Avery Dennison has introduced the first radio-frequency identification (RFID) label to receive APR Design® for Recyclability recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), confirming its compatibility with the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling stream in North America.
The development integrates Avery Dennison’s CleanFlake™ adhesive with its proprietary RFID technology. The result is a label that separates cleanly from PET during mechanical recycling, minimizing contamination and enhancing material recovery. PET is widely used in packaging for beverages, food, cosmetics, and household items, and its effective recycling remains central to reducing plastic waste at scale.
“This recognition marks a pivotal step forward in advancing circular packaging,” said Pascale Wautelet, vice president, global R&D and sustainability at Avery Dennison Materials Group. “RFID technology is essential for sustainable supply chains, and we are committed to investing in products that support recyclability.”
According to industry data, 96% of the top 50 global brands have set recyclability and waste management goals. The RFID innovation offers a route to meeting those targets, especially as smart packaging plays a larger role in tracking inventory and improving transparency across supply chains.
Steve Alexander, president and CEO of APR, said: “Ensuring packaging is compatible with the recycling infrastructure is critical. Innovation and technology play an essential role in driving these efforts.”
Avery Dennison plans to make the APR-recognized RFID label available later this year and is working with certifiers to extend recycling certifications to other global markets. The label’s ability to support item-level identification while preserving the recyclability of PET packaging positions it as a significant step toward more sustainable packaging practices.