UPM Raflatac marks its 40th anniversary

In the early 1970s, chemist Juhani Strömberg, working for paper converting company Raf. Haarla, set out to develop water-based alternatives to solvent-based adhesives which were prevalent in the label industry at that time.

Water-based label technology, which was still a rarity for label printers in the 1970s, was a significant advancement because it enabled higher speeds on printing machinery and greater efficiency for label production.

Strömberg’s innovations were also a major step towards the sustainable production methods and label materials to which UPM Raflatac remains strongly committed.

Growth and internationalization started at the end of the 1970s, and UPM Raflatac has since continued its rapid advancement on the global self-adhesive label stock market. Today, UPM Raflatac has 11 production facilities worldwide and offers thousands of products for the continually growing needs in product and information labeling. It employs close to 3,000 professionals and makes sales in excess of one billion EUR.

In honour of its 40-year anniversary, UPM Raflatac is publishing a book, The Story of Raflatac - From Internal Entrepreneurship to Global Self-Adhesive Labelstock Business, which will be published in Finnish and English in spring 2015.

Tapio Kolunsarka, UPM Raflatac executive vice president, said: ‘At Raflatac, a strong sense of presence has been retained for the company’s history and its founders. New has been built from the foundation of the old. Entrepreneurship has shown itself particularly at times of change, when a strategic determination and shared goal have led to success.

‘As employees, we are mindful that Raflatac is under our temporary custodianship, and that it is our duty to pass on to future generations an increasingly strong and successful company. As proud as we are of our history, we’re even more excited about the future and what we can offer both to our employees and customers in years to come.’