Avery Dennison unveils RFID label compatible with PET recycling stream

Materials science company Avery Dennison has developed a radio frequency identification (RFID) label that has received Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) Design for Recyclability recognition validating its compatibility with North America’s polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling stream.

Avery Dennison claims its new label is an industry first, combining the company’s CleanFlake adhesive technology and its expertise in RFID to develop the new product that can cleanly separate from the PET in the mechanical recycling stream and reduce contamination.

RELATED: APR announces Recycling Leadership Award winners | Avery Dennison’s metallized labels recognized by APR

The company says brands adopting this RFID technology can ensure compatibility for the recycling of their PET packaged items, adding that “with 96 percent of the top 50 brands committed to recyclability and waste management targets, this technology offers a solution towards achieving those goals.”

Avery Dennison notes that PET is widely used in packaging across industries and commonly is found in bottles, food containers, cosmetics and other household products, making its recyclability critical to reducing plastic scrap at scale. The company says the use of recycling-compatible labels and adhesives significantly can reduce contamination, improving material recovery rates and overall recycling efficiency.

Avery Dennison says its proprietary RFID label has the potential to streamline the plastic recycling process by uniquely identifying each item, increasing the quality of materials recovered and extending PET life use.

“RFID technology is essential for the effective and sustainable management of modern supply chains, supporting brands with greater inventory visibility, product traceability and loss prevention,” says Pascale Wautelet, vice president, global R&D and sustainability of Avery Dennison Materials Group.

“APR’s recognition marks a pivotal step forward in advancing circular packaging and supporting the global transition to sustainable material use. As consumer goods companies set increasingly ambitious recycling targets, Avery Dennison remains committed to helping our customers reduce waste by investing in innovation and designing products that can be effectively recycled.”

The company plans to make the APR-recognized technology widely available later this year to help brands meet their recyclability targets. It also is working with independent certifiers to expand PET recycling certification across global markets.

“Ensuring packaging is compatible with the recycling infrastructure is critical,” says Steve Alexander, CEO of Washington-based APR. “By increasing the recyclability of packaging, brands can not only reduce waste and meet their sustainability targets but also contribute to a more circular economy. Innovation and technology play an essential role in driving these efforts, enabling smarter packaging solutions that align with both environmental goals and evolving industry standards.”