BASF adhesive cleared for PET recycling, unlocking new era for label design
By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : March 27, 2026 10:18 am
RecyClass, a cross-industry authority on recyclability, validated the material under typical processing conditions, reinforcing confidence among packaging producers seeking to align with Design-for-Recycling standards
Global chemicals giant BASF has secured a major sustainability win after its UV-curable acrylic hotmelt, acResin UV 3532, was approved by RecyClass for use on PET bottles—confirming full compatibility with established European recycling systems.
The certification signals that labels using the adhesive can be cleanly removed during standard recycling, ensuring high-quality PET recyclate and eliminating a long-standing barrier in packaging design.
RecyClass, a cross-industry authority on recyclability, validated the material under typical processing conditions, reinforcing confidence among packaging producers seeking to align with Design-for-Recycling standards.
For years, high-performance filmic pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) labels have been seen as incompatible with clean PET recycling streams. That constraint, BASF says, is now over.
“Now, acResin UV 3532 opens new opportunities for recyclable PET packaging: high-clarity filmic labels that fully wash off during recycling,” says Mike Zott, Global Senior Marketing Manager in BASF’s adhesives business.
The development allows brands to maintain premium label aesthetics without sacrificing recyclability—an increasingly critical requirement as sustainability pressures mount.
The approval comes as the packaging industry faces tightening regulations and rising consumer expectations. The upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation will introduce mandatory recycled content targets, pushing companies to rethink materials and design choices.
BASF positions acResin UV 3532 as a ready-made solution to help brands comply without compromising performance.
“We are demonstrating how innovative adhesive solutions can help brand owners and converters comply with regulations such as the EU’s PPWR while maintaining design freedom and performance”, he adds.
The breakthrough also feeds into BASF’s broader sustainability strategy and its alignment with Europe’s industrial climate goals. The company was a founding member of CELAB in 2020, a global coalition focused on reducing the environmental footprint of labeling and scaling circular solutions.
With RecyClass approval now secured, acResin UV 3532 could reshape how PET packaging is designed—turning a former recycling obstacle into a competitive advantage for brands racing to meet the next wave of environmental regulations.