PureCycle - a breakthrough solution for plastic recycling
One of our breakthrough products was the new PureCycle wash-off paper label materials, designed to enable efficient recycling of HDPE and PET plastic packages, like bottles and containers. The labels made of certified paper detach during the washing process, allowing the valuable PET and HDPE flakes to be recovered without contamination. The flakes can be converted into new high-quality materials and may also be used within the closed-loop systems. The label materials which are part of UPM Raflatac’s SmartCircle™ portfolio have received European certifications of recyclability from Institut cyclos-HTP for PET and HDPE packaging.
Enabling our customers to offer CarbonNeutral® certified products
We extended the scope of our CarbonNeutral® certified labeling materials to cover the entire lifecycle emissions of a label. This means that our customers can offer their printed and converted labels as CarbonNeutral® certified products. The certification is built on our Label Life Life Cycle Assessment service, which has been validated by DEKRA, an international assurance service provider. UPM Raflatac’s CarbonNeutral® certified products include the linerless label range with solutions designed for direct thermal linerless main end uses, including hospitality, e-commerce and logistics, and grocery retail.
The CarbonNeutral® certified products also include pressure-sensitive labels in the lower-carbon range RAFNXT+ designed for a variety of labels used in food, logistics, and home care packaging. These products have lower carbon footprints compared to standard label materials. In addition, we compensate for currently unavoidable cradle-to-grave GHG emissions of our CarbonNeutral® certified labels.
Sustainable sticky notes for every occasion
We also launched the new UPM Notes portfolio including a selection of different colored sticky note pads and cubes made of FSC™-certified (FSC C003094) paper. At UPM Raflatac, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce the carbon footprint of our products. For the recently launched UPM Notes portfolio, this means renewing the packaging. Instead of the market standard fossil-based wrapping, the notes are thoughtfully wrapped in transparent FSC-certified paper, which is renewable and recyclable.
Our product developments in 2023 reflect our ambition to be the world’s first label materials company beyond fossils. By offering products and services that support the circular economy and enable taking climate action, we are labeling a smarter future beyond fossils.