Three rounds of monthly meetings were successfully completed for each of the workstreams (WS). Over the past 3 months, the scope, and key action points have been identified, and made progress towards realizing the workstreams’ deliverables.
Let's look at some of the most important updates from each of the workstreams:

WS1 – Calculation Methods

With the goal to harmonize calculation methods for adhesive tapes, WS1 has decided to start with Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). The ongoing actions include:

(1) Grouping of tapes – The participants are working on developing a matrix to accommodate all grouping factors (carriers, liners, adhesives, etc.) accurately.
(2) Aggregation of existing PCF data – Background on the PCF values for liquid adhesives is available, while values for other relevant supplies is being aggregated. PCF values for the use phase of adhesives have been requested.
(3) Understanding the customer requirements on PCF – The commonly mentioned topics (closed-loop recycling of liners, liner-less tapes, LCA data, certifications, etc.) concerning the most relevant markets (automotive, consumer electronics, etc.) have been identified.

Discussions with FEICA circularity/sustainability workgroup, with specific consultants supporting industry in PCF calculations and with the ISO Technical Committee regarding the latest updates in the ISO14067 standard with regards to PCF calculation are planned.

WS2 – Waste Management

Following an open discussion regarding waste streams along the tapes value chain and the packaging industry, WS2 reached a consensus to start off with actions to support and increase the recycling of liners. Inputs from the AWA Global Release Liner conference and the work done within the CELAB (Circular Economy for Labels) initiative on this topic were of great help.  

WS2 participants believe that Afera can contribute by ensuring higher collection rates & facilitating processing of release liners in a recycling facility or paper mill. Representatives from paper mills will be invited to upcoming meetings to exchange information. Trials to collect and recycle liner waste are under consideration. Generation of market data to support decisions in this aspect is being discussed.  

Other topics actively being worked on by WS2 include a potential colour harmonisation of glassine release liners, the optimization of packaging tapes to support cardboard recycling, the recycling of trims and rejects generated during tape production, understanding the potential of chemical recycling to recycle adhesive coated plastics, and recycling of surface protection tapes.    

WS3 – Advocacy

The first order of business was to focus on ISCC PLUS certification and understand how it could help the tape industry to contribute to European Green Deal, UN SDGs, and a circular economy. Discussion with ISCC representative was successfully conducted in December 2021. A guideline for Afera members summarizing the information gained in these discussions is under preparation.

Here are some of the key takeaways:
(1) There is a clear advantage in having packaging tape certified. Other markets of interest include electronics, construction, home improvement, appliances, and automotive.
(2) The following information needs to be collected:
(a) Demand for sustainable tapes (market/application, type of certification) from customers
(b) Availability of sustainable raw materials from suppliers to tape industry
(c) Plans for sustainability certifications from end-users of tapes
(d) Certification requirements for food-contact materials, bio-based materials, etc.

With the focus to monitor and anticipate emerging regulations, WS3 is assessing the direct and/or indirect impact of the Single-use Plastics Directive (SUPD) and the Packaging & Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) on the tapes industry in the short- to medium-term. Discussions with other associations with aligned interests, such as FEICA, are currently ongoing. A document interpreting the impact of the SUPD for the tape industry is under preparation.

WS3 is also planning to prepare a document containing guidelines for the sustainable use of tapes in products. The initial focus will be on tapes for packaging applications, taking into account existing guidelines for circularity and expanding them for tape-specific issues.

"We are happy to report active participation from industry leaders and regulatory bodies in our monthly workstream meetings. Representatives from ISCC GmbH System, AWA, and BASF, among others, have shared key insights with us over the past 3 months. The discussions in the workstreams are shaping the sustainability of the European adhesive tape industry for years to come, thus we encourage Afera members to participate!" 

If you would also like to participate in the AFSP Workstreams, please register your interest with us.

For any further questions, contact us at: AFSP@afera.com