Henkel Wins FINAT Sustainability Award 2024

Sustainability continues to take centre stage in the packaging and labelling industry, and Henkel has once again proven its commitment to innovation by winning the prestigious FINAT Sustainability Award 2024. Recognised for their outstanding efforts in optimising recycling processes, Henkel's achievement highlights their leadership in developing cutting-edge solutions for a greener future.

What Are the FINAT Sustainability Awards?

The FINAT Sustainability Awards celebrate innovation and progress in the label industry, focusing on two key categories: “Reduction of Environmental Impact” and “Optimisation of Recycling”. The 2024 awards, judged by a panel of industry experts, saw 28 entries showcasing advances in materials, technologies, and recycling methodologies. From adhesive formulations to new packaging solutions, the entries demonstrated the industry’s collective push towards greater sustainability.

Henkel’s Award-Winning Adhesive

Henkel Adhesive Technologies received the FINAT Sustainability Award 2024 in the “Optimisation of Recycling” category. This accolade, presented at the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Amsterdam, honours Henkel’s innovative Aquence PS 3017 RE adhesive. This water-based acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive is specifically designed for polyolefinic filmic labels used on PET bottles, offering significant improvements in the recycling process.

Unlike conventional adhesives, Aquence PS 3017 RE provides excellent wash-off efficiency at temperatures as low as 65°C. This reduction in required energy not only makes recycling more efficient but also preserves the purity and value of recycled PET materials. The recyclability of the adhesive has been certified by the renowned cyclos-HTP institute and aligns with the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Why Aquence PS 3017 RE Stands Out

The award’s judging panel praised Aquence PS 3017 RE for its low-temperature wash-off capability, which reduces energy use during recycling. They also highlighted its superior performance for clear labels, as it avoids water whitening effects, and its adaptability for use on PET trays. Since its launch at Labelexpo 2023, the adhesive has drawn significant interest from label manufacturers and brands eager to enhance their sustainability efforts.

Speaking about the product, Elodie Picard, Head of Sustainability Packaging at Henkel, said:

“We plan to step up our collaboration with label manufacturers to promote the adhesive’s use in additional applications involving polyolefinic labels on PET bottles and containers. We also aim to further optimise the product for other packaging solutions.”

Looking Ahead

Henkel’s recognition at the FINAT Sustainability Awards underscores their dedication to creating sustainable solutions for the packaging industry. Their work with Aquence PS 3017 RE represents a significant step forward in meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly labelling solutions while addressing critical recycling challenges.

If you’re interested in learning more, you can find additional information on the FINAT Sustainability Awards here and on FINAT’s YouTube channel.

A Sustainable Future

Henkel’s win at the FINAT Sustainability Awards 2024 serves as a shining example of how innovation can drive positive change. By focusing on efficient recycling processes and developing sustainable adhesives like Aquence PS 3017 RE, Henkel is paving the way for a more environmentally friendly packaging industry.

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