Adhering to new technologies

SPN is pleased to report that UPM Raflatac has received many recognitions and accolades from RecyClass for its multiple label products* that utilise diverse, advanced adhesive technologies.

The granted recognitions expand UPM Raflatac’s portfolio of RecyClass recognised PE (polyethylene) label materials and extends the portfolio to include PP (polypropylene) label materials. Both the PE and PP materials are recognised to be recycling compatible with coloured HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) and PP packages. This means that the PE and PP labels can be recycled either in PP or HDPE coloured recycling streams. The recognition for the PP recycling stream compatibility is first of its kind in the world.

“At UPM Raflatac, we are working towards a more sustainable and circular future. One big part of this is making consumer plastic packaging recyclable. 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,” says Katja Kivelä, Business Director, Food and HPC, Films & Specials SBU EMEIA, UPM Raflatac.

In the past, the traditional drivers of plastic packaging design have been functionality and brand appearance, while the endof-life management of the packaging has been disregarded. Today it is expected that companies 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. We are well prepared for the market demands, as our labelling solutions for fastmoving consumer goods (FMCG) products are by default designed to support the recycling compatibility,” Kivelä says.

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 is why labels play a crucial role in determining the compatibility of the designed product with the available recycling streams,’’ says Fabrizio di Gregorio, RecyClass Technical Director.

“The UPM Raflatac innovation is a very good example how this compatibility can be ensured. It is also worth noting 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,” di Gregorio concluded.