BASF’s UV-curable acrylic hotmelt PSA gains RecyClass approval
Last update on Mar 30, 2026
BASF’s UV-curable acrylic hotmelt acResin® UV 3532 has been approved by RecyClass for use on PET bottles, confirming its full compatibility with established European PET recycling processes under typical conditions as used in the assessment. During standard recycling operations, labels using acResin® UV 3532 as pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) can be removed reliably, enabling clean PET streams and supporting high-quality recyclate.
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Meet demanding recycling requirements while maintaining high-performance
With the RecyClass approval of acResin® UV, BASF indicates that existing PSAs can also meet demanding recycling requirements while maintaining high performance in label applications.
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acResin® UV 3532 has received RecyClass approval, which BASF describes as an important step from a regulatory perspective, aligning the label system with established Design-for-Recycling criteria under current EU guidance. BASF further indicates that, in light of the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and its mandatory recycled content targets, the product may support brand owners and converters in addressing future legal requirements.
New opportunities for designing recyclable PET packaging
In packaging design, the use of high-performance filmic PSA labels has long been considered incompatible with achieving clean PET material streams and the required high-quality recyclate.
“Now, acResin® UV 3532 opens new opportunities for recyclable PET packaging: high-clarity filmic labels that fully wash off during recycling,” says Mike Zott, global senior marketing manager in BASF’s adhesives business. To achieve this milestone, the team has been building on the product’s successful track record with recycling-friendly, high-clarity labels on glass bottles.
“We are demonstrating how innovative adhesive solutions can help brand owners and converters comply with regulations such as the EU’s PPWR while maintaining design freedom and performance,” he added.
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To help reach the target of climate neutrality, BASF became a founding member of the cross-industry coalition CELAB (Toward a Circular Economy for Labels) in 2020. The global network is working on solutions to reduce the environmental impact of the labeling industry and to promote a circular economy for self-adhesive labels in all industries.
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