Henkel launches high-performance adhesive to boost PET bottle recycling

Henkel has introduced a new hot melt adhesive, Technomelt EM 335 RE, designed to improve the recyclability of PET bottles – a major step forward in sustainable packaging. As environmental regulations tighten across Europe, particularly under the proposed EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), manufacturers are under pressure to ensure that packaging materials can be easily recycled and contain increasing amounts of recycled content. Starting in 2025, single-use PET bottles must include at least 25% recycled material, rising to 30% by 2030.

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a lightweight, durable plastic commonly used for beverage bottles. It is valued for its clarity and ability to be recycled multiple times. However, the recycling process is often disrupted by contaminants, especially from adhesives used to attach labels. These adhesives can leave behind residue that clouds the recycled plastic and reduces its quality, making it unsuitable for reuse in sensitive applications like food and drink packaging.

Tackling Recycling Challenges with Smart Adhesive Technology

Traditional hot melt adhesives, which are solid at room temperature but melt when heated, are widely used in bottle labelling. Unfortunately, they do not dissolve well during the recycling process. Even in the caustic soda bath, a standard step used to clean and separate materials, only 12–30% of conventional adhesives typically break down. This leaves behind sticky residue that contaminates PET flakes (small pieces of shredded plastic), causing discoloration and weakening their barrier properties. As a result, these flakes cannot be reused in high-quality packaging.

Henkel’s Technomelt EM 335 RE solves this problem with a highly alkali-dispersible formula – meaning it breaks down easily in alkaline solutions like caustic soda. Up to 98% of the adhesive can be removed during recycling, allowing both the label and adhesive to be cleanly separated from the PET stream. This leads to clearer, purer recycled flakes that can be reused in food-grade applications.

Designed for Performance and Sustainability

Beyond its recycling benefits, Technomelt EM 335 RE is engineered for high-speed production environments. It can bond up to 40,000 bottle labels per hour, making it suitable for large-scale bottling operations. It also operates at a low processing temperature of 110–140°C, which helps conserve energy, protect equipment, and improve overall reliability.

The adhesive is mineral oil-free and compliant with food safety regulations, making it safe for use in packaging that comes into contact with food and beverages. It is packaged in X-tra chubs, a format that ensures safe handling and reduces packaging waste – further supporting sustainability goals.

Supporting a Circular Economy

Technomelt EM 335 RE has already been approved by PETCYCLE, a German recycling system that promotes closed-loop recycling for PET bottles. This endorsement signals the adhesive’s readiness for integration into existing recycling infrastructure and its potential to help bottlers and recyclers meet new regulatory demands.

By enabling clean separation and maintaining high performance, Henkel’s adhesive supports a functional circular economy, where materials are reused efficiently and waste is minimized. It ensures that every bottle labelled with Technomelt EM 335 RE can be recycled with confidence, without compromising quality or safety.