Australia’s Packaging Problem is one of the biggest environmental and industrial challenges the country faces. Even with national awareness campaigns, improved recycling facilities and strong sustainability commitments, only 20% of plastic packaging is recycled. That leaves a staggering 80% ending up in landfill, incineration, or the environment.
Most people assume the issue lies with households or poor sorting. But the truth is more surprising:
adhesives are one of the hidden barriers stopping packaging from being fully recyclable.
From tapes to labels, hot melts to laminates, adhesives influence whether packaging can be reused, pulped, washed, or mechanically reprocessed. When adhesives aren’t recyclable, neither is the packaging they hold together.
The good news? New adhesive technologies are changing that story.
Why Adhesives Are a Major Cause of Australia’s Packaging Problem
1. Contamination From Traditional Adhesives
Most packaging adhesives don’t break down in recycling processes. When they remain bonded to cardboard or plastic, they:
- contaminate recycling batches
- reduce material value
- cause equipment blockages
- increase processing costs
This contamination is one of the reasons only 20% of plastic gets recycled nationwide.
2. Multi-Layer Packaging Can’t Be Separated
Laminated packaging, shipping labels, tapes and stickers often use high-strength adhesives that fuse materials permanently.
If recyclers can’t separate layers, they reject the entire item.
3. Adhesives Reduce the Quality of Recovered Material
Non-repulpable adhesives can:
- reduce paper fibre strength
- cause dark spots in pulp
- lower PET recycling purity
- damage extrusion lines
Recycling becomes harder and more expensive so less material is accepted.
The Game-Changer: Adhesives Designed for the Circular Economy
Here’s where the turnaround begins. New-generation adhesives are finally being designed for recyclability, compostability, and low-impact manufacturing.
These technologies can directly reduce Australia’s Packaging Problem and help the country reach its 2025 National Packaging Targets.
1. Repulpable Adhesives for Paper & Cardboard Recycling
Repulpable adhesives dissolve in water during the pulping stage and leave paper fibres clean.
This helps:
- shipping boxes
- carton closures
- paper tape
- mailer labels
- pallet wrappers
Repulpable adhesives prevent sticky contaminants, reduce waste by thousands of tonnes per year and significantly improve recycling yields.
Carewell Group supplies a wide range of tapes suitable for recyclable packaging:
https://carewellgroup.com.au/category/tapes/
2. Compostable & Bio-Based Adhesives
These adhesives are made from plant-derived polymers and break down in industrial composting facilities.
They’re ideal for:
- compostable mailers
- biodegradable food wraps
- plant-based trays
- kraft-paper adhesives
Compostable adhesives are essential for companies moving toward certified home-compostable or industrially compostable packaging.
3. Water-Based, Low-VOC Adhesives
These adhesives reduce VOC emissions, offer safer handling and are 100% recyclable.
They work well for:
- carton sealing
- paper converting
- label applications
- manufacturing lines requiring speed + sustainability
Water-based adhesives cut environmental impact by up to 30% compared to solvent-based systems.
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4. Wash-Off Adhesives for PET Bottle Recycling
A major breakthrough for beverage and FMCG companies.
Used for pressure-sensitive labels, wash-off adhesives detach easily during warm-water processing, allowing PET bottles to be fully recycled into food-grade rPET.
Global brands already using this tech:
- Coca-Cola
- Unilever
- Danone
- Nestlé
It’s a proven solution for boosting recovery rates.
5. Automation-Friendly Adhesives for Industry 4.0
New adhesives designed for automated application also improve sustainability:
- consistent application reduces waste
- smart viscosity reduces overuse
- zero-solvent formulas eliminate harmful emissions
These systems complement AI-driven sorting and automated processing in advanced recycling facilities.
How Adhesives Help Australia Hit 2025 Packaging Targets
Australia’s National Packaging Targets require:
- 100% recyclable or compostable packaging
- 70% of plastic packaging recycled or composted
- 50% average recycled content
- elimination of problematic plastics
Sustainable adhesives support every target especially the first two.
Switching to the correct adhesive type can instantly transform non-recyclable packaging into recyclable packaging without redesigning the whole product.
Industry Benefits Beyond Sustainability
1. Lower Operational Costs
Cleaner separation = less waste disposal.
2. Smoother Supply Chain Performance
Eco adhesives resist heat, humidity, cold storage and transport conditions.
3. Stronger Customer & Retailer Trust
Retailers now prefer suppliers using recyclable and compliant packaging.
4. Future-Proof Compliance
Regulations on VOCs, microplastics, and recyclability are tightening globally.
Businesses adopting sustainable adhesives early will avoid future penalties.
How Carewell Group Helps Solve Australia’s Packaging Problem
Carewell Group supports Australian businesses with end-to-end packaging innovation using recyclable, repulpable and compostable adhesives.
Explore eco-friendly tapes and adhesive solutions
Custom Packaging Solutions for your product
Recyclable & sustainable packaging products
Smart storage, logistics & inventory solutions
From packaging strategy to supply chain integration, Carewell Group helps businesses upgrade sustainably while cutting cost, risk and environmental impact.
Smart Tip
Before changing packaging materials, change your adhesive it’s often the easiest and fastest way to unlock recyclability.
Ready to Fix Your Packaging System? Request a Quote Today
Carewell Group Pty Ltd
Unit 27/191, McCredie Road, Smithfield, NSW 2164
Phone: +61 0477 123 699
Email:
sales@carewellgroup.com.au
info@carewellgroup.com.au
logistics@carewellgroup.com.au
