UPM Raflatac has received recognitions from RecyClass for multiple label products with different adhesive technologies.
The recognitions expand UPM Raflatac’s portfolio of RecyClass-recognised PE and PP label materials. Both materials are recognised to be recycling compatible with coloured HDPE and PP packages.
The recognition for the PP recycling stream compatibility is the first of its kind in the world.
“At UPM Raflatac, we are working towards a more sustainable and circular future, and one big part of this is making consumer plastic packaging recyclable,” explained Katja Kivela, business director, food and HPC, films and specials, at UPM Raflatac.
“We are proud that we are the first self-adhesive label company to provide RecyClass-approved recycling compatible labelling solutions for PP packaging.
“According to extensive, independent testing done by Plastics Forming Enterprises (PFE), our unprinted labels have had limited impact on the recycling quality on both PP and HDPE coloured recycling streams. This proves that our labels don’t hinder the recycling process or recyclate quality.”
In the past, the traditional drivers of plastic packaging design have been functionality and brand appearance, while the end-of-life management of the packaging has been disregarded.
Today, it is more common for companies to develop and offer solutions that are designed for recyclability.
“Today’s consumers and brand owners demand product solutions where the sustainability aspects including packaging recyclability are considered thoroughly, and in the future, the demand will be even higher,” Kivela said.
“We are well prepared for the market demands, as our labelling solutions for fast-moving consumer goods products are by default designed to support the recycling compatibility.”
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.
“It is not only the composition, but also the components of packaging that make it recyclable. That’s why labels play a crucial role in determining the compatibility of the designed product with the available recycling streams,“ said Fabrizio di Gregorio, technical director at RecyClass.
“The UPM Raflatac innovation is a very good example of how this compatibility can be ensured.
“It is worth noting as well that the RecyClass endorsement is valid for the coloured stream only. Furthermore, since the labels were tested unprinted, the printing inks applied on labels could impact the recyclability.”
