The global label industry association Finat (The Hague / The Netherlands; www.finat.com) has announced the formation of a group to identify and collectively scale recycling and re-use solutions for self-adhesive liner and matrix materials in Europe. It said the “Celab Europe” consortium is part of the “Circular Economy for Labels” (Celab) scheme, a wider global self-adhesive industry initiative to create a sustainable, self-adhesive labelling industry through solutions and education.

Finat said the initiative seeks to develop a sustainable and circular business model for more than 75% of the used liner and matrix materials in Europe by 2025, and it welcomes partners from recycling, the logistics industry value chain, brand owners and retailers. The European consortium includes Arconvert-Ritrama (Caponago / Italy; www.ritrama.com), Avery Dennison (Pasadena, California / USA; www.averydennison.com), Herma (Filderstadt, Germany; www.herma.com) and UPM Raflatac (Helsinki / Finland; www.upmraflatac.com). Almost 20 companies along the entire label value chain have since committed to support the initiative, including raw material (paper, film, silicone, adhesives) and label manufacturers.

Avery Dennison said it helped create the global initiative. “Our commitment to forming Celab further underscores the complementary efforts we are undertaking throughout our global operations to reduce our environmental impacts and engage in and influence sustainable, circular practices throughout our value chain, Renae Kezar, global senior director, head of sustainability, explained.