As a co-founder of CELAB, BASF works towards a circular economy for adhesive labels

BASF is a founding member of a new global network dedicated to building a circular economy in the self-adhesive labeling industry. CELAB (Toward a Circular Economy for Labels) is a cross-industry coalition open to all companies in the self-adhesive label supply chain, promoting sustainability through encouraging collaboration, kick-starting regional initiatives, and developing best practices.

Working globally with two sub-groups in Europe and North America, the group’s current focus is on scaling up matrix and release liner recycling. Since its inception in 2020, it has already managed to deploy several workstreams, including analyzing technical issues, promoting the use and creation of recycling networks, interacting with governmental authorities, and publicizing relevant information.

The circular economy goals of CELAB align exactly with BASF’s approach: moving towards the use of recycled and renewable feedstocks, creating new circular material lifespans and business models, and supporting the entire value chain in lessening its environmental impact.

“BASF is a front-runner in sustainable solutions,” said Uwe Düsterwald, Project Manager Sustainability in Adhesives. “Not only is it foremost in our minds, it is also backed up by a concrete set of long-term sustainability goals. This made us exceptionally keen to be a part of CELAB and to contribute in any way we can with our technologies and innovations. We see our membership as a significant step towards solving a very relevant issue and benefiting our partners all the way along the value chain, right through to the consumer.” 

As a co-founder of CELAB, BASF is taking its contribution very seriously, engaging on the organization’s steering committee and projects across Europe and North America along with other industry members. CELAB has already built a wide-ranging membership including companies of all sizes, with both global and regional market presence, and representation at every stage of the value chain.

“As part of the CELAB North American Forum, BASF is joining with its regional and global customers and other stakeholders to drive circular economy,” said Sujith Chacko, Technical Team Leader for Adhesives. “As a key adhesive supplier to the North American and global market and in line with our sustainability strategy, BASF is committed to explore the various recycling streams for the label industry and to develop pathways to create a circular economy.”