PET Plastics Recyclability

Water-Soluble Labels receive Recyclability Recognition

Recyclability of PET plastics is often compromised by label materials that leave behind adhesives or inks during the wash process, contaminating valuable PET flakes. SmartSolve’s dissolvable label technology offers a unique solution—our materials fully disperse in the recycling wash process, leaving behind clean, high-value PET with no adhesive residue.

Recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for meeting the most stringent recyclability criteria, our 4PT Direct Thermal Pressure Sensitive label material and 3PT Thermal Transfer Pressure Sensitive label material passed PET-CG-02 testing with 20% label coverage. This APR recognition enables plastic packages to receive optimal recyclability labels through the How2Recycle® labeling system, giving brands a powerful way to communicate clear, credible disposal instructions to consumers. By combining technical compatibility with trusted consumer-facing guidance, SmartSolve materials help brands meet sustainability goals without compromising performance.

You know how sometimes when you pick up different products and wonder, is this just gonna end up in a landfill? I do wonder that. It’s hard to know which packaging is actually eco friendly. You see this? There’s no official guidelines or instructions for how to recycle this. Who knows where it’ll end up? I heard if there’s no instructions, it could contaminate recycling. Hard pass, man. Looks like consumers are really questioning the recycling process. Can you blame them? Brands need to make their packaging out of recyclable materials, and they gotta use credible and recognizable symbols like how to recycle. You see, while this container can be recycled, this label and also this adhesive kind of muck things up a bit, if you know what I mean. We need a better solution, an evolution, if you will. And that’s where SmartSolve comes in. I get that, but the labels on our products need to have shelf appeal. You know, the materials need to run smoothly through our existing equipment. And it must pass APR design guidelines and fit under the California SB fifty four mandates. Sounds like you all need a better solution. And I suppose you have the answer. Sure do. And the answer is SmartSolve. SmartSolve has created the very first paper label to achieve APR design recognition for PET plastics recycling. Oh, that’s yeah. Right there. Contamination among mixed materials and creating a high quality recycled plastic feedstock are some of the greatest challenges faced by plastics recyclers. Oh, perfect. You see, unlike traditional paper labels, SmartSolve offers a unique material functionality that disperses in water. Woah. How’d you do that? Well, that’s a trade secret. But what I can tell you is that with SmartSalt’s dissolvable labels and clear instructions on how to recycle, brands can promote their commitment to a cleaner planet and consumers can rest easy knowing they’re contributing to a more sustainable future. Welcome to the evolution of recyclability. Welcome to SmartSoft.

Benefits of SmartSolve in PET Recycling:

Improve the recyclability of hard-to-recycle non-beverage PET plastics – no more contamination from mixed materials, standard paper labels, and adhesive residue.
Brands have long favored the aesthetic of paper labels; they evoke a sense of authenticity, craftsmanship, and a high-end appeal. Return to the aesthetic of paper labels without compromising on recyclability claims.
Invite consumers to participate in recyclability by rinsing the label off at home, no caustic wash required!
APR Recognized materials meeting PET-CG-02 standards.
Pre-qualified by How2Recycle®, enabling brands to make the strongest, verified recyclability claims with on-pack consumer instructions that are both credible and recognizable. Additional components, product application, or other attributes may change the final recyclability of the package.

Press Release