Optimum Group has improved the recyclability of its shrink sleeves after adopting Flint Group’s Evolution range of primers and varnishes, which are designed to enhance packaging and label recycling.

Flint Group’s Evolution Deinking Primer significantly contributed to Optimum Group’s success at the 2023 Empack Belgium event, where their Wellen site won the Sustainability Award.

Thanks to Evolution, Optimum Group improved the recyclability of its shrink sleeve labels, allow-ing PET bottles and sleeves to be recycled together without contaminating the recyclate and in-creasing the amount of reclaimed material.

Evolution Deinking Primer is applied to the substrate before the ink to provide strong adhesion throughout the life of the label. It enables the ink to be released (de-inked) into the recycling caustic wash and the substrate to be broken down into flakes, allowing for more than 99% recy-clability.

“Working with Optimum Group’s Wellen team has been a fantastic experience, and we’re de-lighted that they have achieved success thanks to our Evolution Deinking Primer,” Marcel Tuyn, technical sales manager at Flint Group, said.

“Evolution provides a holistic approach to sustainability, increasing the yield of recyclate and preserving material quality,” added Tuyn. “This range represents the culmination of Flint Group’s expertise in ink and coating solutions that support businesses like Optimum Group to actively contribute to a more sustainable future, helping them increase recycling rates and contribute to circularity in the label and flexible packaging industry.”