UPM Raflatac's Pressure Sensitive Labels Earn First-ever APR Certification for Recyclability on Natural HDPE

Press Release 3.9.2024 20:00 EEST

UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of innovative and sustainable self-adhesive paper and film products, has recently earned APR Design® for Recyclability Recognition for its clear and white polypropylene (PP) labels with hotmelt, UPM Raflatac SmartCircleTM wash-off adhesive, and general-purpose acrylic adhesives.

This recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) validates that these labels meet or exceed the recycling criteria for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles in the North American recycling system. Notably, this accolade marks the first pressure-sensitive label (PSL) material certified by APR for natural HDPE.

To attain this accreditation, UPM Raflatac submitted to APR its clear and white PP labeling solutions with various adhesive formulations for evaluation. The solutions are suitable for HDPE packaging and perform well with approved wash-off inks. Following a thorough review, APR determined that these labeling solutions cleanly release from HDPE packaging during the recycling process and do not hinder the recycling of packaging into new containers and products.

"Being the first in our industry to receive APR's critical guidance recognition for natural HDPE energizes us. We are committed to leading the sustainability charge by advancing packaging solutions for brands," stated Kyle Strenski, Business Director of HPC, Food, and Beverage at UPM Raflatac Americas.

This achievement marks the seventh time UPM Raflatac has earned APR Critical Guidance recognition.

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For more information, please contact:
Chris Price, Senior Communications Specialist, UPM Raflatac
Mon-Fri 8.00–15.00 ET
tel. +18286207386
Chris.Price@upmraflatac.com

UPM, Media Relations
Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00 EEST
tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com

UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac offers high-quality self-adhesive paper and film products including label materials, graphics solutions and removable self-adhesive products. We operate 12 factories and deliver our innovative and sustainable products through our global network of distribution terminals. We are one of UPM’s growth businesses and employ around 3,100 people. Our sales reached almost EUR 1,5 billion (USD 1,6 billion) in 2023. Find out how we are labeling a smarter future beyond fossils at  www.upmraflatac.com.

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UPM
We deliver renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Fibres, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. As the industry leader in responsibility, we are committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and the science-based targets to mitigate climate change. We employ 16,500 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 10,5 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore – Beyond fossils. www.upm.com

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APR
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics. APR’s tools & resources help companies design packaging that can be recycled, support innovations that overcome existing recycling challenges, and encourage stable and reliable markets for post-consumer recycled content. Visit plasticsrecycling.org for more information.