Researchers at the University of Reading have developed a groundbreaking, dissolvable adhesive that could significantly enhance the plastic recycling process by making label removal easier and more efficient. The new polymer adhesive dissolves when exposed to basic alkaline solutions, causing labels to peel off without leaving behind sticky residue that usually contaminates recycled plastics. The material maintains its strong adhesive properties during regular use, but once it’s exposed to the right conditions in the recycling stream, it loses up to 65% of its sticking power, allowing labels to detach cleanly. This innovation addresses a persistent problem in recycling, where labels can prevent plastics from being properly reprocessed, reducing the quality of the recycled material. With plastics accounting for around 12% of global waste, the improved efficiency of this process could result in cleaner, higher-quality recyclables that are more suitable for repurposing into new products, leading to less waste in landfills. The adhesive has been shown to work on a variety of plastic types, including PET, one of the most common plastics used in bottles.
This discovery could play a major role in improving global recycling efforts, which are currently hindered by contamination and inefficiencies. Only about 9% of the world’s plastic is recycled into new products, while the rest ends up in landfills, incinerators, or oceans. By reducing contamination in the recycling stream, the new adhesive could dramatically increase recycling rates and help meet ambitious sustainability targets. The material has already been tested in pilot programs and found to be suitable for use in food packaging, beverage containers, and even electronic goods. In collaboration with Domino Printing Sciences PLC, the University of Reading is working to make the adhesive commercially viable, with potential applications that could transform how industries approach packaging and recycling. As the global demand for sustainable solutions intensifies, this adhesive technology could become a key enabler of the circular economy, paving the way for a more sustainable future. More