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Wash-off label adhesives that support packaging recyclability

Getting recyclability right in label design takes more than one choice. Wash-off label adhesives are one part of the answer – specifically the right one when the label needs to release cleanly as the container moves through the recycling process. UPM wash-off label adhesives are engineered to hold through labeling, filling, distribution and use – and to release fully when the container enters the wash process. The result is cleaner recovered material and a label construction that supports the recyclability of the packaging it sits on. Our solutions include PPWR compliant label adhesives and UPM ProCycle wash-off adhesives that help you meet current and upcoming requirements.

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UPM ProCycle^™

Discover recyclability made easy with UPM ProCycle

What is wash-off label adhesive and how does it work?

A wash-off adhesive is a pressure-sensitive formulation with two distinct performance states. Under normal conditions — application, transport, cold storage, retail, consumer use – it behaves like a standard permanent adhesive. It holds the label securely to the container.

When the container enters a recycling wash process – the bond breaks down by design. The adhesive releases from the container surface, separates from the recovered material, and floats away from the flake or cullet stream.

The mechanism is formulated, not accidental. Adhesive chemistry, coat weight and face material are selected together to deliver stable adhesion in use and predictable release in wash — for the specific wash conditions the target recycling stream uses. This is how UPM ProCycle wash-off adhesives deliver consistent performance as PPWR compliant label adhesives.

Our wash-off adhesive solutions

Different containers go through different recycling processes. The right wash-off construction depends on the substrate, the wash chemistry, and the recycling stream your customers' packaging is designed for. Our UPM ProCycle™ portfolio brings together recycling-compatible adhesives and label materials in one portfolio, built on advanced adhesive technologies that put recyclability performance within easy reach, including adhesive for PET bottle labels wash-off designs.

Rigid plastic packaging

Wash-off constructions for rigid PET, HDPE and PP packaging, engineered to separate cleanly during grinding and washing processes and supporting high quality recyclate while maintaining reliable label performance.

Holds reliably through carbonated beverage pressure, cold chain, and retail handling
Adhesive releases, preventing contamination of recovered plastic material
Paper and film face material options available

Typical applications: Our UPM ProCycle™ portfolio offers wash-off solutions for rigid PET and HDPE packaging across beverage, food and home and personal care applications, including adhesive for PET bottle labels wash-off requirements and PPWR compliant label adhesives.

Glass containers

Wash-off solutions designed to survive repeated wash cycles and release cleanly from glass surfaces without adhesive residue buildup.

Performs across multiple hot water wash cycles in returnable bottle systems
Releases cleanly on single-use glass entering the cullet recycling stream
Compatible with standard paper and film face materials for wine, spirits, and beverage labeling

Typical applications: Returnable beer, soft drink and beverage bottles in deposit-return systems; single-use wine, spirits, food and condiment glass containers.

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What this means for your business

Specifying wash-off adhesives helps you and your customers:

Meet design-for-recycling requirements under EU PPWR and equivalent regulations
Supply documentation that supports brand owner recyclability claims
Reduce the risk of label adhesive contaminating recovered material streams
Respond to retailer and brand owner requests for recyclability-compatible constructions
Specify confidently across PET, glass, HDPE, PP, and paper recycling streams

Our wash-off label adhesives are developed to align with where packaging recyclability requirements are heading – not just where they are today, with options such as PPWR compliant label adhesives for European markets.

Why partner with UPM for for wash-off label adhesives

Adhesive constructions are externally recognized for compatibility with relevant recycling streams
Paper and film face material options across all major recyclable container substrates
Technical documentation available to support converter and brand owner compliance submissions
Reliable supply and expert technical support, by region

UPM combines adhesive development, material expertise, and direct collaboration with converters and brand owners to help you specify the right construction – and prove it performs. From adhesive for PET bottle labels wash-off applications to broader UPM ProCycle wash-off solutions, we support your move to PPWR compliant labeling.

Find the right wash-off adhesive for your application

Whether you are specifying for a new packaging format, responding to a brand owner's recyclability brief, or updating an existing construction to meet PPWR requirements, our technical team can help you select and validate the right solution across wash-off label adhesives and UPM ProCycle wash-off adhesives. Explore our PPWR compliant label adhesives portfolio and options like adhesive for PET bottle labels wash-off to match your target recycling stream.

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