Chloe Zhang
Sticky back plastic is a broad term that can refer to a variety of adhesive products, including stickers, labels, and packaging materials. While the recyclability of these items depends on several factors, such as the type of material and the presence of contaminants like ink and adhesive, it is generally recommended that labels and stickers be removed from recyclable materials to prevent contamination. However, it is important to note that the process of removing labels can be tedious and time-consuming, and even if a small amount of adhesive remains on a recyclable material, it is unlikely to significantly impact the recycling process. Ultimately, the recyclability of sticky back plastic depends on various factors, and it is always best to check with local recycling guidelines and regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Recyclability depends on the type of material and what it is being applied to. |
| Adhesive | Adhesives are not recyclable and can contaminate the recycling process. |
| Ink | Ink is considered a contaminant in the recycling process. |
| Material | If different materials are used (e.g., paper base and plastic laminate), it is unlikely to be recyclable. |
| Backing Sheets | Label backing sheets are a hybrid of paper and plastic, which makes them difficult to recycle. |
| Commercial Solutions | Some commercial companies are finding recycling solutions for release liners, but these are not consumer solutions. |
| Recommendations | It is recommended to match the label material with the packaging material and use recyclable adhesives. |
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What You'll Learn
Adhesives and sticky back plastic
To address this issue, some companies are developing biodegradable adhesives made from natural ingredients. These adhesives reduce the risk of chemical pollutants in the recycling process and create a genuinely biodegradable option for label suppliers. Another solution is to use a natural adhesive or an RCA (Recycling Compatible Adhesive). RCAs are specifically designed for paper-to-paper products and can withstand the force of the shredder during the recycling process. They can also be easily removed during the screening process, preventing contaminants from compromising the quality of the recycled paper.
Label backing sheets, or release liners, are another challenge for recycling. These sheets are a hybrid of paper and a release agent, such as silicone, PET (or #1) plastic resin, or polypropylene (or #5) plastic resin. The paper component, known as glassine, is a thin and smooth type of paper commonly used in envelopes, food wrappers, and pastry bags. While glassine is technically recyclable, it has a limited recycling market due to the difficulty of extracting pulp from its thin fibres. The release agent coating further complicates the recycling process, as it must be separated to reclaim the paper.
To improve the recyclability of products with labels, it is recommended to match the label material with the packaging material. For example, if a polypropylene label is applied to a polypropylene bottle, it is likely to be recyclable. Additionally, using labels with a wash-off recycling adhesive can help ensure material separation during recycling. Perforated sleeves or other easy-to-remove labelling options are also preferable.
While most recycling processes are designed to remove labels, it is still recommended to remove them before recycling to reduce contamination. Soaking packages in warm water can help labels peel off more easily. However, it is important to note that very few people tend to do this, and most packaging ends up being recycled with the labels still attached. Ultimately, the recyclability of adhesives and sticky back plastic depends on various factors, and it is essential to check with local recyclers for specific recommendations.
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Matching materials for recycling
Matching the materials of a label with its packaging is the best way to ensure the label can be recycled. This is because different materials are often unable to be recycled together. For example, a paper base material with a plastic laminate is unlikely to be recyclable.
The adhesive on a label can also cause issues during the recycling process. Adhesives cannot be recycled, and they can contaminate the material they are attached to if they are not burned away. Adhesives can also change once they are adhered to a surface, making them difficult to remove. However, some adhesives are designed to be easily removable, such as peel, low-tack, and removable adhesives.
Ink is another potential contaminant, as it cannot currently be recycled. Therefore, it is best to use labels with as few inks as possible.
The volume of labels can also impact their recyclability. Large quantities of sticky labels are more difficult to process through standard recycling methods and are often burned for energy recovery.
To improve the chances of a label being recycled, it is recommended to use a label with a wash-off recycling adhesive. This helps ensure material separation during the recycling process. It is also important to check with local recyclers, as different recycling processes and equipment may be used. Some commercial companies are also finding recycling solutions for release liners, although this is not a consumer solution.
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Recyclable adhesives
Adhesives are a small component of an overall item, so their presence does not typically alter how you can dispose of an item. For example, if you have a standard corrugated box with a shipping label, you could recycle it. However, this does not mean that adhesives are compostable or recyclable, and they can cause contamination even when accepted by a recycler or composter.
