A study conducted in 2021 by the University of Graz in Austria revealed that, with appropriate recycling processes, shipping and other folding boxes can be recycled not just four to seven times, but up to 25 times.
In response to this finding, HERMA has developed a range of new adhesives and corresponding self-adhesive materials to optimise the recycling of board and paper. Notably, the new label stock used in logistics and other labels practically eliminates contamination caused by the adhesive during recycling.
HERMA has achieved certification from the research institute PTS for five self-adhesive materials, including both the label materials and the adhesive. The only condition set by PTS is that the mass of the label stock cannot exceed 25% of the total mass of the box.
Dr. Stefan Kissling, overseeing the development of adhesives and special coatings in HERMA’s Self-adhesive Materials division, emphasises the importance of obtaining certification for both adhesives and finished materials, making HERMA the only company in the industry with end-to-end certified label stock.
Four new adhesives are introduced for five self-adhesive materials. The new adhesive 72Bpt is paired with HERMAwhite super (grade 240) and HERMAextracoat (grade 242), ideal for labelling cardboard boxes. For laser labels on sheets, HERMA offers label stock with the new adhesive 72Apc and HERMAlaser sheet (grade 135).
In the thermal label segment, HERMA presents a solution certified by PTS, combining the new adhesive 72Eps with HERMAtherm nature (grade 900). Notably, this is the first of its kind to eliminate chemical developers. The fifth certified material is a universal variant for diverse applications, featuring the new single-layer adhesive 72C and the label material HERMAwhite (grade 601).
Dr. Stefan Kissling highlights that these five PTS-certified self-adhesive materials cover practically every application in the cardboard and folding box labelling segment, offering solutions for label printers and users to enhance box recycling and contribute to a closed-loop material cycle.
HERMA products are available through the Result Group of Companies