Elite 582R is a 4.0 mil. white single coated repulpable tissue tape with a water soluble acrylic adhesive. This product has high thermal resistance for universal applications, including manual splice changes and roll closure.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SINGLE COATED REPULPABLE TAPES

What is Single Coated Repulpable Tape?

Single Coated Repulpable Tape is a specialized type of adhesive tape designed to be used in the paper recycling and pulping process. It is commonly used in the paper and packaging industries to secure and close cartons, boxes, and other paper-based materials that will eventually be recycled. The term “repulpable” indicates that the tape is designed to disintegrate and become part of the paper pulp during recycling, without causing contamination or issues in the recycling process.

Water Solubility: Repulpable tapes are made using materials that are water-soluble and disintegrate easily when exposed to water. This allows the tape to break down during the paper pulping process, without leaving behind residues that could affect the quality of the recycled paper.

Adhesive Properties: The adhesive used in Repulpable Tape is designed to be strong enough to hold the packaging materials together during transit and use but weakens when exposed to water or the paper pulping process. This ensures that the tape dissolves effectively during recycling.

Recyclability: Repulpable tapes are specifically engineered to minimize their impact on the recycling process. By disintegrating into fibers during pulping, they become part of the recycled paper material without causing contamination or affecting the quality of the final recycled product.

Applications: Single Coated Repulpable Tape is commonly used for sealing and closing corrugated boxes, cartons, and other paper-based packaging materials. It helps secure the packaging during transit and distribution, and its repulpable nature ensures that it doesn’t hinder the recycling process.

Environmental Benefits: The use of Repulpable Tape supports the principles of sustainable packaging and circular economy. It reduces the need for non-recyclable materials and ensures that the packaging materials can be efficiently recycled and reused.

It’s important to note that while repulpable tapes are designed to be compatible with recycling processes, the effectiveness of their disintegration depends on factors such as water temperature, recycling equipment, and the specific recycling facility’s processes. It’s always recommended to choose Repulpable tape that is tested and approved by relevant recycling organizations and to follow guidelines provided by industry experts to ensure proper recycling practices.

What does Repulpable mean?

“Repulpable” refers to a material or product that can be broken down and transformed into pulp during the paper recycling process. In the context of packaging and adhesive tapes, “repulpable” materials are designed to disintegrate when exposed to water and mechanical agitation, becoming part of the paper pulp without causing contamination or problems in the recycling process.

Repulpability is an important characteristic in packaging materials and adhesive tapes, especially those used in industries that prioritize sustainability and circular economy principles. The goal is to ensure that the materials used in packaging can be efficiently and effectively recycled without negatively affecting the quality of the recycled paper products.

Repulpable materials are engineered to meet the following criteria:

Disintegration: Repulpable materials break down into fibers when they come into contact with water and mechanical action, such as occurs during the pulping process in recycling facilities.

No Contamination: Repulpable materials should not introduce contaminants or non-pulpable substances into the recycling process. This is important to maintain the quality of the recycled paper.

Compatibility with Recycling Equipment: Repulpable materials should be compatible with the equipment used in recycling facilities. They should not clog or damage the equipment.

Efficient Recycling: Repulpable materials should integrate smoothly with the paper recycling process, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum recyclability.

Common examples of repulpable materials include certain types of adhesive tapes, labels, coatings, and packaging materials. These materials are used in various industries to ensure that the packaging or products they are applied to can be easily and effectively recycled.

When choosing repulpable materials, it’s important to consider the specific recycling processes and equipment used in your region. Certifications and approvals from relevant recycling organizations can also help ensure that the materials meet the necessary criteria for effective recycling.

Does Repulpable mean the same as Recyclable?

“Repulpable” and “recyclable” are related concepts, but they refer to different aspects of material sustainability in the context of recycling and environmental impact.

• Repulpable: “Repulpable” refers specifically to materials that can be broken down and disintegrated into fibers during the paper recycling process. Repulpable materials are designed to become part of the pulp during recycling without causing contamination or issues in the recycling process. These materials are often used in packaging, adhesive tapes, labels, and other applications where maintaining the integrity of the recycled paper is crucial.

For example, repulpable adhesive tapes are designed to dissolve in water and mechanical agitation, ensuring that they do not interfere with the quality of recycled paper during the pulping process.

• Recyclable: “Recyclable” refers to materials that can be collected, processed, and used to create new products. Recyclable materials can be recovered and reprocessed through recycling facilities to reduce the demand for new raw materials and minimize waste. However, not all recyclable materials are repulpable.

