Dr Kristin Schoene
Market Development Manager – Tapes & Labels, Synthomer
Kristin Schoene is Market Development Manager Tapes & Labels in the Adhesive Solutions business unit at Synthomer, driving strategic and operational marketing for the global tapes and labels segment. She also manages key technical customer projects, drawing on her background in technical service and R&D. With over seven years at Synthomer and experience across Europe, she combines market insights with deep adhesive expertise. Kristin holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry and has published several scientific papers in the field of nanochemistry. As a member of the Afera Marketing Committee, she contributes to industry development across the European tape sector.
Sustainability of Polymer Technology for Modern Tape & Label Applications
Today, sustainability isn’t just a trend – it has become an industry imperative driven by regulatory pressure, brand commitments and a global need to conserve resources.
In this presentation, we explore how the smart selection of raw materials enables tape and label manufacturers to significantly enhance the sustainability performance of their end products without compromising functionality or process efficiency.
Synthomer’s latest developments in water-based polymers demonstrate how science-led innovation can support this transformation. Drawing on comprehensive certified testing data and real-world case studies, we examine the contribution of every polymeric element in tapes and labels – from adhesives to release coatings – to key sustainability metrics like reduced reliance on finite fossil feed stocks, compliance with restrictions on hazardous raw materials (VOCs, FOGs, PFAS, APEOs), and meaningful reductions in product carbon footprint (PCF).
Here, the SUNCRYL BIO family introduces a new generation of water-based, silicone-free release coatings, combining bio-based raw materials with PFAS- and APEO-free chemistry. These polymers demonstrate how environmental responsibility and high performance can be integrated within a single technology platform.
Furthermore, we will focus on recyclability evaluations for filmic and fibre-based labels on overall packaging, highlighting the different requirements for every raw material stream.
By enabling clean, residual-free removal, the PLEXTOL RECYCLEAR range supports the production of high-quality recycled PET and HDPE, helping to meet extended producer responsibbility (EPR) targets and reduce contamination risks.
Breakout Session XII – Defossilisation & Circularity in Adhesives – 17 September 2026 – 16:00 – 16:30 – Room Mountbatten – F6