Division 3.3 Adhesives removability

This criterion applies to printed paper, stationery paper, and paper carrier bag products.

Adhesive labels that constitute 0,50 % w/w or more of the final product shall prove the compliance with this requirement. Non-adhesive labels are exempted from fulfilling the criteria.

Unless otherwise specified, adhesives may be used only if their removability can be proven with a score of at least 71 on the EPRC Adhesive Removal Scorecard.

Pressure sensitive adhesive coatings shall be used only if their removability can be proven with at least a positive removability score according to the EPRC Adhesive Removal Scorecard.

Water-based adhesives are exempted from fulfilling this requirement.

Assessment and verification: the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with the adhesive removal scorecard according to the guidelines of the European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC). The declaration shall be supported by adhesive removability test results according to INGEDE Method 12, or equivalent standard methods that are accepted by the competent body as providing data of equivalent scientific quality.

For water-based adhesives, a declaration of the water-based nature of the adhesive shall be provided by the adhesive manufacturer. Safety data sheet of adhesive shall be accepted as prove of compliance only if it indicates that the adhesive used in the product is water–based.

Adhesive applications listed in the Annex of the ‘Assessment of Printed Product Recyclability, Scorecard for the Removability of Adhesive Applications’, are considered compliant with the requirement.