H.B. Fuller receives RecyClass approval of its Flextra SBA 5250 + XA 3350 adhesive; recognition shows product is compatible with the existing European industrial recycling process for PP flexibles

March 25, 2024 (press release) –

Flextra® solution underscores company’s commitment to a circular economy and to enabling the transition to more sustainable packaging formats

BASEL, Switzerland ─ H.B. Fuller Company (NYSE: FUL), the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, announced today that one of its latest innovations, Flextra® SBA 5250 + XA 3350, has been approved by RecyClass as fully compatible with the existing European industrial recycling process for Polypropylene (PP) flexibles. The adhesive is a groundbreaking pure aliphatic solution designed for ultra-food-safe high performance retort applications and enhanced recyclability.

This is the first adhesive approved for PP flexibles compatibility by RecyClass, a nonprofit, cross-industry technology exchange platform with nearly 100 member companies dedicated to improving packaging recyclability, including plastic waste and recycled plastic traceability in Europe.

H.B. Fuller’s Flextra® SBA 5250 + XA 3350 is a pioneering adhesive solution available globally. It is both a functional and sustainable solution, tailored for high-performance in retort packaging and enhanced recyclability ─ and fulfills stringent food contact regulatory requirements with FDA (177.1390) and EU compliance. The adhesive was tested and designed for retort applications up to 135°C and offers superior bonding to various films and aluminum both before and after retort.

“Our involvement on the technical committees of RecyClass – helping to steer the development and refinement of Design for Recycling (DfR) Guidelines – has been invaluable to strengthening our knowledge of the overall flexibles recycling process and the effect various materials have on the recyclate stream,” says Elizabeth Ryne, global marketing manager for flexible packaging at H.B. Fuller. “This approval signals our dedication to the circular economy and to enabling the transition to more sustainable packaging formats.”

The RecyClass initiative focuses on evaluating, improving, and recognizing the recyclability of companies' packaging solutions. It encourages the plastics industry to align with EU policies, making recyclability a central element in future packaging designs. Additionally, it fosters growth in material recycling industries and sustainable production. 

Flextra® is a trademark of H.B. Fuller Company (“H.B. Fuller”) or an affiliated company of H.B. Fuller.

About H.B. Fuller Company

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2023 revenue of $3.5 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,000 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets. Learn more at www.hbfuller.com.

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