ARLINGTON, VA. (June 21, 2:40 p.m. ET) — Renewable resources company DaniMer Scientific LLC has developed a new bio-based label adhesive that is compatible with the recycling of PET packaging containers.
Developing labels that do not interfere with PET recycling has become a high priority for companies that make labels and adhesives for PET food packaging since a Canadian initiative mandated the use of PET thermoformed containers for most food packaging at grocery stores beginning this past January.
According to DaniMer, its new adhesive, DaniMer 92721, dissolves completely in PET flake caustic wash recycling operations without leaving clumps or “stickies.” The new adhesive has a renewable content of more than 50 percent and uses bio-succinic acid from Myriant Corp. and Susterra propanediol from DuPont Tate & Lyle.
DaniMer said the rheology of DaniMer 92721 enables the adhesive to operate in existing adhesive systems at temperatures under 325F, and that the company's tests, using industry standard protocol, showed zero contamination in PET recycling streams.
“DaniMer is pleased to announce this advancement towards eliminating problems with PET recycling,” said Daniel Carraway, founder and CEO of DaniMer.
“The recycling industry has long been challenged to find ways to overcome the issues and complications associated with recycling PET containers,” added Stephen Gatto, chairman and CEO of Myriant. “DaniMer's new adhesive is a great example of the innovation and market opportunities available with bio-based chemicals.”
The new adhesive for use with PET labels was introduced at the Nova-Pack 2012 conference in Arlington, Va., earlier this month that was organized by Schotland Business Research Inc., based in Skillman, N.J.