What the recycler tests
Design-for-recycling protocols check three things: the label detaches within the wash cycle, the adhesive stays with the label rather than the flake, and neither ink nor facestock discolours the wash bath or the recovered pellet.
- Complete detachment within the stated time and temperature.
- No adhesive residue on PET flake after rinse.
- No colour transfer into the wash water.
- Label material floats or sinks predictably for separation.
Specify the wash condition first
Wash conditions vary by region and plant. An adhesive tuned for 80 °C caustic may not release at 65 °C, and a hot-caustic grade can pre-release during hot-fill or pasteurisation. Send us the target plant's protocol before we quote.
| Layer | Specification | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Facestock | rPET or wet-strength paper | Survives the bottle's use phase, separates in wash |
| Adhesive | Alkaline-releasable wash-off | Deactivates in caustic, holds at ambient |
| Liner | Glassine 60–65 gsm or PET 30 µm | Dispensing speed and die-cut precision |
| Ink | Wash-resistant, non-bleeding | Prevents colouring the wash bath |
Common failure modes
Labels that release perfectly in the lab and fail in production usually met one of three things: a hot-fill or pasteurisation step that pre-softened the adhesive, condensation during storage, or an overlaminate that sealed the label edges and stopped caustic reaching the adhesive.
Frequently asked questions
- Does a wash-off adhesive stay on during normal use?
- Yes. It behaves as a permanent adhesive at ambient conditions and only releases under alkaline wash at elevated temperature.
- Can I use wash-off labels on returnable glass?
- Yes — returnable glass bottle washers use similar caustic conditions, though usually with longer soak times. Tell us the washer settings.
If you are buying material before converting, start from jumbo roll label material and then narrow the facestock, adhesive and liner with our technical team.
Related materials
Related reading
More guides on sustainability and related topics
SustainabilityHow to Test Wash-Off Labels for PET, HDPE and Glass PackagingA practical testing framework for wash-off label materials: define the container, wash conditions and pass/fail criteria before you order production stock.9 min read
TroubleshootingWhy Pressure-Sensitive Labels Peel Off: Causes and TroubleshootingEdge lift is a diagnosis before it is a purchase. Work out when and where the label starts to release, then decide whether the adhesive, the facestock or the application process has to change.10 min read
Thermal printingDirect Thermal vs Thermal Transfer Labels: Which Material Should You Choose?A practical material selection guide for converters, printers, warehouse label buyers and packaging teams choosing between direct thermal and thermal transfer label materials.11 min read
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