BASF has achieved RecyClass approval for its UV-curable acrylic hotmelt adhesive, marking a significant step towards fully recyclable PET bottle labelling systems and addressing a long-standing challenge in packaging design.
The company’s acResin UV 3532 pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), developed for filmic labels used on PET bottles, has been validated as compatible with standard European recycling processes. The certification confirms that labels using the adhesive can be effectively removed during recycling, enabling the production of high-quality PET recyclate.
For food and drink manufacturers, the development tackles a critical barrier to improving PET circularity. High-performance filmic labels — commonly used for premium branding and “no-label look” packaging — have traditionally posed challenges in recycling systems, with adhesives often contaminating material streams or preventing effective separation.
BASF’s solution enables labels to fully detach during the washing stage of recycling, supporting cleaner material recovery while maintaining the performance required for high-speed filling, handling and distribution.
Mike Zott, global senior marketing manager for BASF’s adhesives business, said the technology “opens new opportunities for recyclable PET packaging”, allowing brands to use high-clarity labels while meeting Design-for-Recycling requirements.
The approval comes as regulatory and market pressures intensify. The upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), alongside increasing recycled content targets, is accelerating demand for packaging solutions that support closed-loop recycling without compromising product presentation or operational performance.
RecyClass, the industry initiative behind the certification, provides standardised recyclability assessments aligned with European infrastructure. Its validation confirms that acResin UV 3532 performs effectively under typical industrial conditions, including reliable label removal during washing processes.
From a production perspective, the innovation enables converters and brand owners to maintain premium visual appeal — such as transparent, high-gloss label finishes — while aligning with recyclability standards. At the same time, it helps reduce contamination risks in recycled PET streams, a key factor in maintaining quality for food-grade applications.
The development reflects a broader shift within packaging innovation, where secondary materials such as adhesives and inks are coming under increased scrutiny for their impact on recyclability. While PET bottles themselves are widely recycled, achieving high-quality outputs depends on ensuring that all associated components support the recycling process.
BASF is set to showcase the technology at Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, positioning it as part of a wider portfolio of solutions designed to support circular packaging systems.
