Herma launches new wash-off label adhesive at Labelexpo

Herma will present its new label adhesive 72Gpw for almost closed material cycle of PET packaging at Labelexpo Europe 2023 in Hall 5, stand C14. The newly developed label adhesive 72Gpw offers approximately double the initial adhesion of standard wash-off adhesives with reportedly an equally high final adhesion and equally good washability. 

The Cyclos-HTP Institute has already certified the adhesive 72Gpw accordingly in combination with various film and paper label materials.  

‘This gives label users another strong argument to switch to a wash-off solution now. It is no longer necessary to compromise on adhesion or washability,’ said Hendrik Kehl, product manager at Herma. ‘This is particularly important under challenging conditions, for example in high-speed labelling systems or when humid or cool environments come into play.’ 

The new label adhesive ensures safe labelling, supports the recycling processes, in which the residue-free separation of the PET material from the label material, including adhesives and printing inks, is essential to be able to produce granulate that is as pure as possible.  

Closing material cycles and therefore increasing the true recyclability of packaging is one of the most important objectives of the planned European Packaging Directive, the draft of which was published at the end of 2022. This is likely to result in stricter packaging design guidelines.  

Special wash-off applications for labels have been around for some time – Herma solutions are also already being used in this respect. But market penetration has generally been relatively slow. The industry association Finat has now also provided an indication in this regard. 

‘Although these options are available on the market, the majority of labels currently used are made with permanent adhesives rather than with specially developed wash-off adhesives,’ a statement in July 2023 announced.  

‘We are constantly working to convince label printers and users of this sensible path, because it is very sustainable,’ said Kehl. ‘The new wash-off adhesive is a trend-setting solution.’