BELGIUM – US-based adhesives manufacturing company, H.B. Fuller has recently joined RecyClass as part of its effort to drive sustainability.
RecyClass is a comprehensive cross-industry initiative open to companies actively looking to improve the circularity of plastic packaging and to contribute toward the harmonization of recyclability and recycled content practices across Europe.
H.B. Fuller develops adhesives used in many items of everyday life with performance and recyclability in mind, including plastic applications – PET bottles, rigid plastic containers for home care, and flexible packaging.
The non-profit RecyClass initiative brings together stakeholders from the entire plastics value chain to make plastic packaging more recyclable, as well as increase the uptake of recycled plastic.
“This is an exciting and challenging period for the packaging industry. Collaboration throughout the supply chain is vital if we are to achieve changes that improve the world for this generation of consumers and the next,” says Elizabeth Staab, H.B. Fuller Global Packaging Sustainability Manager.
“Sustainability is a core pillar of our business strategy at H.B. Fuller, and we are joining RecyClass to expand collaboration across the value chain.
“It is important we continually invest in understanding the full plastic recycling supply chain and its greatest challenges. There are many ways that adhesives can make a positive contribution while encouraging innovation in the sector to advance the industry.”
H.B. Fuller’s strong commitment to sustainability is a source of competitive advantage and drives the company to prioritize technologies that fulfill the future needs of a circular economy, changing regulatory requirements and consumer environmental awareness.
H.B. Fuller is continually developing efficient packaging solutions to support plastic applications including PET bottles, rigid plastic containers for home care, and flexible packaging with performance and recyclability in mind.
In January, the company unveiled its latest bio-compatible Swift melt 1515-I adhesive tape compliant in IMEA – India, the Middle East, and Africa.
The product underwent extensive testing and received an ISO 10993-5 certification for cytotoxicity. It exhibits great performance, balancing adhesion and ease of removal, the firm said.
As the industry advances toward a circular economy, industry partnerships such as the company’s collaboration with RecyClass will be key to moving the industry forward.
“The environmental challenges facing the world today and the demand for lower impact products need a multi-faceted and collaborative approach,” concluded Staab.
“Moving forward, major investments – and a certain amount of risk-taking on new technologies and methods – are going to be strategic and will need to be done in collaboration with other players across the supply chain.”
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