UPM Raflatac has signed up to the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, joining 250 organizations. The endeavor includes many of the world’s largest packaging producers, brands, retailers and recyclers, as well as governments and NGOs. The Global Commitment and its vision for a circular economy for plastic is led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, in collaboration with UN Environment. The commitment was officially unveiled at the Our Ocean Conference in Bali on October 29.

By signing the commitment, UPM Raflatac wants to demonstrate its commitment to labeling a smarter future beyond fossils. By developing sustainable labeling solutions and partnerships, UPM Raflatac supports brand owners in eliminating unnecessary plastic packaging and achieving their target of 100% of plastic packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. Solutions such as the RafCycle recycling concept, thin film materials, wash-off adhesives and label materials containing recycled content are good examples of how UPM Raflatac can enable the circular economy.

“Labels are everywhere and an integral part of packaging,” says Robert Taylor, sustainability director, UPM Raflatac. “Wrapped around food, beverages, cosmetics and medicines, to name a few. Labels matter, and as the leader in sustainability we can support brands meet their ambitious targets on their journey towards a circular future. We would like to invite our clients, brands, and other stakeholders to work with us to make the plastics economy truly circular.”

“The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment draws a line in the sand, with businesses, governments and others around the world uniting behind a clear vision for what we need to create a circular economy for plastic. This is just one step on what will be a challenging journey, but one which can lead to huge benefits for society, the economy and the environment. I encourage all businesses and governments to go further and embark on a race to the top in the creation of a circular economy for plastic. One in which this material never becomes waste or pollution,” says Dame Ellen MacArthur, founder of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

The Global Commitment aims to create “a new normal” for plastic packaging. Targets will be reviewed every 18 months and become increasingly ambitious over the coming years. Businesses that sign the commitment will publish annual data on their progress to help drive momentum and ensure transparency.