Recyclable materials include a wide range of substances, from plastics and metals to paper and glass. These materials can be recycled into new products through processes like melting, shredding, and reformation. The recycling process can vary depending on the material type and local recycling capabilities.

While both repulpable and recyclable materials contribute to environmental sustainability, they address different stages of the material lifecycle. Repulpable materials are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly into the paper recycling process, while recyclable materials can be recovered and processed for reuse in various ways, depending on their material type.

With respect to tapes, how can I tell if a tape is recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable?

It can be challenging to know for sure if a tape falls into these sustainability categories.

Here are some guidelines that might help:

• Repulpable Tissue Carrier = Repulpable, Recyclable, Compostable, Biodegradable
• Standard BOPP Raw Film = Recyclable
• 100% Recycled BOPP Film = It’s been recycled at least one time
• Specially Formulated BOPP Raw Film = Recyclable, Compostable, Biodegradable
• Cellulose = Recyclable, Compostable, Biodegradable
• Water Based Release Coating = Recyclable, Compostable, Biodegradable
• Water Based Adhesive = Recyclable, Compostable, Biodegradable

 

Sustainable formulations that are available in Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Tapes:

• Cellulose/Natural Rubber = “Eco-Friendly”, but still not certified recyclable, biodegradable or compostable.  It has a natural rubber adhesive which is still solvent based, but it’s a very low tack, thin coating of PSA, no release coating and the cellulose carrier is the most “Eco-Friendly” component because it’s compostable by itself.
• Specially Formulated BOPP film w/water based adhesive and very thin layer of a water based release coating = Recyclable, Compostable & Biodegradable. The adhesive coating is not heavy or super tacky. Cost for this special formulation is very high.

For all of these reasons, it is important to determine the underlying reasons for moving into increased sustainability and what you are looking to achieve.  You might reach one decision if your company is looking to improve sustainability goals versus receiving a mandate to use a sustainable tape. Then your decision requires diving deeper to ask:

• Does the tape need to be Recyclable? Compostable?  Biodegradable?”
• Are certified documents required for this purchase or do you simply need an acceptable formulation that falls within the guidelines?

Determining the answers to these questions will help you choose the correct tape for your application.

In what applications should Single Coated Repulpable Tape be chosen over Double Coated Repulpable Tape?

The choice between Single Coated Repulpable Tape and Double Coated Repulpable Tape depends on the specific application and requirements of the packaging or product. Each type of tape has its own advantages and considerations.

Here are some scenarios where you might choose Single Coated Repulpable Tape over Double Coated Repulpable Tape:

• Carton Sealing: If you are sealing corrugated boxes or cartons for shipment or storage, Single Coated Repulpable Tape might be preferred. Single coated tapes have adhesive on one side only, making them easier to handle and apply. They provide a secure closure while ensuring that the tape is easily disintegrated during the recycling process.
• Minimal Residue Concerns: Single Coated Repulpable Tape is designed to dissolve effectively during recycling, leaving minimal residue. If you are particularly concerned about any adhesive residue or potential impact on the recycled paper’s quality, a single coated tape might be the better choice.
• Weight Considerations: Single coated tapes generally have less adhesive material compared to double coated tapes, which can make them lighter. If weight considerations are important for your application, a single coated tape might be preferable.
• Application Speed: Single Coated Repulpable Tape can be applied faster than Double Coated Repulpable Tape, as there is no need to peel off a liner from the second adhesive side. This can lead to increased productivity in applications where speed is crucial.
• Simplicity: Single coated tapes are simpler to handle and apply because they have adhesive on one side only. This simplicity can be beneficial in high-volume packaging operations.
• Reduced Adhesive Waste: Single coated tapes generate less adhesive waste compared to double coated tapes, which have adhesive on both sides. This can be advantageous from an environmental and waste reduction perspective.

It’s important to note that the choice between Single Coated and Double Coated Repulpable tape should consider the entire packaging process, including factors such as application methods, tape strength, environmental considerations, and recycling goals. If a stronger bond or additional versatility in applications is required, Double Coated Repulpable Tape might be more suitable despite having adhesive on both sides.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on a thorough understanding of your specific packaging needs, recycling objectives, and the tape’s compatibility with your processes. Consulting with tape suppliers and considering the recommendations of recycling organizations can also help ensure that you make an informed choice.