Sustainability is not a reporting exercise at Avery Dennison. It's an engineering discipline. We hold ourselves accountable to independently verified targets across energy, waste, chemistry, and supply chain — and we disclose progress in publicly available reports every year.
Our sustainability framework addresses the full product lifecycle — from raw material sourcing to end-of-life material recovery.
We have committed to sourcing 70% of our manufacturing energy from renewable sources by 2030. As of our last verified report, 48% of global manufacturing electricity came from renewables including solar installations at our Netherlands, China, and US facilities.
100% of our paper-based label facestocks are targeted to be FSC or PEFC certified by 2025. Our Restricted Substances List (RSL) is published quarterly and covers 450+ chemicals of concern, including PFAS, phthalates, and heavy metals — assessed at the formulation level, not just finished product.
Our Cradle to Cradle Certified™ products pass material health assessments across five quality categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness. These products represent a growing share of our functional materials portfolio and are priced at parity with standard alternatives.
We align our sustainability reporting with GRI Standards, TCFD climate risk disclosures, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions are third-party verified annually. Product-level Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are available for major product lines upon request.
Specific, time-bound commitments reviewed by our Board Sustainability Committee annually.
Progress data as of Q4 2024. Full methodology and verification details available in our annual Sustainability Report.
Specification-grade comparison across the four material types most commonly evaluated by procurement and design teams. Values reflect published industry data and manufacturer specs (2023–2024).
| Attribute | Avery Dennison Cast Vinyl (SW900) | Generic Calendered Vinyl | Standard PET Film | Architectural Laminate (PVC-free) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Film Thickness | 80 µm cast vinyl + 50 µm adhesive | 100–150 µm (thicker, less conformable) | 50–75 µm polyester base | 100–200 µm depending on series |
| Outdoor Durability (Vertical) | Up to 10 years | 3–5 years | 5–7 years (window application) | 5–7 years (indoor rated) |
| Conformability | Class 1 (FINAT TM21) — complex curves | Flat/mild curves only | Flat glazing only | Flat panels, limited curves |
| VOC Content (Adhesive) | < 10 g/L (solvent-free acrylic) | Varies; solvent-borne types 200–400 g/L | Typically < 50 g/L | < 5 g/L (solvent-free formulation) |
| Recycled/Bio Content | C2C Certified™ on select lines; post-industrial PVC reclaim available | Typically none disclosed | rPET variants available (15–30% recycled content) | Some lines use bio-based plasticizers; no vinyl |
| Fire Classification | EN 13501-1 Class B-s2-d0 (architectural series) | Usually unclassified or Class E | Class B–C (glazing context) | EN 13501-1 Class B-s1-d0 (PVC-free advantage) |
| Clean Removal | Residue-free after rated service life | Adhesive residue common after 3+ years | Adhesive residue possible on aged film | Tool-assisted removal; some residue |
| Third-Party Certification | ISO 9001, ISO 14001, FSC, C2C Certified™ | ISO 9001 common; rarely FSC or C2C | ISO 9001; some REACH compliance | EN 13501-1 fire; some Blauer Engel (DE) |
| Price Indicator (trade) | $4–7/sq ft (cast premium) | $1.50–3/sq ft | $2–5/sq ft (solar control) | $3–6/sq ft |
Data sourced from manufacturer technical datasheets and industry specification guides (2023–2024). Price ranges are indicative trade pricing; project-specific quotes available on request. C2C = Cradle to Cradle Certified™. FINAT TM21 = European label industry conformability test method.
Honest specification guidance: where our materials perform as rated, and where they do not.
Our acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives are rated for service from -40°C to +150°C (short-term peak). However, sustained exposure above 90°C causes measurable adhesive creep in structural bonding applications. Vinyl wrap films exposed to prolonged direct heat above 80°C (e.g., engine bay panels, exhaust proximity) will experience accelerated shrinkage and adhesive flow beyond rated performance. We do not recommend SW900 for underhood application or direct flame proximity.
Our standard pressure-sensitive adhesives require a minimum surface energy of 36 dynes/cm for reliable bonding. Low-energy polyolefin surfaces (polypropylene, polyethylene) — common in interior automotive trim — will not achieve rated peel strength without surface preparation using primer or corona treatment. Film applied to freshly painted surfaces (curing time < 30 days) risks adhesion failure and finish damage on removal. Textured powder coatings with deep profile (> 75 µm Ra) reduce effective contact area and rated bond strength by up to 40%.
Cradle to Cradle Certified™ status applies to specific product lines within our portfolio, not all Avery Dennison materials. Customers should verify C2C status for each product SKU via our sustainability documentation rather than assuming portfolio-wide certification. Our 70% renewable energy target and Scope 1–2 emissions reductions apply to manufacturing operations; Scope 3 emissions (raw material extraction, end-of-life) are tracked but not yet included in science-based reduction targets.
Our eco-product line delivers equal technical performance with documented lower environmental impact. Request samples with full sustainability documentation included.
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