Self-adhesive specialist Herma has launched 72Hpw, a new wash-off label adhesive, claimed to be the first, already certified product that is “almost the same cost” as a permanent standard adhesive.

Herma product manager Hendrik Kehl said, “The cost argument against switching from a permanent adhesive to a wash-off variant, which is still frequently cited, is no longer valid.

“Thanks to a special formulation, the production costs of the new adhesive are almost on the same level as a conventional permanent standard adhesive. Nevertheless, it makes it possible to generate very pure PET flakes with the usual industrial washing processes, without disturbing residues of labels and the printing inks contained on them.” 

The new adhesive achieves very good values in the important initial adhesion, i.e. the tack, and in the wash-off rate. According to Herma, it is very similar to the more expensive wash-off adhesives that have already been introduced. 

Kehl added, “This means that we now offer an interesting entry-level solution that can already cover a large number of applications. This should also convince the label users who have so far refrained from switching for economic reasons.”

Institut cyclos-HTP has already certified the adhesive 72Hpw for wash-off applications in combination with the Herma PP white super tc film (grade 881). 

This means that PET bottles can also be visually attractive for products such as beverages, detergents, cosmetics and personal care. They can all be recycled in industry-standard recycling plants. 

The adhesive 72Hpw has been developed for applications where the label is to be washed off in warm alkaline water. Good results are already achieved at 70 degrees Celsius in a 1 per cent sodium hydroxide solution. 

Further material combinations are currently still in the test phase. These include the extra light and resource-friendly films Herma PP 50 white (grade 884) and Herma PP 50 transparent super tc (grade 886).