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★Mark us as a preferred sourceAvery Dennison, a global leader in materials science and digital identification solutions, has announced that its AD CleanFlake™ RFID tags have officially secured RecyClass Technology Approval in Europe. With this milestone, the company becomes the first manufacturer to offer an RFID solution recognized by major regulatory bodies in both North America and Europe for its full compatibility with mechanical PET recycling streams.
Dual Innovation and Technological Breakthrough in the Packaging Industry
According to the July 16, 2026 announcement by the Mentor, Ohio-based company, the AD CleanFlake™ RFID solution represents a unique, dual-innovation breakthrough in the market. The foundation of the technology is Avery Dennison’s proprietary CleanFlake adhesive, paired with a patent-pending RFID inlay and label construction. The primary advantage of combining these technologies is that the RFID tags cleanly and completely separate from rigid PET surfaces during the mechanical recycling process.
This separation process is critical, as it completely avoids adhesive and metal contamination. The quality of the recovered PET flakes remains excellent, leaving them fully suitable for reuse, while manufacturers and logistics networks can continue to enjoy the operational and tracking benefits provided by RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) without compromise.
Global Compatibility for Multinational Brands
The newly acquired European RecyClass Technology Approval builds upon the product portfolio’s existing Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) Design® Recognition in North America. Consequently, Avery Dennison is now the first manufacturer to boast certification from both major regional organizations.
These regional recognitions cover the most critical plastic reclamation frameworks: rigid PET packaging in North America and specifically PET bottles in Europe. This provides a strategic advantage for multinational brand owners, as they can now utilize a technically unified label construction across their international supply chains. Cross-regional compatibility not only enables high-performance tracking but also significantly streamlines material sourcing and the structural packaging data required for international reporting.
A Critical Step in Reducing Plastic Waste and EU Compliance
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is one of the most widely used packaging materials globally. It is most commonly found in beverage bottles, food containers, and household and cosmetic packaging, making its recyclability essential for the systemic reduction of plastic waste at scale. According to benchmark research commissioned by Avery Dennison and conducted by Bain & Company, market pressure is mounting: 96 percent of the top 50 consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands have committed to recyclability and waste management targets.
This industry pressure is further reinforced by the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which requires brands to demonstrate the recyclability of their packaging at scale. The RecyClass certification verifies that AD CleanFlake RFID products are technically optimized to fit into these evolving circular packaging workstreams without disrupting established mechanical PET recycling. The use of these compatible technologies improves material recovery and sortation rates.
Supporting the Circular Economy and Industry Vision
Pascale Wautelet, Vice President of Global R&D and Sustainability at Avery Dennison Materials Group, emphasized: “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 of 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.”
The official briefing notes: the RecyClass and APR recognitions apply specifically to the label component and adhesive construction’s compatibility with recycling processes under specific testing conditions. Verifying the end-to-end recyclability of the final, complete packaging designs remains the responsibility of the brand owners.
Corporate Background: Avery Dennison and RecyClass
Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) reported sales of $8.9 billion in 2025 and employs approximately 35,000 people in more than 50 countries. The global materials science company develops labeling and functional materials, radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlays, and software applications for industries such as logistics, e-commerce, food, pharmaceuticals, and automotive, aiming to optimize supply chain efficiency and advance sustainability.
RecyClass is a European, non-profit, cross-industry initiative working to advance recyclability, bring transparency to the origin of plastic waste, and establish a harmonized approach toward recycled plastic calculation and traceability. They provide scientific testing methods and Recyclability Evaluation Protocols to the market for the verification of innovative plastic materials.
References and Sources:
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Original Press Release (Avery Dennison): AD CleanFlake™ RFID tags from Avery Dennison receive first-to-market RecyClass Technology Approval for PET bottle recyclability
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Official EU Background Information (PPWR Regulation): European Commission – Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
