UPM Raflatac’s unprinted SmartCircle PE labels with acrylic and hot-melt adhesive technologies have received recognition from RecyClass. The granted approval proves SmartCircle PE can be recycled in the HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) colored stream.

RecyClass’ endorsement helps UPM Raflatac to meet the needs of brand owners in their search for recycling compatible labels.

Traditionally, plastic packaging has been designed with functionality and brand in mind while its end-of-life management has been disregarded. Today, moving forward in the transition toward a circular economy, the design for recycling stands as an essential measure to accomplish circular life for plastics. It is the driver to improve recycling rates, quality and quantity for mechanical plastics recycling.

“UPM Raflatac is working along the industry to make consumer plastic packaging recycled. We want to support the recyclability of HDPE packaging with a monomaterial recycling compatible solution, our SmartCircle PE with acrylic and hot-melt adhesive technologies,“ says Katja Kivelä, business director, Food and HPC, Films & Specials SBU EMEIA, UPM Raflatac. “According to extensive, independent testing, our unprinted labels have had limited impact on the recycling quality. With RecyClass’ recognition, we can now prove that our labels don’t hinder the recycling process or recyclate quality. Brand owners can reduce the carbon footprint of their labels by up to 42% by choosing our recycling compatible unprinted SmartCircle PE label solutions approved by RecyClass.”

“Today, the use of incompatible labels is among the key design issues for the HDPE recycling stream. We are delighted to see increasing innovation in this field, and with SmartCircle PE, the industry is a step closer towards ensuring the circularity of HDPE containers,” adds Paolo Glerean, chairman of RecyClass.

RecyClass is an initiative driven by the interest of brands, retailers, converters, raw material producers and recyclers to advance the recyclability of plastic packaging to improve recyclability and recyclate quality. With its scientific approach, RecyClass enhances and evaluates the recyclability of plastic packaging by developing methodologies and guidelines necessary to assess the recyclability of a package.