Sun Chemical secures RecyClass approval for four solvent free lamination adhesives

Print Solutions

Four of Sun Chemical’s SunLam solvent free adhesives have been approved by RecyClass for European flexible polyethylene (PE) recycling streams.

RecyClass is a cross-industry initiative focused on advancing plastic packaging recyclability in Europe. Developed by Plastics Recyclers Europe, the RecyClass platform provides scientifically backed design for recycling guidelines, protocols for recyclability testing, and certification schemes that promote circularity in plastic packaging. Its approvals are increasingly seen as a key benchmark for validating packaging technologies against stringent European recycling requirements.

The four approved adhesives are:

• SunLam ZA-1000 / ZB301 – a solvent free ultra low monomer (ULM) laminating adhesive for general and medium performance packaging. Fully compatible with PE flexibles recycling.

• SunLam XP-3288 / HA-601 – a solvent free ULM laminating adhesive with gas barrier properties. Fully compatible with coloured PE flexibles recycling and limited compatibility with natural PE flexibles recycling.

• SunLam QA8000 / QB-800 – a solvent free ULM laminating adhesive for medium to high performance packaging. Fully compatible with PE flexibles recycling.

• SunLam NS-2033 / HA-376 – a solvent free laminating adhesive for general performance packaging. Fully compatible with PE flexibles recycling.

All four adhesives meet the RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines when used under specified testing conditions.

These approvals form part of Sun Chemical’s ongoing commitment to delivering a product portfolio that balances efficiency, sustainability and managed risk for customers, developed through customer collaboration and research and development investment.

The newly approved adhesives are solvent free, delivering the added benefits of low energy use and VOC free operation. The first three are part of the company’s ULM technology platform, which offers a fast route to market, eliminates the risk of PAA decay, enhances handling, and improves industrial hygiene, confirming its commitment to going ‘beyond compliance’. Options are available for general to medium high application performance, displaying excellent chemical resistance. Furthermore, one grade is based on proprietary gas barrier technology, providing additional barrier functionality to aid the industry's transition to mono-material PE/PE. 

Nicolas Bétin, director of product strategy EMEA, packaging inks and materials, commented: ‘Sun Chemical is excited to add these solutions to our extensive lamination adhesives portfolio. We continue to focus our efforts to ensure our customers have access to solutions that not only perform effectively but also meet stringent compliance requirements while supporting their sustainability goals.’