Assess the label, adhesive and packaging body together in the relevant recycling stream. Material, coverage, density, printing and removal behaviour all matter. A label described as recyclable on its own does not establish compatibility of the complete pack.
Are labels and sleeves merely decorative elements with little relevance to recycling?
No. Labels, sleeves and their attachment systems can affect packaging identification during sorting, component separation, washing performance and the purity and quality of the final recyclate. RecyClass therefore treats them as integral components of the design.
1. Labels can affect the sorting stage
Optical detectors analyse the surface of passing packaging. If another material covers much of the body, the system may struggle to identify the main polymer correctly.
The decoration material, coverage, colour and position on the packaging are particularly relevant.
2. A sleeve can behave differently from a conventional label
A shrink sleeve can cover a large part or almost all of a package’s surface. This increases the potential effect on detection and subsequent separation.
Conclusions about a small spot label should therefore not be transferred to a full sleeve without checking the applicable guidelines.
3. Label and sleeve materials matter
Paper, PET, PVC, PE, PP and other materials behave differently within the main recycling stream.
A material may be separated effectively in one process but remain with flakes or molten plastic in another, reducing final product quality.
4. Density and separation behaviour can be decisive
Many processes use density differences to separate components. The combination of body, label and closure must therefore be assessed against the actual stages of the relevant process.
The material abbreviation alone is insufficient: understand how the component behaves after shredding and washing.
5. Adhesive is part of the labelling system
Label compatibility also depends on the adhesive. Adhesive that remains on the main material can cause contamination or interfere with later processing.
For some applications, RecyClass assesses whether labels or adhesives detach or wash off under specified conditions.
6. Label printing can also affect the result
Printing inks can bleed into the wash bath, colour the material or remain on a fragment entering the main stream.
Relevant factors include printing technology, coverage and ink behaviour under the particular process conditions.
7. Coverage needs control
Larger decorations can increase the risk of obscuring the main material. However, acceptable coverage and conditions differ between streams.
There is no single “safe percentage” for every bottle, tray and container. Consult the current Design for Recycling Guidelines.
8. Perforations or easy removal do not always solve the problem
A component designed for manual removal may help, but the assessment should not assume perfect consumer behaviour where the recycling system depends on removal before sorting.
The scenario defined by the methodology and the packaging’s actual behaviour in the stream are what matter.
9. Testing may be needed where the guidelines are inconclusive
RecyClass has testing protocols covering sortability and component compatibility. If a new label, adhesive or sleeve is not yet covered, testing at a recognised facility may be appropriate.
A positive outcome through the relevant process can lead to Technology Approval for the technology.
10. Appropriate supplier documentation is essential
The packaging manufacturer should know the material, construction, adhesive, ink and specifications of the label or sleeve. A commercial product name alone is often insufficient for the auditor.
Keep current specifications, component supplier declarations and, where available, the relevant Technology Approval reference.
11. A new label can change a certified pack’s result
A change of supplier, material, adhesive, coverage or printing method should not automatically be treated as cosmetic.
For certified packaging, check whether the new version remains within the approved scope or needs notification and reassessment.
12. Good design practice
Select the label alongside the packaging construction, rather than at the end of the project. Compare alternatives for sorting and recycling, document material and adhesive specifications, and use current Design for Recycling Guidelines.
This helps prevent decoration from becoming the late-stage feature that lowers the result for the entire pack.
Frequently asked questions
Is a paper label always good for recycling?
No. Its effect depends on the stream, adhesive, washing process, coverage and separation behaviour.
Can a full sleeve affect NIR detection?
Yes, particularly when it obscures the body material or uses a different material. Assess the effect for the specific construction.
Is it enough for the label itself to be recyclable?
No. The complete label–adhesive–body system must be compatible with the particular recycling stream.
Does changing the label supplier require recertification?
Not always, but check whether the characteristics relevant to the result remain equivalent. Notify a potentially significant change in accordance with the certification procedure.