Etivoet wash-off labels for returnable bottles in breweries

Returnable bottles have been considered one of the most effective ways to reduce packaging waste for years. In practice, however, it is often not the bottle itself but the label that causes problems. Many self-adhesive labels adhere so firmly that they do not come off completely during the washing process.

This results in glue residue, contaminated washing water and damaged surfaces. This is exactly where Washoff labels come in, as they have been specially developed for long-term use in reusable systems.

Washable labels as a technical solution to reusable requirements

Washable self-adhesive labels differ fundamentally from traditional labels. They are designed to be reliably removed during the washing process, even after prolonged use. The decisive factor here is not the time of the first cleaning, but the stability over many cycles. The labels remain firmly attached to the bottle for months or years, but detach completely as soon as they enter the breweries' standardised washing systems. This property is particularly relevant for companies with high circulation figures. Bottles that have been on the market for a year or more must be cleaned of labels just as thoroughly as containers with a shorter service life. Washoff labels meet this requirement without complicating the production process.

Paper-based structure with targeted water absorption

A key feature of Washoff technology is the material used. The labels are made of paper that is designed to allow water to penetrate quickly. During the washing process, the water penetrates the structure, the adhesive loses its adhesion and the label detaches completely from the bottle. No residue remains on the glass or in the washing water. In contrast, many conventional self-adhesive labels rely on particularly strong adhesives to ensure high adhesion. However, this strength becomes a disadvantage in the reusable system, as it makes it difficult or even impossible to reuse the bottles.

Patented solution for industrial processes

Washoff labels are based on patented technology. The patent protects not only the structure of the labels, but also the interaction of material, adhesive and release behaviour. For breweries, this means planning security, as the properties are reproducible and industrially proven. The labels are not developed as a niche solution, but for use in large-scale filling and washing processes. Especially in modern breweries, where efficiency and throughput are crucial, labelling must not be an additional source of error.

Certification by international brewery groups

Practical testing is an essential aspect for the acceptance of new label technologies. Large brewery groups have tested and certified Washoff labels. These include international corporations with high standards of quality, process stability and sustainability. The tests confirm that the labels peel off completely and have no negative impact on bottles, equipment or washing water. This feedback is particularly relevant as large bottling plants work with high volumes and even the smallest disruptions can cause significant costs. The successful certification shows that Washoff labels function reliably even under demanding conditions.

Benefits for the environment and the circular economy

The ecological benefit of washable labels lies primarily in the extension of the bottle life cycle. Bottles can be reused multiple times without having to be sorted out due to label residues. This not only reduces the need for new glass, but also the energy required for production. The advantages can be specified as follows:

• Complete removal of labels during the washing process
• No contamination of the washing water
• Longer service life of reusable bottles
• Lower material and energy consumption in the overall system

Significance for breweries in the reusable market

For breweries, the label is more than just a carrier of information. It is part of a complex system of bottling, logistics, return and cleaning. If one element of this system does not work, follow-up costs are incurred. Washable self-adhesive labels offer a clear advantage here, as they can be seamlessly integrated into existing processes. Etivoet specialises in precisely this application and produces labels that are tailored to the requirements of the reusable market. The labels combine the advantages of self-adhesive solutions with the cleanability of classic wet glue labels.

Differentiation from conventional self-adhesive labels

The difference to conventional self-adhesive labels lies primarily in the adhesive. Many standard labels rely on permanently strong adhesion, which makes sense in a disposable context. In a reusable system, however, this adhesion means that bottles can no longer be cleaned properly. Washoff labels solve this problem without compromising on everyday functionality. They remain reliable during transport, storage and use, but release their adhesion specifically during the washing process. This creates a solution that is suitable for both marketing and sustainability.

Prospects for the reusable sector

With increasing political and social focus on reusable systems, labels are also coming under greater scrutiny. Solutions such as those offered by Etivoet show that even seemingly small components can have a major impact on efficiency and environmental performance. Washable labels help to stabilise and further develop existing reusable systems. For breweries that are committed to reusability in the long term, such technologies are not an add-on, but a central component of a functioning cycle.