The First Paper-based, Water-soluble Label Material to meet PET Critical Guidance
SmartSolve Industries is pleased to announce that they have been formally recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for meeting the highest criteria for recyclability for their 4PT Direct Thermal Pressure Sensitive dissolvable label and their 3PT (thermal transfer capable) Pressure Sensitive dissolvable label. Both labels were evaluated using the most stringent, industry accepted criteria that encompass a wide range of design features affecting plastics recycling. With 20% label coverage, both products passed PET-CG-02.
Background
From its very inception in 2016, SmartSolve’s charter was to bring water-soluble technology to the packaging industry. The packaging industry is vast, encompassing both paper and plastics sectors. While SmartSolve has traditionally operated within the paper market, offering water-soluble, paper-based products, this recognition officially marks their entry into the plastics sector. At SmartSolve, the three main product offerings include pouch stock, face stock, and label stock. SmartSolve label technology has traditionally been used in work-in-progress as a temporary label application, however, this new recognition is changing perceptions. For far too long, water-soluble technology has been under-considered and under-studied. This trend is beginning to change as the awareness and need for sustainability grows, the light of SmartSolve innovation reaches new market horizons every day.
Breaking down Water-soluble Labels
When SmartSolve water-soluble label materials contact water, the wood pulp fibers separate into smaller micro-fibers and the water-soluble adhesive dissolves entirely. As a result, the entire label material can be rinsed down the drain, per the same standards used to test toilet paper. Additional lab testing and industry reviews have concluded that the company’s label (adhesive and face) rinses off entirely during the recycling wash process, leaving behind a pure plastic granule. In conclusion, SmartSolve label materials are proven to enhance the recyclability of PET plastic, thus broadening their reach and impact within the industry.
Significance for Brands, Converters, and Product Innovation
In the recycling industry, paper labels have long been viewed as contaminants, complicating the recycling process. However, SmartSolve’s innovative approach has transformed this perception by offering a unique functionality which disperses in water. Unlike traditional paper labels, SmartSolve label technology rinses off the PET material during the recycling wash process at materials recovery facilities and is safe for drains, eliminating the need for manual label removal and transport to landfills. Brands can now consider these materials as an environmentally-friendly, recyclable option for prime labeling applications. This recognition brings SmartSolve technology into consumer-packaged goods applications, to help brands reach their recyclability commitments.
“We are thrilled to be the first paper-based water-soluble label to receive APR Design® Recognition. This is truly just the beginning of an exciting journey for SmartSolve in our vision to make packaging no longer trash.” – Alex Abbott, Chief Revenue Officer
Quote from APR President & CEO
“APR congratulates SmartSolve for taking action to improve the recyclability of their packaging and taking the steps to receive APR Design® Recognition,” said Steve Alexander, APR President & CEO. “Recyclable packaging means less waste, more efficient use of limited natural resources, and more high-quality post-consumer resin (PCR) for new products.”
About APR
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics. APR’s tools & resources help companies design packaging that can be recycled, support innovations that overcome existing recycling challenges, and encourage stable and reliable markets for post-consumer recycled content. Visit plasticsrecycling.org for more information.
About APR Design® Recognition
APR Design® for Recyclability Recognition provides third-party validation that a package or packaging component’s design is compatible with the North American recycling system. This process confirms the item has met the highest criteria for recyclability according to the APR Design® Guide. Complete packages and all components of package design are eligible for APR Recognition.
About SmartSolve Industries
SmartSolve is the only packaging-technology company that pioneers certified, bio-based, water-soluble materials for people who care about the planet. With a vision to make packaging no longer trash, SmartSolve is assisting their global customer base to create zero-waste packaging. SmartSolve Industries is a privately held company located in Bowling Green, Ohio. For questions or comments, please email info@smartsolveindustries.com.
Marketing Manager