Avery Dennison’s AD CleanFlake™ RFID Tags Receive RecyClass Technology Approval for PET Bottle Recyclability in Europe
Approval makes AD CleanFlake™ RFID the first solution recognized by both RecyClass and APR Design® for compatibility with mechanical PET recycling streams across Europe and North America.
Avery Dennison (NYSE: AVY), a global provider of materials science and digital identification solutions, has announced that its AD CleanFlake™ RFID tags have secured RecyClass Technology Approval in Europe.
The approval builds on the product portfolio's existing Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) Design® Recognition in North America. According to the company, this makes Avery Dennison the first manufacturer to offer an RFID solution recognized by both major regional organizations for compatibility with mechanical PET recycling streams.
With approvals covering rigid PET packaging in North America and PET bottles in Europe, the company stated that multinational brand owners can use a unified label construction across international supply chains. The approach is intended to support material sourcing, packaging data management, and international reporting while enabling RFID-based product tracking.
RFID and CleanFlake Technology
The AD CleanFlake™ RFID solution combines Avery Dennison's proprietary CleanFlake adhesive technology with a patent-pending RFID inlay and label construction.
According to the company, the design enables RFID tags to separate cleanly from rigid PET during the mechanical recycling process. This helps prevent adhesive and metal contamination, allowing PET flakes to remain suitable for reuse while retaining RFID functionality.
Supporting PET Packaging Recycling
PET is widely used in beverage bottles, food containers, household products, and cosmetics packaging, making its recyclability an important aspect of plastic waste management.
The company noted that 96% of the top 50 CPG brands have committed to recyclability and waste management targets. It also stated that the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requires brands to demonstrate recyclability at scale.
According to Avery Dennison, RecyClass Technology Approval confirms that the AD CleanFlake RFID products are technically compatible with evolving circular packaging systems without disrupting existing mechanical PET recycling processes. The company added that recycling-compatible RFID inlays, tags, and adhesives can contribute to improved material recovery and sorting while supporting sustainability objectives.
Commenting on the development, Pascale Wautelet, vice president, global R&D and Sustainability, Avery Dennison Materials Group, said:
"When APR recognized the AD CleanFlake RFID products, it validated that RFID and PET recyclability no longer have to be in conflict. We’re proud that RecyClass Technology Approval validates our RFID tag compatibility with the European PET bottles recycling stream. Brands operating across North America and Europe now have a single, approved solution that works within both recycling infrastructures, without compromise.”
Paolo Glerean, chairman, RecyClass, added:
"The core purpose of RecyClass Technology Approval is to advance and recognize circular packaging technologies through science-based testing methodologies that evaluate recyclability. Given the stringent criteria applied, combined with Avery Dennison's clear commitment to advancing circularity on a global scale, this Approval serves as a testament that recyclable solutions are readily available on the market and jointly we can work towards achieving the upcoming legislative targets."