Page 47 - Plastics News October 2023

BUSINESS NEWS

DataLase achieves Grade A RecyClass Certification for plastic bottles

ataLase, a photonic printing, has same quality application’. Furthermore, DataLase's label-free
Ddeveloped an innovative solution The certification process, which in- solution eliminates the need for la-
to address the environmental issues cluded a ‘stringent’ examination of the bels, inks, and consumables on plas-
surrounding single-use plastic bottles. product's chemical constituents and tic bottles, simplifying supply chains,
Their technology allows for the deco- practical recycling tests, is valid until lowering energy costs and lessening
ration of HDPE plastic material bot- 2026 and highlights DataLase's com- environmental impact. The durable
tles without the need for labels, inks, mitment to global sustainability goals. graphics, barcodes, QR codes and se-
or other filmic. The achievement was made in collab- rial numbers incorporated within the
DataLase's pigment, added during oration with Innovate UK as part of a plastic bottle ensure its integrity is not
the masterbatch stage of HDPE bot- funded project. compromised. The one-step method
of incorporation makes the solution
tle production, remains invisible until It is claimed that DataLase's label-free easy to use and implement.
activated by laser. This technology, pigment technology for plastic bottles
which has been tested and certified by offers significant benefits. The pig- Commenting on the achievement,
RecyClass, the first approved certifi- ment is incorporated at low concen- DataLase’s chief technology officer,
cation system for plastic packaging re- trations, ensuring no contamination Ally Grant, said: “We are delighted
cyclability, received a Grade A rating. or coloration during the bottle recy- to be awarded a grade A certification
Achieving the highest possible level cling process, and provides an energy- for our technology. DataLase is revo-
indicates that ‘the packaging does not ef.”ficient alternative to direct surface lutionising the plastic bottle industry
pose any recyclability issues and the printing with wet-inks or surface de- by providing a solution that allows for
recycled plastics can potentially feed a structive etching. decoration without compromising the
closed-loop scheme to be used in the recyclability of the bottles.

PLASTICS NEWS 4747
October 2023 PLASTICS NEWS