For the third consecutive year, Mactac has been recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for recyclability of its pressure sensitive label materials.

Mactac has been awarded Critical Guidance Recognition (CGR) for its polypropylene (BOPP) pressure-sensitive labels with CHILL AT hot-melt adhesive for flexible polyethylene (PE) film packaging materials. The labeling solution exceeded voluntary requirements for APR Design for Recyclability Recognition, meeting the most stringent, industry accepted criteria for design features that affect plastics recycling.

Mactac is the first manufacturer to hold CGR for a hot-melt adhesive for flexible PE. Mactac was also the first to earn CGR for a hot-melt adhesive for polypropylene (PP) recycling applications in 2024, and for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers in 2023.

“Achieving the APR’s Critical Guidance Recognition is an important step in our Simply Sustainable initiative to promote a more circular economy,” says Kim Hensley, senior marketing manager, Mactac Performance Adhesives. “Mactac was the first label manufacturer to offer a hot-melt adhesive solution for HDPE and PP recycling applications, and now we are the first to earn recognition for PE flexible recycling applications. We are proud of our commitment to improve sustainable practices and promote recyclability.”

The newly bestowed recognition applies to Mactac white and clear top-coated BOPP labels that are paired with Mactac CHILL AT pressure sensitive adhesive. The labeling solution is ideal for PE surfaces such as bags, pouches, wraps, sachets and envelopes in food packaging, home and personal care applications. 

The featured CHILL AT adhesive is an all-temperature hot melt that offers enhanced protection of packaging. It has a versatile temperature range spanning -65 to +150 degrees Fahrenheit and delivers high-tack adhesion, high tack-and-peel, and a quick, strong bond – even to cold, wet surfaces and low-energy substrates.

Compatible with standard PE flexible container recycling practices, CHILL AT labels stay with containers during recycling without impacting recycled polyethylene (rPE) flexible pellets.

“Brand owners who want to achieve their sustainable packaging targets should turn to CHILL AT,” Hensley says. “It goes on, stays on, and then remains with the film during recycling, ensuring the most out of both packaging and branding in today’s competitive marketplace.”      

Hensley, sustainability manager Christina Barajas, and R&D senior scientist Amanda Quaranta presented the Mactac innovation to the APR membership group. In the recognition certificate, the APR commended Mactac for placing a high priority on recyclability in product design.

“The APR is pleased to recognize Mactac for meeting the highest criteria for recyclability according to the APR Design Guide,” states Steve Alexander, APR president and CEO. “Design for recyclability leads to less waste, more efficient use of limited natural resources, and increased supply of high-quality post-consumer recycled content.”

The APR represents companies that acquire, reprocess, and sell the output of more than 90% of the post-consumer plastic processing capacity in North America.