In this blog article, I will discuss the main points, which in my view, are the core messages that we at UPM Raflatac want to convey.
UPM Raflatac and the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment
As you may have heard, back in autumn 2018, along with other industry leaders from private and public sectors, we signed up to the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. Currently, over 400 organizations, of which nearly 200 businesses, 16 governments, 26 financial institutions, 50 academics, universities, research institutes etc. leading organizations such as WWF, WEF, CGF and IUCN have signed the commitment to eliminate unnecessary plastic, innovate for more sustainable solutions, and circulate plastic to reduce waste.
In addition to our eight Global Commitments, there are three main features we want to highlight as we lead the way to more sustainable labeling.
1. Collaboration is key
As the world’s leading labeling company, we want to aim even higher and make a circular economy a reality in the whole packaging value chain. We support common vision of creating “new normal” for plastics, and look for solutions beyond fossils. To carry out this vision, we need to reinforce the collaboration and exchange of ideas between stakeholders.
By partnerships such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s global forums, we can work together as a vast network of industry and action leaders for better sustainability. Innovation does not happen in a vacuum, and only by working together can we continue to develop new and better packaging and labeling solutions beyond fossils.
2. Mindset shift from linear use of plastic to a circular economy
Secondly, we want to generate a universal mindset shift from disposable, linear use of plastic to a circular model. Plastic, when handled and recycled correctly, has a lot of advantages: for example, it extends a product’s shelf life, which in turn reduces the amount of waste, and greenhouse gas emissions.
UPM Raflatac has introduced labeling solutions, such as an innovative label adhesive UPM Raflatac Wash Off RW85C, which allows the label to wash off during the PET recycling process, and therefore, a clean PET flake can be recycled and used in manufacturing new PET plastics.
3. Labels matter in recycling
Labels are everywhere and they play a vital role in ensuring that PET containers and packages can be reused in industrial recycling processes, and thus kept in the loop of the circular economy. As the go-to-expert label supplier among hundreds of other organizations, we share our know-how and vision of how sustainable labeling is at the core of smart use of plastic in the future.
Selecting the right raw materials for your labels is the key to better recyclability. If you want to learn how UPM Raflatac can help you reach your sustainability targets, get in touch and let’s have a chat!