Sun Chemical recently announced that four of its SunLam solvent-free adhesives were approved by RecyClass for European flexible polyethylene (PE) recycling streams.

RecyClass is a cross-industry initiative focused on advancing plastic packaging recyclability in Europe. Developed by Plastics Recyclers Europe, the RecyClass platform provides scientifically backed design-for-recycling guidelines, protocols for recyclability testing, and certification schemes that promote circularity in plastic packaging. Its approvals are increasingly seen as a key benchmark for validating packaging technologies against stringent European recycling requirements.

The four approved adhesives are:

• SunLam ZA-1000 / ZB301 – a solvent-free ultra-low monomer (ULM) laminating adhesive for general and medium performance packaging. Fully compatible with PE flexibles recycling.
• SunLam XP-3288 / HA-601 – a solvent-free ULM laminating adhesive with gas barrier properties. Fully compatible with coloured PE flexibles recycling and limited compatibility with natural PE flexibles recycling.
• SunLam QA8000 / QB-800 – a solvent-free ULM laminating adhesive for medium to high performance packaging. Fully compatible with PE flexibles recycling.
• SunLam NS-2033 / HA-376 – a solvent-free laminating adhesive for general performance packaging. Fully compatible with PE flexibles recycling.

All four adhesives meet the RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines when used under specified testing conditions.1

The newly approved adhesives are solvent-free, delivering the added benefits of low energy use and VOC-free operation. The first three are part of Sun Chemical’s ULM technology platform, which offers a fast route to market, eliminates the risk of PAA decay, enhances handling, and improves industrial hygiene. One grade is based on proprietary gas barrier technology, providing additional barrier functionality to aid the industry’s transition to mono-material PE/PE. 

Sun Chemical reports that these approvals form part of the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering a product portfolio that balances efficiency, sustainability, and managed risk for its customers, developed through customer collaboration and R&D investment. 

Nicolas Bétin, director of product strategy EMEA, Packaging Inks & Materials, Sun Chemical, said, “Sun Chemical is excited to add these solutions to our extensive lamination adhesives portfolio. We continue to focus our efforts to ensure our customers have access to solutions that not only perform effectively but also meet stringent compliance requirements while supporting their sustainability goals.”

To learn more about Sun Chemical, visit www.sunchemical.com. Learn more about the company’s packaging products here. 

1. The PE film density must be below 0.97 g/cm³, the adhesive must represent 2.3 wt% or less of the total film weight, any packaging attachments or components should preferably be made of clear PE, and any additional component or features (such as inks or adhesives) of the packaging must be compliant with the corresponding RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines.