Sustainable product development has ramped up significantly within our industry, and UPM Raflatac has unveiled numerous product lines to support demand in this area. Most recently, UPM Raflatac launched wash-off labeling solutions to help brands accelerate these recyclability targets by supporting the circular economy.

In order to learn more about UPM Raflatac’s sustainable endeavors, L&NW sat down with Ashley Drew, sustainability manager, James Allen Howell, product manager, and Patrick Park, business development manager.

L&NW: In general, how has sustainability impacted UPM Raflatac’s operations and R&D?
AD: UPM Raflatac’s ambition is to be the first label materials company beyond fossils. We take climate action by increasing the use of certified papers and the traceability of other biobased materials, by fostering a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and by developing innovative solutions that meet the needs of sustainably-minded brands and companies. UPM Raflatac is determined to take concrete steps to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of our operations and continue developing leading solutions for our customers.

L&NW: How do UPM Raflatac’s wash-off solutions contribute to a circular future?
JAH: Our wash-off labeling solutions help brands accelerate their ambitious recyclability targets by supporting the circular economy. The clear, white and metalized film labelstocks feature our unique RW85C wash-off adhesive. The portfolio offers wash-off label materials for different packaging material types that allow labels to be cleanly separated from the primary packaging in a recycling process without leaving adhesive residue, thereby enhancing yield of the recyclate and increasing the availability of recycled and reusable materials.

L&NW: What feedback have you received from customers regarding your wash-off products? And have you found that these products have been a win-win for converters shifting to filmic stocks while also answering the call for sustainability?
PP: We have received very positive feedback from our customers regarding our wash-off solutions. One says it is a great solution for brands that want to ensure the highest possible recycling rate for
their products.

Another customer’s exact quote is, “We changed from paper facestock to a filmic facestock and a wash-off adhesive because it was the right thing to do.”

Another customer said they knew that paper labels were not conducive to PET recycling, and so they wanted to make a graphics change while also using a filmic facestock with wash-off adhesive, so their sustainability presence and efforts show they are not waiting for legislation forcing them to make a change but acting before.

These brands can evaluate what the impact would be to change their labels and dedicate their next decisions to lead the change to a more sustainable product, with UPM Raflatac being their resource to achieve what path they choose to take.

L&NW: What are some of the key points converters should know when shifting to these new materials, especially as their brands establish lofty environmental goals?
JAH: Changing from the regular PSL materials to our new SmartCircle wash-off material is easy. It’s compatible with the existing processes, and has the same visual appearance and performance as a regular PSL label material. This line includes materials that have third-party certifications and comply with well-established guidelines. It’s a clear portfolio with categorization (package type and end-use guidance), where we provide our expert support to help customers.

With Label Life, we can support customers with LCA and calculations to make the decision easier. This includes materials that have third-party certifications and comply with well established guidelines. Plus, they combine with RafCycle to improve the circularity.

L&NW: How does APR recognition validate your sustainability efforts?
AD: At UPM Raflatac, we adhere to the philosophy that “labels matter” when it comes to enabling the recyclability of packaging materials. Brand owners looking to achieve their sustainable packaging targets can be confident when they select our labeling solutions.

According to the APR, “The protocol is intended to improve the quality of recycled bottles by helping innovators to make informed decisions about the consequences of PET bottle innovations. The impact of this protocol is beneficial to worldwide recycling efforts.”