Henkel Adhesive Technologies announced it has joined the global consortium toward a Circular Economy for Labels (CELAB). The consortium is dedicated to creating a more sustainable self-adhesive labeling industry. The organisation brings together companies across the matrix and liner industry value chain, working together to address the wide variance in production processes and recycling capability in different markets.

With CELAB, Henkel joins other leading companies to facilitate collaboration at a global level, foster regional initiatives and find and encourage the universal adoption of industry best practices.

“In order to truly rethink packaging and create a viable circular economy, we must all work together across the entire value chain,” said Brian Lawrence, Business Development Director at Henkel. “This is why we became one of the first members of CELAB and are looking forward to working side-by-side with self-adhesive label manufacturers to align and engage our global resources.”

CELAB will work to increase education and focus on regional options to promote material recycling for all components to improve the sustainability of products.

“A globally-focused consortium to develop recycling solutions was needed,” said Paul Nathanson, a Senior Principal at Bracewell LLP and spokesperson for CELAB. “Brands are eager to communicate their commitment to sustainability in response to consumer demands to reduce their carbon footprint. With increased recycling capability gradually emerging from suppliers, producers, waste management, chemical recyclers and others, we see a tremendous opportunity to facilitate collaboration with partners up and down our industry’s value chain.”

With regional groups in Europe and North America, CELAB will address the wide variance in production processes and recycling capability in different markets. Different work streams will address matrix and release liner recycling, including analysing technical issues, promoting recycling networks, interacting with government regulators, and educating the industry and public.