Avery Dennison has received what it says are the first RecyClass Technology Approvals for pressure-sensitive labels on PET trays, covering its AD CleanFlake Thermal PP White (S7000ER) and the newly introduced Chilled Thermal PP White (C7010ER). RecyClass found both compatible with clear and coloured transparent PET thermoform recycling streams in existing European processes, as the industry prepares for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
Why this mattersRecyclability certification lets brand owners shift PET tray labelling to film while meeting PPWR design-for-recycling rules and potentially cutting EPR fees.
- RecyClass approved AD CleanFlake Thermal PP White (S7000ER) and Chilled Thermal PP White (C7010ER) for PET trays; Avery Dennison calls it a market first
- RecyClass confirmed compatibility with clear and coloured transparent PET thermoform recycling streams in existing European processes
- RecyClass guidelines and EN 18120-5 require labels on PET thermoforms to detach in caustic hot washing without significant adhesive residue
- The PP direct thermal facestock lets users replace paper labels on PET trays while keeping existing direct thermal printers
- Avery Dennison says approved labels may help packs reach RecyClass class A and lower EPR eco-modulation fees
- The AD CleanFlake portfolio was developed 13 years ago for PET bottle recycling
Ignacio J. Walker, senior vice president and chief legal officer of Avery Dennison, told the company on 30 September 2026 that he will resign to take up another opportunity. The company did not state a departure date or name a successor.
Why this mattersA core labelling group loses the head of its legal function, with no leaving date or successor stated, across contracts, compliance and deal execution.
- Ignacio J. Walker, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, informed Avery Dennison on 30 September 2026 that he will resign.
- Walker is leaving to pursue another opportunity, according to the company.
- No successor or departure date was stated in the source.
Avery Dennison used its 2026 High Value Category Investor Showcase on 25 September 2026 to set out how its faster-growing businesses support revenue growth, margin expansion and capital deployment across the Materials and Solutions segments. President and chief executive Deon Stander said high-value categories contributed nearly USD 4bn of the USD 9bn of net sales recorded in 2025, about 45% of the total and nearly 10 percentage points more than five years ago. Intelligent Labels, the RFID business, passed USD 900m of sales in 2025.
Why this mattersThe mix shift toward specialty labels, RFID and shelf-edge products marks where Avery Dennison expects to grow ahead of the wider labels and materials market.
- High-value categories contributed nearly USD 4bn of Avery Dennison's USD 9bn of 2025 net sales, about 45%, up nearly 10 percentage points in five years
- Materials Group generates more than USD 6bn of sales and draws about 38% of its revenue from high-value categories
- Intelligent Labels exceeded USD 900m of sales in 2025 after low-teens organic growth over five years
- Specialty and durable labels generated USD 1.2bn of global sales last year; performance materials is a USD 500m business
- Graphics and reflective solutions produced more than USD 700m of 2025 sales
- Food, beverage, pharmaceuticals and personal care account for about 60% of revenue, and emerging markets for about 30%
Avery Dennison has introduced Fasson Noble Blanc rPLUS, a self-adhesive wine and spirits label pairing an uncoated felt-embossed paper face with its rPLUS moisture-barrier film, in Argentina and Chile. The barrier film contains 70% post-consumer recycled PET and is aimed at premium bottles exposed to condensation and ice-bucket immersion.
Why this mattersGives wineries a recycled-content label option that withstands moisture without giving up an embossed paper look, supporting packaging circularity targets.
- Fasson Noble Blanc rPLUS pairs uncoated felt-embossed paper with an rPLUS barrier film
- The barrier film contains 70% post-consumer recycled PET content
- Launch covers Argentina and Chile wine and spirits producers
- Paper is FSC-certified with fungicide and wet-strength treatment
- Optional rPET30 liner is available for high-speed automatic labelling
- Adhesive choices are S2047N rubber-based (OK biobased certified) or S2030 acrylic
Avery Dennison has launched AD Visi, a new range of Active Bluetooth Low Energy labels aimed at real-time tracking of high-value and time-critical shipments. The initial two products, AD Visi Way and AD Visi Secure, use InPlay's NanoBeacon chip and offer location tracking or tamper-evidence over a 100-metre range; a broader product suite is planned for early 2027.
Why this mattersBattery-powered BLE labels extend smart packaging from inventory counting to live location tracking, a higher-value use case that raises the bar for passive RFID and energy-harvesting alternatives.
- Avery Dennison launched the AD Visi line of Active Bluetooth Low Energy labels for high-value and time-critical shipment tracking
- The initial two labels, AD Visi Way and AD Visi Secure, use InPlay's NanoBeacon chip technology
- Labels are under 1mm thick, operate from -30C to +60C and offer a reading distance of up to 100 metres
- Labels are powered by non-lithium printed batteries and provide continuous location data without manual scanning
- The portfolio also includes Passive Bluetooth Low Energy and UHF RFID options, with a wider suite due in early 2027
- First orders for the AD Visi range open in late 2026, ahead of the broader suite due in early 2027
Avery Dennison launched an automated smart warehouse at the Dhaka Export Processing Zone in Savar, Bangladesh, on 14 September 2026, as part of its Manufacturing 4.0 initiative for apparel solutions. The 830-square-metre facility uses seven automated guided vehicles, connected packing software and a warehouse management system, with capacity for 25,000 cartons.
Why this mattersAutomating a Bangladesh apparel-label hub shortens turnaround for garment brands and raises the service benchmark for competing label converters serving the same customers.
- Facility opened Monday, 14 September 2026, at Dhaka Export Processing Zone, Savar, Bangladesh
- Facility size is 830 square metres with storage capacity for 25,000 cartons
- Seven automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are deployed alongside a warehouse management system
- Connected packing system enables 72 per cent faster processing speeds
- Facility designed for a fivefold increase in inbound volume and double outbound velocity, with 50 per cent higher inventory density
- Avery Dennison has been a member of BEPZA since 2003
