UPM Raflatac has announced its collaboration with Eurostampa on the Envelope 2024 project. This year’s project showcases cutting-edge design and sustainable materials, highlighting the synergy between technology and creativity. After being printed using innovative techniques, the labels are showcased at Luxe Pack 2024 Monaco.

Eurostampa, known for its high-quality labels for wine, sparkling wine, spirits, chocolate, food and cosmetics packaging, has been collaborating for several years with students from the University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo, Italy and the DAAP (Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning) Program of the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. In this year’s project the students have worked in two groups, each one managing a different part of the process. The Pollenzo group played the role of marketing, working to develop a creative brief that followed the brands’ guidelines. The Cincinnati students acted as the graphic agency, creating label designs that expressed the unique personality of each brand in relation to the brief.

This collaborative project aimed to push the boundaries of label design by experimenting with new and existing technologies, materials, and printing solutions. The students have worked with Eurostampa’s designers to develop seven labels for well-known brands Bacardi, Nutella, Jose Cuervo, Fior di Sole and Perrier Jouet – that would meet the expectations of Generation Z consumers.

UPM Raflatac brought its expertise to the collaboration by providing not only its innovative and sustainable label materials but also offering LCA (Life-Cycle Assessment) data calculated by using the company’s Label Life by UPM Raflatac life cycle assessment service.

The Envelope included examples of innovative label materials, such as UPM Raflatc Hipster WSA PCR-FSC and UPM Raflatac Forest Film PP Clear. The Hipster WSA PCR-FSC offers a warm, elegant white shade with a textured, felt-marked surface, providing a unique look. It is made with 100% recycled fiber in the face paper. Meanwhile, Forest Film PP Clear, the world’s first certified wood-based plastic label material, is a bio-circular solution that reduces reliance on fossil-based plastics. Made with bio-naphtha derived from wood-based crude tall oil, it maintains the same quality, performance, and recyclability as traditional plastic labels.

“Our label materials act as a canvas for these beautiful designs. This collaboration allows us to showcase our commitment to sustainability and innovation, and we look forward to presenting the creative solutions that emerge from this partnership,” says Stefano Pistoni, senior manager, business development, Wine & Spirits and Beverage, UPM Raflatac.

“At Eurostampa, we are committed to fostering innovation and creativity through our partnerships. By involving students in real-world projects, we are advancing label design and providing valuable educational opportunities to ensure that our labels meet the expectations of Generation Z consumers,” says Riccardo Sauvaigne, marketing and innovation director, Eurostampa.