Ahlstrom has unveiled Acti-V® RRF Natural, a next-generation release liner for double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes that can be recycled with paper, even after silicone coating on both sides.
The innovation achieves a “Recyclable with Paper” rating under the CEPI test method, marking a first for supercalendered double-sided liners. Such products have traditionally been classified as non-recyclable due to hydrophobic surfaces and high reject rates during repulping.
Circular progress for the tape industry
Made with recycled and unbleached fibers, Acti-V® RRF Natural contains at least 15% post-consumer recycled content and no dyes, supporting fiber recovery and simplified repulping. Its repulpable formulation is designed to help PSA tape producers advance circularity objectives while retaining the coating and converting performance associated with Ahlstrom’s Acti-V® technology.
The liner also enables lower basis weights without performance loss. According to the company, this translates into a carbon footprint reduction of more than 25% per square meter compared with standard Acti-V® Industrial liners. The use of unbleached fibers contributes to higher mechanical strength, allowing material reductions while maintaining functional requirements.
Performance aligned with sustainability
“Acti-V® RRF Natural marks a significant step for double-sided tape liners by combining recyclability, lower environmental impact, and proven performance,” said Marco Troglia, Vice President, Release Liners at Ahlstrom.
Ahlstrom’s proprietary Acti-V® technology supports optimized silicone curing, with potential reductions in energy use, catalysts, and silicone consumption. The product is designed for industrial-scale production across Ahlstrom’s sites in Europe and the Americas, addressing growing sustainability requirements in the specialty tape sector.
Ahlstrom is a global supplier of fiber-based specialty materials, developing sustainable solutions for a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. The company focuses on innovation, circularity, and performance across markets including release liners, packaging, filtration, and protective materials.
Source: Ahlstrom
