Henkel introduces the Technomelt EM 335 RE hot melt adhesive for labeling PET bottles. PET is lightweight, strong and transparent, and it can be recycled repeatedly provided all packaging components are compatible with the recovery process. The adhesive bonding the label to the bottle is a key element. Substances that do not disperse and are not removed during recycling leave deposits on PET flakes, reducing the quality of the recyclate. In light of the proposed EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), PET bottles must be designed for easy recycling while also meeting recycled-content requirements. From 2025, single-use PET bottles are to contain at least 25% recycled material, and by 2030, 30%. Although over 60% of PET bottles are collected in Europe, the value chain could return more than 11 billion additional bottles to circulation each year were it not for contaminants that prevent efficient recycling.
Conventional hot melt adhesives used for PET bottle labeling are difficult to remove in standard recycling processes. Even in a hot caustic soda bath, which is part of typical treatment, only 12–30% of the adhesive usually dissolves. This results in contaminated PET flakes whose quality deteriorates due to haze and yellowing. Such flakes also lose barrier properties, excluding them from food-contact applications.
Alkali-dispersible adhesive for PET labels
Technomelt EM 335 RE has been tailored to the requirements of modern recycling processes. It is alkali-dispersible and up to 98% removable. Adhesive residues separate along with label remnants from the material stream, helping to obtain clean PET flakes.
Processing and performance parameters
The adhesive is intended for both paper and plastic labels. It can reliably bond up to 40,000 labels per hour. It features a low processing temperature of 110–140°C, reducing equipment stress, lowering energy consumption and supporting line reliability. The formulation is free of mineral oils and compliant with food-contact regulations, making it suitable for sensitive applications. Packaging in X‑tra chubs cartridges facilitates safe handling and helps reduce packaging waste.
System approval
In Germany, the product has obtained Petcycle approval, expanding options for practically closing the material loop for PET bottles. The solution supports bottlers and recyclers in meeting new regulatory requirements, as it enables effective label removal in the recycling process.
Technomelt EM 335 RE contains no mineral oil, is up to 98% removable in the recycling process and can be processed at low temperatures. It also has Petcycle approval.