Adhesives can be recycled if they are designed to either be easily removed without leaving residue or dissolve from the end-use product during the recycling process. This helps ensure the purity of the materials so they can be fully reused rather than thrown away due to contamination.
There are several types of recyclable adhesives:
- Wash-off adhesives: These cleanly separate from recyclable materials, leaving no residue behind. This allows recyclers to use low wash temperatures and caustic solutions, helping to reduce energy usage and increase the quantity of PET packaging moving through recycling streams.
- Recycle Compatible Adhesives (RCAs): These are designed for paper-to-paper adhesives. They resist the forces that would pulp them and remain large enough to be removed by screens.
- Compostable adhesives: These adhesives must break down in a way that leaves the soil suitable for growing food.
- Repulpable adhesives: When paper is recycled, it goes through a repulping process that turns waste paper back into pulp. Repulpable adhesive is fully soluble in water and dissolves during this process.
- Cold seal adhesives: These are water-based adhesives designed for food and non-food packaging applications, including confectionery, protective films, and medical. They have passed the Association of Plastic Recyclers' guidance protocol for PE film, making it easier for consumers to improve the environment and increase purchase likelihood.
It is important to note that the type of material and what it is being applied to can impact a label's recyclability. For example, if a paper label is stuck onto a cardboard package, the paper is typically deemed recyclable, but parts such as ink and adhesive would be contaminants and need to be removed from the process. If a plastic label is applied to a package or bottle made with the same type of plastic, the plastic is usually seen as recyclable, as long as the type of plastic is recyclable.
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Removing labels before recycling
Sticky-back plastic, or adhesive plastic labels, are technically recyclable, but it is a complex process. The label itself can interfere with the recycling process, and the adhesive layer can cause issues. The type of material and what it is applied to are key factors in the recyclability of sticky-back plastic. If the label is made from paper or a different type of plastic to the container, it can contaminate the recycling.
It is good practice to remove labels before recycling, but it is not always necessary. Different recycling facilities have different capabilities, and some may require labels to be removed, so it is worth checking with your local provider. Removing labels can result in higher-quality recycled plastic as there are fewer contaminants. However, it is not always possible to remove labels, and some recycling centres use extreme heat to burn away labels and glue.
If you do choose to remove labels, the process will depend on the type of label and the material it is stuck to. Some labels are easy to peel off, while others may require soaking in warm water to loosen the adhesive. It is worth noting that labels themselves are usually not recyclable in a curbside bin, and the adhesive cannot be recycled.
To ensure your plastics are recyclable, check the number inside the recycling symbol. #1 and #2 plastics are almost always recyclable, while #5 and #7 may be recyclable in certain areas. It is also important to wash out any food or beverage residue and remove lids and caps, if required by your local provider.
Overall, while sticky-back plastic can be recycled, it is a complex process, and removing labels before recycling can help improve the quality of the recycled material. However, this is not always necessary or possible, and the recyclability of the plastic is a more important consideration.
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Biodegradable adhesives
The need for sustainable and biodegradable polymers, especially biodegradable adhesives, has never been greater. The world's population is growing, living standards are rising, and many industries are facing environmental concerns and a demand for sustainability. Biodegradable adhesives are designed to break down and minimise the amount of microplastic waste, unlike traditional adhesives that are often petroleum-based.
The development of biodegradable adhesives has led to greener bonding solutions and reduced environmental impact. They are also non-toxic and safer to handle than traditional adhesives.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of plastic and the recycling processes available in your area. In general, the adhesive and ink on sticky-back plastic are contaminants that cannot be recycled. However, if the sticky-back plastic is attached to a recyclable material like cardboard or corrugated packaging, the paper is likely to be deemed recyclable. If the sticky-back plastic is made from the same type of plastic as the package it is applied to, it is also likely to be recyclable.
Check with your local waste management company to understand their specific recommendations and processes. If they advise removing labels, you can try soaking the package in warm water to help the label peel off more easily. Alternatively, choose products with perforated sleeves or labeling that is easier to remove before recycling.
The majority of sticky-back plastics are silicone-based, which cannot be recycled at typical recycling centres. However, some waste management companies do provide services to recycle silicone. If your sticky-back plastic is made from a natural adhesive or an RCA (Recycling Compatible Adhesive), it is designed to be easily removable during the recycling process and is likely to be recyclable.
