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Protocol washable adhesives

For recycling PE and PP packaging, it is important that sub-components, such as labels, are removed from the target material. Removal involves friction and cold wash steps, and in some cases also a hot wash step. Labels that do not detach may interfere with further recycling and should be avoided. A protocol for testing removable labels has been drawn up by the KIDV in collaboration with the NTCP. Companies can use the protocol to demonstrate detachability of labels or glues (or glued-on labels).

Important: the cold washing and hot washing protocols have now been integrated into one protocol.


The protocol consists of two documents, available in English:  

  • The protocol itself provides a description of the steps you need to follow to perform the test and the materials you need to do so. Click here for the protocol.   

Assessment framework for the disposal protocol for labels on dimensionally stable PE and PP packaging 

If a disposable unit with a PE or PP main component contains a glued label, its removability must be assessed. This is done using an assessment framework that describes the conditions under which a disposable unit must be tested according to the removal protocol. Sometimes a discard unit can be exempted from testing because a similar combination of main component, label and adhesive has already been tested in the past. Past test results are freely available in an overview managed by the KIDV.  

After a review against the assessment framework, the following conclusions can be drawn. 

 

 

 

 
A unit is exempt from testing if:

    1. The disposal unit, bonding and label combination itself have tested positive according to the protocol.   

    2. The combination is identical on paper to a previously tested combination, including critical parameters indicated in the assessment framework of the disposal protocol.

 
Testing according to the protocol is necessary if:

    1. The combination of main component, label and adhesive on paper is identical to a previously tested combination, but differs from the removal protocol on one or more critical parameters from the assessment framework.

    2. The combination of main component, label and gluing on paper is identical to a previously tested combination, but one or more critical parameters from the assessment framework of the disposal protocol are unknown.  
       
    3. The combination of main component, label and bonding on paper differs from previously tested combinations. 

 

If a disposable unit needs to be retested according to the protocol, critical parameters should be compulsorily recorded and shared with the KIDV along with the test result. In addition, named parameters not marked as critical can be added optionally. This additional information helps the KIDV to build up more knowledge about the removability of labels.  

By which bodies can I have these tests performed?  

For now, the tests can only be carried out by the NTCP. This protocol page will indicate as soon as more testing bodies become available that can test according to the protocol.  

What is happening in terms of international cooperation?  

There are many international bodies that issue certificates for packaging recyclability. It is difficult to determine to what extent these are comparable to the protocol indicated by the KIDV. This is why it’s necessary to demonstrate recyclability according to the preciese protocol indicated in the KIDV Recyclecheck.   

That being said, the KIDV does endeavour to align its protocols with international organisations such as RecyClass, CITEO and Fostplus, if these are representative for the Dutch situation. Any resulting agreements will be shared in this same section of our website. New findings and research into which variables, such as material thickness, surface roughness and additives have the strongest influence on removability will be shared via the protocols page.