Following the completion of AFSP's first year, all three workstreams have gathered a lot of insights on key topics like Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), Release Liner Recycling, and EU Policy Impacts (single-use plastics directive, ecodesign for sustainable product regulation, microplastics restriction, and more). To further support the tape industry’s ongoing sustainability transition, the project participants are also developing guidance documents (release liner recycling position, sustainable use of tapes in packaging applications, ISCC PLUS certification, and more).  

Let’s dive deeper into the progress updates from each of the workstreams:  

WS1 – Calculation Methods

The initial response to the survey requesting commitment from Afera members for the development of harmonised PCF calculation methods has been positive. A majority of the Afera members support harmonisation and further discussions to agree on the scope and financial details are in the works. While PCF is the main focus at present, a similar survey to evaluate interest in developing Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for tapes is also in the pipeline. 

WS1 participants are in agreement to bring onboard a specialized LCA consultant, having recognized the complexity surrounding PCF calculations (type of data needed, current gaps in data availability, defining LCA assumptions, etc.). A review of the potential consultancies, including those recommended by Stellarix is currently ongoing.     

It was agreed that while existing PCF databases contain a lot of relevant information, they may not be exhaustive to accurately compute PCF for (some) adhesive tapes, so they may need to be complemented by supplier-specific data or assumptions. Some guidelines are available to compute PCF of chemicals used raw materials (e.g., SCOTT by BASF), that could be used as a starting point to set the quality of the data used in calculations. 

In the meantime, WS1 will focus on creating an inventory of the tape manufacturing process landscape and agreeing on the system boundaries (e.g., waste, logistics, etc.). 

WS2 – Waste Management

WS2 is currently analysing the initial responses to the open survey  targeting all tape liner waste holders: tape manufacturers, converters and tape users. While we've received a lot of responses from tape manufacturers, we look forward to receiving inputs also from converters and tape users. Your input and promotion of the survey within your network is very welcome! Linkedin post 

• The release liner waste at tape manufacturers will always be contaminated with tape residues, making it difficult to recycle. 
• The release liner is separated by tape converters and tape users and while this enables the possibility of having relatively purer waste stream, the logistics related to collecting and sorting pose a big challenge. 

To make recycling of release liner more feasible, Afera and CELAB will be working closely. The steering committees will meet this month to discuss the collaboration further.       

WS2 will also soon finalise the position paper on colour harmonisation of release liners and start exchanging ideas on the topic of the recycling of tape and surface protection waste in the last quarter of the year.   

WS3 – Advocacy

WS3 participants held an in-depth discussion following the publication of European Commission’s draft proposal to restrict microplastics. Based on preliminary analysis, it is understood that the restrictions will not apply specifically to adhesives and coatings but to articles or mixtures containing synthetic polymer microparticles that will be under the scanner. Further analysis to understand the impact on tapes and notification requirements is ongoing. 

Having reviewed the new draft legal texts of the Sustainable Products Regulation (SPR), WS3 has found that as of now, no specific delegated act for Adhesives or Adhesive Tapes is expected. There could be some eco-design requirements on materials going into specific market applications under review like packaging (as part of updated Packaging & Packaging Waste Directive), which might impact Tapes. The legislative process is ongoing, and more concrete information should be available before the end of the year.    

WS3 is also looking into the impact of the updated Construction Product Regulation (CPR) and the UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) on tapes. A document is being prepared to help tape manufacturers and buyers understand more about the products that are liable for the tax, exemption criteria, and how the tax is calculated specifically for tapes.   

Also, under development at the moment are documents containing (1) guidelines for ISCC PLUS certification for tapes (2) guidelines for the sustainable use of tapes in packaging applications, which will include guidance on eco-design of tapes, the 9 “R”s (reduce, reuse, repair, recycle etc.) for circularity the impact of recyclability on the choice of tapes, and more. 

After 1 year of getting started, the AFSP is actively shaping the future of sustainability in the adhesive tape industry. At Afera's Annual Conference in Valencia we reflected on the achievements of this first year and set goals for what we aim to achieve in the AFSP workstreams in the next year.

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