The new products are the first self-adhesive PE filmic labels with a face stock that includes more than 80% renewable content according to the packaging supplier, which helps brand owners reduce their dependency on fossil based packaging materials without compromising on functionality and performance.
“Economic growth, natural resource scarcity and an increasing demand for goods and services will all contribute to an uncertain supply of finite non-renewable resources in the years to come,” says Xander van der Vlies, sustainability director at Avery Dennison Materials Group Europe.
“With our expanding product range of sustainable label materials – which now includes these bio-based PE label films – we can support converters who want to fulfil brand owners’ needs for packaging from renewable resources, while also helping them to provide a differentiating product and drive sales in a fast-growing segment.”
Collaboration
The two new laminates are available in a white and a clear version and the resin used for them is made from Bonsucro Certified Sugar Cane, which follows rigorous social and environmental monitoring prior to certification.
Avery Dennison claims that both products offer performance and recyclability comparable to standard PE85 resin.
The films also act as drop-in replacements, meaning converters can substitute conventional PE for a bio-based PE label film without investing in new machinery.
Avery Dennison worked with global resin producer Braskem and Belgium converter Desmedt Labels to prototype and test the bio-based PE label at the Belgium facilities of Ecover, manufacturer of ecologically sound cleaning products.
The company says that the new product is one component in the wider efforts towards achieving its 2025 Sustainability Goals, and demonstrates the way in which environmental improvements can go hand-in-hand with business success.