UPM Raflatac receives RecyClass for SmartCircle

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.  

RecyClass’ endorsement helps UPM Raflatac to meet the needs of brand owners in their search for recycling compatible labels.

‘UPM Raflatac is working along the industry to make consumer plastic packaging recycled. We want to support the recyclability of HDPE packaging with a monomaterial recycling compatible solution, our SmartCircle PE with acrylic and hotmelt adhesive technologies,’ commented Katja Kivelä, business director for food and HPC, films and specials SBU EMEIA, at UPM Raflatac. 

‘According to extensive, independent testing, our unprinted labels have had limited impact on the recycling quality. With RecyClass’ recognition, we can now prove that our labels don’t hinder the recycling process or recyclate quality,’ added Kivelä. ‘Brand owners can reduce the carbon footprint of their labels by up to 42 percent by choosing our recycling compatible unprinted SmartCircle PE label solutions approved by RecyClass.’

‘Today, the use of incompatible labels is among the key design issues for the HDPE recycling stream. We are delighted to see increasing innovation in this field. With SmartCircle PE, the industry is a step closer towards ensuring the circularity of HDPE containers,’ said Paolo Glerean, chairman of RecyClass.