CCL Label Introduces EcoFloat Sleeves

FRAMINGHAM, MA–CCL Label, a leading producer of labels and packaging solutions, has announced the extension of its award-winning low density, floatable polyolefin (PO) shrink sleeve that is a sustainable alternative for existing materials that are detrimental to recycling.

“We are proud to share our extended range of floatable shrink sleeves that work in established PET, HDPE and PP waste streams,” says Reinhard Streit, VP and managing director Food & Beverage at CCL Label. “We can now offer our local and multinational brand customers several options–from a high shrink version to a thinner version to a white version that is ideal for light-sensitive products like dairy, vitamins and supplements.”

To enable more mechanical recycling of post-consumer packaging, eco-design or design for recycling will be essential. As of today, there are still a lot of sleeve labels in the market that cause problems in PET recycling and are flagged by organizations like the Association of Plastic Recyclers that have created a comprehensive design guideline.

“EcoFloat sleeves made from low density material are an ideal alternative. They automatically separate from the PET flakes in the sink/float process step at recyclers and float to the top of the washing tank–while the heavier PET flakes sink to the bottom. This is an ideal density separation that leads to very clean PET flakes that can be recycled back into new bottles-–closing the loop,” explains Marika Knorr, head of sustainability and communication at CCL Label.

“In the recent years, brand owners have gravitated toward more complex bottle shapes. This calls for a sleeve that has a high shrink rate so it can contour to the bottle seamlessly. We have just released a new version where the shrink is well above 70 percent–which makes even difficult bottle shapes work with shrink sleeves,” states Aaron Henneger, sales director North America at CCL Label.

While the standard EcoFloat sleeve is 50 micron, a thinner 45 micron version is now also available. This downgauged sleeve material is ideal for many bottle and container shapes and comes with the benefits of efficient material usage and a lower carbon footprint.

“EcoFloat WHITE is a technology that enables greater recyclability for dairy packaging and other products that are light sensitive–we expect it to be a game changer. The dairy industry often uses opaque white bottles to protect products like milk, yoghurt and probiotic drinks..

However, these white bottles are rarely recycled back into food grade applications because they contain colorants–so the bottles leave the packaging loop or are downcycled,” explains Henneger. “Shifting from an opaque bottle to a clear PET bottle with an Ecofloat WHITE shrink sleeve provides product protection and increases the amount of clear PET that can be reclaimed for bottle-to-bottle recycling. It is our goal to support this with a functional product decoration.”