Introducing recycle-friendly PETG shrink sleeves

with Eastman Embrace™ LV copolyester and new Sun Chemical SunLam™ De-seaming Adhesive

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Feb 15, 2018, 08:41 ET

KINGSPORT, Tenn., Feb. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Chemical has launched its SunLam™ De-seaming Adhesive for shrink-labeled containers. This new de-seamable adhesive helps recyclers improve recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) yield without process changes.

Developed in partnership, Sun Chemical and Eastman extensively tested SunLam on labels made with Eastman Embrace™ LV copolyester. It has received a "Responsible Innovation Acknowledgment" by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) after passing stringent testing outlined by the APR.

Eastman Embrace™ LV + Sun Chemical SunLam De-Seaming Adhesive enables recycle-friendly shrink labels

By changing from a traditional solvent to SunLam De-seaming Adhesive, shrink labels de-seam and release during the whole bottle wash step of the wet recycling process, without sacrifice of label performance. The label removal occurs prior to color, infrared and manual sorting, thus preventing shrink-labeled PET bottles being removed from the rPET stream due to misidentification.

The efficacy of SunLam De-seaming Adhesive was tested on bottles with shrink sleeves made from Eastman Embrace™ LV copolyester. The tests utilized whole bottle wash equipment at commercial recycling facilities and yielded results of greater than 95 percent label removal, with results typically exceeding 99 percent.

"When the challenge of removing shrink labels during PET recycling was brought to the industry's attention by the APR and the National Association for PET Container Resources in 2012, Eastman stepped up to the challenge and organized a consortium to collaborate on ways to solve this issue," said Ronnie Little, market development manager, Eastman. "PET bottle bales typically contain five percent shrink-labeled PET bottles. Many of those labels do not come off in the PET recycling process, reducing rPET yield. We're pleased to have partnered with Sun Chemical in this process to develop a technology that satisfies the consumers' desire to recycle, a brand's goal to be both responsible and recognizable, and the APR's mission to eliminate barriers to successful commercial recycling."

"Consumers and brand owners alike expect PET bottles to be recycled, but unfortunately, far too many end up in landfills because the label wouldn't come off," said Russell Schwartz, chief technology officer, Sun Chemical. "At Sun Chemical, we consider it our responsibility to address issues in the industries in which we participate and to provide leadership in resolving problems our partners and customers face. On learning of these concerns, we initiated a major project to solve this industry-wide challenge. We are pleased to introduce the environmentally friendly SunLam De-seaming Adhesive as part of our contribution to the circular economy."

By using SunLam De-seaming Adhesive, brand owners can continue to benefit from the superior performance of Eastman Embrace LV copolyester. They need not sacrifice full-body shrink sleeve label coverage, shrinkage or quality. Brand owners can continue to use full-body shrink labels on their containers. An additional 20 percent of label surface area is regained with full-body shrink labels, compared to the portion of the bottle that must be left uncovered to avoid near-infrared or color missorting, as bottles with full wrap shrink sleeves could get rejected by the NIR or color automated sorting equipment.

For More Information
Brands, print converters and recyclers interested in learning more about SunLam De-seaming Adhesive can contact:

Ronnie Little
Market Development Manager, SP-Plastics Packaging
Work Phone: +1 423 229 8734
Cell Phone: +1 423 292 5099
Email: [email protected]

About Sun Chemical
Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC group, is a leading producer of printing inks, coatings and supplies, pigments, polymers, liquid compounds, solid compounds, and application materials. Together with DIC, Sun Chemical has annual sales of more than $7.5 billion and over 20,000 employees supporting customers around the world.

Sun Chemical Corporation is a subsidiary of Sun Chemical Group Coöperatief U.A., the Netherlands, and is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, USA. For more information, visit our website at www.sunchemical.com.

About The Association of Plastic Recyclers
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is "The Voice of Plastics Recycling." As the international trade association representing the plastics recycling industry, membership includes independent recycling companies of all sizes, processing numerous resins, as well as consumer product companies, equipment manufacturers, testing laboratories, organizations, and others committed to the success of plastics recycling. APR works to enhance quality and increase supply through technical resources, testing programs, design solutions, corporate training, regulatory leadership and education programs. For a current list of acknowledged "Responsible Innovation" products, visit: www.plasticsrecycling.org/membership/apr-meetings/26-champions-for-change.

About Eastman
Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and had 2016 revenues of approximately $9.0 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., USA, and employs approximately 14,000 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com

Editorial Contact:
Laura Mansfield, APR
The Tombras Group
+1 (865) 599.9968
[email protected]

SOURCE Eastman