US labelling and packaging materials specialist Avery Dennison (Pasadena, California; www.averydennison.com) has introduced two bio-based PE label films, which, it says, are the first self-adhesive PE filmic labels with a face stock that includes more than 80% renewable content.

The bio-based PE self-adhesive laminates are available in a white and a clear version. The films can act as drop-in replacements, meaning converters can substitute conventional PE for a bio-based PE label film without investing in new machinery. The resin used for the bio-based PE films is made from sugar cane that is certified by Bonsucro (London / UK; www.bonsucro.com), a global non-profit, multi-stakeholder certification scheme. Both products offer performance and recyclability comparable to standard PE resin.

Avery Dennison worked with global resin producer Braskem (São Paulo / Brazil; www.braskem.com.br) and Belgian converter Desmedt Labels (Bornem; www.desmedt.be) to prototype and test the bio-based PE label at the Belgian facilities of Ecover (Malle; www.ecover.com), manufacturer of ecological cleaning products.