Reusable and recyclable: label solutions for modern beverage bottles

Current developments in the packaging market clearly focus on reusability, recyclability, and efficient material recovery. The focus is on technical label solutions that respond to new legal requirements while offering practical advantages for bottling companies, brands, and recyclers. Concrete applications clearly show how labels can now be seamlessly integrated into reusable and recycling processes without disrupting existing workflows.

Reusability as a driver for new label concepts

With advancing legislation in Europe, reusability is becoming increasingly important. Reusability is traditionally associated with glass bottles, but rigid PET bottles are also playing an increasingly important role. Both systems place high demands on labels, as they must be completely and cleanly removed during the washing and recycling process. Residues, adhesives, or contaminants in the washing water are a major problem for bottlers and brands, as they impair efficiency and process stability. This is where solutions come into play that do not rely on mechanical removal, but instead make targeted use of physical properties. The labels react directly to the conditions in standard washing systems and detach from the bottle without the use of additional energy or chemicals.

How shrink labels work in the reusable process

In classic reusable washing systems, the water temperature is typically in the range of about 75 to 80 degrees Celsius. Modern shrink labels are designed precisely for this temperature range. As soon as the bottle enters the washing system, the label begins to shrink on its own, curling up and detaching completely from the surface. This process takes place without mechanical stress on the bottle and without leaving any residue in the wash water. The label is removed in one piece, enabling quick and clean separation. For washing system operators, this means stable processes, clean water, and lower maintenance costs. For brands, in turn, it ensures that their bottles are returned to circulation without any visual or hygienic impairments.

Clean washing water as a decisive quality factor

A key objective of modern label solutions is to prevent contamination in the washing water. Dissolved adhesives or label residues can clog filters, nozzles, and pumps, leading to higher operating costs in the long term. By completely removing the label, the water remains clear and free of foreign substances. This is a decisive advantage for beverage manufacturers, whether in the beer, water, or soft drink segment. The quality of the washing water has a direct impact on the cleaning performance and service life of the equipment. Solutions such as those established by CCL on the market for many years address precisely this point and combine efficiency with process reliability.

Sustainable labels for PET bottles in the recycling cycle

In addition to reusable bottles, the recycling of PET bottles plays a central role. PET is lightweight, widely used, and found in almost every household. At the same time, the recycling process places clear demands on all materials used. A crucial step in this process is the so-called sink-float separation. After collection and sorting, PET bottles are crushed and separated in a water bath. The PET material has a higher density and sinks, while label materials and closures ideally float. This is the only way to obtain clean PET flakes, which can then be processed into new bottles in a closed-loop process. For this process to work reliably, label materials must be precisely matched to the density behavior. The aim is to achieve a clear separation without mixing the materials.

Requirements for recyclable label materials

This results in specific requirements for label solutions for PET bottles:

• Complete removal during the washing or recycling process
• Defined floating behavior in the sink-float step
• no impairment of PET flake quality
• compatible with existing sorting and washing systems
• suitable for closed recycling loops

Label solutions as an interface between brand and recycling

Labels no longer fulfill a purely decorative or informative function. They have become a technical component in the packaging system. For brands, this means thinking about design, marketing, and sustainability together. For recyclers, on the other hand, the most important factors are material purity and separation efficiency in the process. CCL develops label solutions that bring both perspectives together. The technologies are designed to fit inconspicuously into existing processes while meeting regulatory requirements. It does not matter whether the recycling cycle involves reusable glass, reusable PET, or single-use PET.

Global experience as the basis for local solutions

With decades of experience and an international presence, CCL brings comprehensive process knowledge to the development process. Proximity to the European market and the requirements of local bottlers are taken into account, as are global recycling standards. This results in solutions that are both technically robust and economically viable. A look at reusable and recycled packaging shows that labels play a key role in the transformation of the packaging industry. Efficient removal, clean separation, and high recycling quality are no longer secondary aspects, but central criteria of modern packaging concepts. CCL positions itself at precisely this interface with solutions that support the transition to sustainable systems without losing sight of practical considerations.