands are made from low-density polyolefin materials, designed to detach easily during the recycling process, ensuring it separates from PET flakes in the sink/float separation step.’ 

Beyond recyclability, these advancements are also responding to regulatory shifts. Marika notes the growing importance of reusable packaging, particularly in Europe where regulations are increasingly requiring brands to adopt reusable schemes for beverage bottles. ‘To meet these demands, we’ve developed WashOff label technology, which ensures labels detach automatically in hot water during the washing process. This technology is critical for maintaining the efficiency and cleanliness of reusable packaging systems, as it prevents ink and adhesive contamination in the washing water.’

One of the most groundbreaking developments from CCL Label is the new generation of EcoStream labels for one-way PET bottles. ‘These labels now detach at lower temperatures, allowing recyclers to reduce the washing water temperature, leading to significant energy savings and a lower carbon footprint,’ she explains. Another notable innovation is the EcoFloat WHITE shrink sleeves. These sleeves feature built-in light-blocking properties, enabling brands to switch from opaque PET or HDPE bottles – often challenging to recycle – to transparent PET bottles that can be recycled back into food-grade packaging.