Avery Dennison AD CleanFlake™ RFID Tags Receive RecyClass Approval for PET Bottle Recyclability
Avery Dennison has announced that its AD CleanFlake™ RFID tags have received RecyClass Technology Approval in Europe, becoming the first RFID solution to gain recognition from both RecyClass and the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for compatibility with mechanical PET recycling systems.
The latest approval builds on the product portfolio’s existing APR Design® Recognition in North America, enabling global brands to adopt a unified RFID labeling solution that supports PET bottle recyclability across both European and North American markets.
RFID Solution Supports Global Recycling Standards
With approvals under two major plastic recycling frameworks, multinational consumer brands can deploy a consistent RFID label construction across international supply chains while simplifying packaging design, material sourcing, and sustainability reporting.
The recognition strengthens the compatibility of Avery Dennison’s RFID technology with rigid PET packaging in North America and PET bottle recycling systems in Europe.
Dual-Innovation Technology
The AD CleanFlake™ RFID solution combines Avery Dennison’s proprietary CleanFlake adhesive technology with a patent-pending RFID inlay and label construction.
The technology enables RFID tags to separate cleanly from rigid PET during the mechanical recycling process, preventing adhesive and metal contamination. As a result, recovered PET flakes remain suitable for reuse while allowing manufacturers to continue benefiting from RFID-enabled product identification and traceability.
Supporting Circular Packaging
PET remains one of the world’s most widely used packaging materials, commonly used for beverage bottles, food packaging, household products, and cosmetics.
According to Avery Dennison, 96% of the world’s top 50 consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands have committed to recyclability and waste reduction targets, increasing demand for packaging technologies that integrate seamlessly with existing recycling infrastructure.
The approval also supports compliance with the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which requires packaging to demonstrate recyclability at scale. RecyClass Technology Approval confirms that the AD CleanFlake RFID solution is compatible with established mechanical PET recycling processes while helping improve material recovery and sorting efficiency.
Industry Comments
Pascale Wautelet, Vice President, Global R&D and Sustainability, Avery Dennison Materials Group, said the approval demonstrates that RFID technology and PET recyclability can work together.
“When APR recognized the AD CleanFlake RFID products, it validated that RFID and PET recyclability no longer have to be in conflict. We’re proud that RecyClass Technology Approval validates our RFID tag compatibility with the European PET bottles recycling stream. Brands operating across North America and Europe now have a single, approved solution that works within both recycling infrastructures, without compromise.”
Paolo Glerean, Chairman of RecyClass, highlighted the importance of science-based testing in advancing circular packaging technologies.
“The core purpose of RecyClass Technology Approval is to advance and recognize circular packaging technologies through science-based testing methodologies that evaluate recyclability. Given the stringent criteria applied, combined with Avery Dennison’s clear commitment to advancing circularity on a global scale, this Approval serves as a testament that recyclable solutions are readily available on the market and jointly we can work towards achieving the upcoming legislative targets.”
The approval marks another step toward integrating digital identification technologies with circular packaging solutions while supporting global sustainability and recycling objectives.
