Avery Dennison’s AD CleanFlake RFID tags receive European recycling approval

Avery Dennison has become the first company to receive RecyClass Technology Approval in Europe for its AD CleanFlake RFID tags. The certification confirms that the tags are compatible with the mechanical recycling of PET bottles without disrupting the recycling process, giving the company recognition for the technology in both Europe and North America.

The AD CleanFlake RFID tags combine a specialized adhesive with a patented RFID inlay design. During the recycling process, the label and RFID inlay separate cleanly from the PET material, preventing adhesive residue and metal components from contaminating the recycled plastic. This helps maintain the quality of recycled PET.

According to Avery Dennison, the approval allows global brands to use the same RFID label construction for PET packaging sold in both Europe and North America. This simplifies supply chains while supporting product traceability and helping companies meet sustainability and regulatory requirements.

The certification comes as Europe’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces stricter recyclability requirements for packaging. RecyClass concluded that the AD CleanFlake RFID tags are compatible with existing PET bottle recycling streams, making them suitable for use in circular packaging systems.