How labels make packaging more sustainable

Key requirements of the new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) will become binding as early as 12 August 2026. This increases the pressure to act across the entire value chain. Labels are increasingly acting as problem solvers when it comes to meeting sustainable packaging requirements. That is why Herma’s self-adhesive materials division is making its first independent appearance at Interpack (hall 8A, stand D11). The focus is on how innovative self-adhesive materials can already help to optimise recyclability and circularity today.

Herma demonstrates how different sustainability requirements can be implemented in line with specific needs using the new interactive GreenGuide at the exhibition stand. The digital tool guides visitors in a structured manner through criteria such as recyclability, material compatibility and regulatory requirements of the PPWR. Label printers, packaging developers and designers, as well as brand manufacturers, are thus provided with a sound basis for decision making regarding application-specific optimised solutions.

‘Our aim is to make the complexity resulting from the PPWR manageable,’ said Harald Wallner, director of international sales. ‘With the GreenGuide, we are creating transparency and highlighting concrete alternatives that can be implemented today – from recyclable adhesives to material reduced concepts.’

Above all, recycling optimised pressure sensitive adhesives are the order of the day – and are therefore the focus at the Herma stand. The permanent and versatile 72Hpw pressure sensitive adhesive plays a decisive role. This all rounder is not only an economical option for a wide range of standard solutions, such as clear on clear applications. It has also already been certified as recycling compatible in various material combinations for different material streams: for PET in the 80 °C washing process and for HDPE in the 40 °C cold washing process. Furthermore, both PP and PE film labels using 72Hpw have been classified as fully compatible with the rigid HDPE recycling stream. This means that the relevant adhesive material supports both regulatory requirements and industrial recycling practices.

Labels are already an extremely efficient solution today – but they still offer further potential for sustainability. One example is material reduced variants such as the Herma InNo-Liner. Shipping or logistics labels created using this product require no backing material at all. This eliminates liner waste and also reduces transport volumes and disposal costs. Sustainability and cost effectiveness can thus be directly combined. Particular attention is also being paid to compostable self-adhesive materials. When used in combination with Adhesive 62Q, selected paper grades are suitable for home and garden composting and are certified accordingly. At Interpack, the company is also showcasing two self-adhesive materials that have passed the critical earthworm test in accordance with the Australian standard AS 5810 – a remarkable achievement. When it comes to home and garden composting of packaging materials, this standard is virtually the gold standard. Due to its strict requirements, it is regarded as the highest environmental standard for packaging worldwide. With these materials, Herma also covers scenarios in which organic recycling concepts play a role.

With its first independent appearance at Interpack, the self-adhesive materials division is highlighting the growing importance of the label for sustainable packaging systems. ‘Whether it is recycling, composting or material reduction – the label is increasingly becoming a key driver of futureproof solutions,’ concluded Harald Wallner.