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Achieving APR Design® for Recyclability Recognition: Overcoming Challenges with PET-B-02 Standards

January 21, 2025 | Daniele Smith

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) Design® for Recyclability Recognition sets the benchmark for sustainable packaging. Meeting these high standards is no easy feat, especially for label converters working with BOPP pressure sensitive materials under the stringent PET-B-02 ink retention requirements. Since 2022, many have faced challenges with ink adhesion after grinding. However, Inovar Packaging Group has successfully overcome these hurdles, showcasing its commitment to innovation and sustainability.

What is PET-B-02 Testing?

PET-B-02 testing ensures that pressure sensitive labels meet recyclability standards without compromising the quality of recycled materials. The process involves two critical phases:

Caustic Wash Screening:
- Samples undergo a 15-minute caustic wash at 85°C, mixed at 1000 RPM with PET bottle flakes and printed materials (1 cm²).
- Post-wash, the solution is filtered to examine ink removal, edge flaking, and PET flake staining.
- Inovar’s white and clear substrates demonstrated exceptional durability, surpassing 30 minutes with minimal ink removal or edge flaking.
Standard PET-B-02 Testing:
- Printed materials are hand-applied to APR-approved PET resin bottles and aged for 72 hours to ensure full adhesive bonding.
- Labeled bottles are mixed with non-labeled bottles, achieving 20% total label-to-bottle surface coverage in the ground PET flakes.
- Tests include visual inspections, ink retention analysis, screen filter evaluations, haze variance measurements, and LAB color consistency assessments.

Solving the Grinding Challenge

The new PET-B-02 testing requirements have been difficult to meet because after the label goes through the grind, the edges of the ink, between the substrate and the varnish, is exposed. This allows the caustic wash to come into direct contact with the ink. Inovar Packaging Group worked with several ink and coating organizations to develop a formulation that achieved exceptional ink retention and resulted in meeting the PET-B-02 testing requirements.

Recognized Products That Lead the Way

As a result of these innovations, APR has recognized the following Inovar pressure sensitive products for meeting or exceeding recyclability standards:

Inovar360™ – White BOPP 841965 with Caustic Resistant Flexo Inks
Inovar360™ – White BOPP 841964 with Caustic Resistant Flexo Inks
Inovar360™ – Clear BOPP 841966 with Caustic Resistant Flexo Inks

This recognition highlights Inovar’s expertise in designing sustainable packaging solutions that align with APR’s stringent criteria.

Driving Innovation in Sustainable Packaging

Inovar Packaging Group’s success in achieving APR Design® for Recyclability Recognition showcases its leadership in sustainable label solutions. By tackling industry challenges and delivering products that support recycling systems, Inovar helps reduce waste and generate high-quality post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials.

At Inovar Packaging Group, we’re passionate about leading the charge in sustainable packaging. Our innovative solutions not only meet the industry’s highest standards but also make a meaningful impact on recycling efforts.

For more information about our sustainability efforts and innovative packaging solutions, contact Inovar Packaging Group today.