Beardow Adams reports that is has developed a new U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved adhesive for labeling that supports the move toward greater sustainability in the packaging and labeling sectors.

The new adhesive, BAM 2537, allows returned bottles to be washed in a caustic solution, separating them from their labels as well as the adhesive, before being returned to the market. This reuse loop can take place between 10 to 15 times before the bottle is fully recycled — drastically, helping to reduce the number

Source: Beardow Adams of single-use plastics in use today.

The innovative semi-pressure sensitive formulation works on all types of containers, but especially with highly carbonated bottles as it provides a more aggressive bond, resistant of the stresses caused by the expansion of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles under pressure.

Its residual tack also allows labels to be pressed back into the desired position should the label peel away, satisfying both manufacturers who need to protect their brands and end-users who benefit. The adhesive is suitable for low- and high-speed running machines (an average of 26,000 bottles per hour), and easily produces the required adhesion between PET-label and PET-bottle.

Fully aligned with the growing introduction of deposit return schemes, BAM 2537 is approved by circular economy bodies, Returpack and PETCycle, and forms part of an eco-friendly range of adhesives from Beardow Adams that also includes bio-based, vegan friendly, and pallet stabilization adhesives.