Avery Dennison has unveiled a major innovation in sustainable packaging: the first RFID label to receive APR Design for Recyclability (DfR) recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR). This marks a significant milestone, officially certifying the label's compatibility with PET mechanical recycling processes in North America.
Developed through the integration of Avery Dennison’s proprietary CleanFlake technology, advanced materials science and RFID expertise, this new label cleanly separates from PET during the recycling process, significantly reducing contamination and improving the quality of recovered material.
APR recognises the critical role of innovation in packaging to build a circular economy. With this technology, brands can improve the recyclability of their packaging and make meaningful contributions to reducing plastic waste, said Steve Alexander, President and CEO of APR.
With 96% of leading global brands committed to recyclability targets, the introduction of recycling-compatible RFID labels offers a practical solution to growing demands for sustainability and traceability across the supply chain. In addition to ensuring PET recycling compatibility, the RFID label also enhances item-level identification and sorting, optimising the overall recovery process.
This innovation marks a turning point in the journey towards smarter, more sustainable packaging. We’re proud to support our customers with solutions that not only increase supply chain efficiency, but also contribute to the global shift towards responsible material use, said Pascale Wautelet, VP Global R&D and Sustainability at Avery Dennison Materials Group.
Avery Dennison, the global leader in RFID labelling, plans to make this APR-recognised technology commercially available by the end of 2025. The company is also collaborating with independent certification bodies to expand PET recycling recognition across international markets, further underscoring its commitment to a greener future.
