Magmark SS Coatings for Shrink Sleeves Prequalified by How2Recycle

How2Recycle, a project of the non-profit GreenBlue, is a standardized labeling system intended to communicate disposal instructions to the public. According to Marina Solis, R&D Project Manager at at How2Recycle, “Because standard PETG shrink sleeves on PET bottles are considered detrimental to recycling, How2Recycle may designate a PET bottle with a PETG sleeve Not Yet Recyclable or instruct consumers to remove the sleeve prior to recycling if the sleeve has a full length perforation.” Magmark SS coatings, together with a PETG shrink sleeve and an otherwise recyclable PET bottle and cap, allow the bottle to be considered Optimally Recyclable, without the removal of the sleeve. Said Ravish Majithia, President & CEO of Magnomer, “We believe that this is the first time that a PETG shrink sleeve technology has been prequalified in this way, and it is Magmark SS that makes the difference.” 

Brands seeking to use the How2Recycle labeling system must first become How2Recycle members. The label pictured above is an example and not guaranteed. The final label allowed for a brand may change due to product application, attachments or other factors. 

Magnomer is a United States and India based startup introducing a patented magnetizable coatings technology (Magmark™) to impart sortability features for recyclable packaging. Magmark coatings are food safe and print as a transparent varnish to impart magnetization on flexible films such as bottle labels without affecting branding. Magnetization complements widely used magnetic separators in plastics recycling operations, and allows for the separation of shrink labels from bottles without changes to the system. This is critical since labels can otherwise present both contamination and equipment clogging challenges in the recycling process. Magnomer received industry recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) in 2023 on the basis of a first ever commercial scale recyclability test of PETG shrink labeled PET bottles, allowing PETG labels coated with Magmark SS to be used in compliance with the APR Design Guide. 

How2Recycle, a project of the non-profit GreenBlue, is a standardized labeling system that clearly communicates disposal instructions to the public. How2Recycle aims to eliminate consumer confusion, improve the reliability, completeness, and transparency of recyclability claims, and drive responsible packaging design. How2Recycle labels are designed to follow all applicable legislation in the United States and Canada.