Avery Dennison Launches First RFID Label Designed for Recyclability

Avery Dennison developed an RFID label designed to be recycled. The company reports that their breakthrough radio-frequency identification label received APR Design® for Recyclability (DfR) recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR). This marks an industry first for an RFID label, validating its compatibility with North America's PET recycling stream, reports Avery Dennison.

Avery Dennison has combined its proprietary CleanFlake™ adhesive technology, materials science capabilities, and expertise in RFID to develop the new innovation, resulting in a proprietary RFID label that cleanly separates from the PET in the mechanical recycling stream, reducing contamination, according to the company.

Widely used in packaging across industries, PET is commonly found in bottles, food containers, cosmetics, and other household products, making its recyclability critical to reducing plastic waste at scale. The use of recycling-compatible labels and adhesives can significantly reduce contamination, improving material recovery rates and overall recycling efficiency.

Avery Dennison reports that the proprietary RFID label has the potential to streamline the plastic recycling process by uniquely identifying each item, increasing the quality of materials recovered and extending PET life use. 

Pascale Wautelet, vice president, global R&D and sustainability, Avery Dennison Materials Group, said: “RFID technology is essential for the effective and sustainable management of modern supply chains, supporting brands with greater inventory visibility, product traceability and loss prevention. APR’s recognition marks a pivotal step forward in advancing circular packaging and supporting the global transition to sustainable material use. As consumer goods companies set increasingly ambitious recycling targets, Avery Dennison remains committed to helping our customers reduce waste by investing in innovation and designing products that can be effectively recycled.”

Steve Alexander, president and CEO of APR, added: “Ensuring packaging is compatible with the recycling infrastructure is critical. By increasing the recyclability of packaging, brands can not only reduce waste and meet their sustainability targets but also contribute to a more circular economy. Innovation and technology play an essential role in driving these efforts, enabling smarter packaging solutions that align with both environmental goals and evolving industry standards."

Source: Avery Dennison