Fully recyclable labels for plastic bottles launched

A UK-based label manufacturer has unveiled a removable synthetic label that is said to be fully recyclable and with no on-cost in comparison to paper equivalents.

Systems Labelling’s latest product development, the ‘Ecoplas’ label, is said to offer a real alternative to paper labels when used on plastic bottles. The company states recycling trials have proven the synthetic labels peel away during the recycling process resulting in over 90% label removal.

The waste labels are then recycled into polyolefin compounds, whereas adhesive paper labels break down and create a pulp that causes colour contamination and has to be collected and sent to landfill.

Systems Labelling also claim they can offer the Ecoplas synthetic label at no on-cost when compared to paper. Business Development Director, Stephen Lloyd, said: “Our infrastructure and continuous appetite for NPD is a core strength. This platform enables us to both generate new innovations [and] also industrialise labelling solutions effectively, therefore delivering the necessary commercial appeal and offering an improved finish quality when compared to the paper equivalent. In short the decision to switch couldn’t be easier.”

The company states the Ecoplas label is ideally suited to applying to plastic bottles that currently use paper labels. The innovation is said to offer an alternative to paper, is fully recyclable, spillage resistant through a wipe clean laminated finish or a gloss or matte varnish.