Mactac recognized by Association of Plastic Recyclers

Mactac has again been recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for recyclability of its pressure-sensitive label materials showcasing its ongoing commitment to sustainability.

APR recently announced that Mactac has earned Critical Guidance Recognition (CGR) for its polypropylene pressure-sensitive label materials with hot-melt adhesive for rigid polypropylene containers. Label materials were proven compatible with polypropylene container recycling practices, exceeding the strictest criteria for product packaging recyclability, according to APR.

Mactac is the first manufacturer to earn CGR for a hot-melt adhesive for polypropylene recycling applications. The company was also the first manufacturer to earn CGR for a hot-melt adhesive for high-density polyethylene containers, which it received in 2023.

APR-recognized products include white and clear top-coated polypropylene labels that are paired with the Mactac Chill AT adhesive. Chill AT is an all temperature hot-melt adhesive designed for food packaging, home and personal care applications. The adhesive offers high-tack adhesion, high tack-and-peel, and a quick, strong bond, even to cold, wet surfaces and low-energy substrates. It is ideal for polypropylene surfaces such as yogurt and other food containers.

Kim Hensley, senior marketing manager, Mactac Performance Adhesives, said: ‘Mactac is an innovator of adhesives and Chill AT is one of our best innovations yet. Any brand owner who is looking to hit their sustainable packaging targets in the food, home or personal care space should look no further than Chill AT. Chill AT provides great protection of your packaging — and your brand — in a competitive marketplace. No one else offers a hot-melt solution that is APR-recognized for polypropylene containers.’

A team of Mactac experts, including Hensley, sustainability manager Christina Barajas and R&D senior scientist Amanda Quaranta presented the innovation to the APR membership group in November 2023. Mactac received its APR recognition letter last month.

The APR represents companies who acquire, reprocess and sell the output of more than 90 percent of the post-consumer plastic processing capacity in North America.

Steve Alexander, APR president and CEO, stated: ‘Labels and adhesives can significantly impact the quality of recycled plastics. The APR is pleased to recognize Mactac for its polypropylene pressure-sensitive label materials with a hot-melt adhesive for use with polypropylene containers. APR’s Critical Guidance testing is the gold standard for testing the compatibility of innovations with the recycling infrastructure. We encourage package designers to choose packaging components that have received APR Recognition when making package design decisions.’

Mactac continues to expand its portfolio of APR-recognized products, which also includes the Mactac Purefloat adhesive with polypropylene facestocks for polyester containers.