UPM brings wood-based label materials to market

UPM Raflatac and UPM Biofuels have joined forces bring two wood-based renewable labeling materials into the market: UPM Raflatac Forest Film and UPM Raflatac Fossil-Free Adhesive.

UPM brings wood-based label materials to market

These labeling materials can replace traditional fossil-based virgin materials with renewable ones. Their main raw material is UPM BioVerno naphtha, a renewable component for replacing fossil based raw materials with sustainably sourced renewable feedstock.

Forest Film is the first wood-based polypropylene film label material on the market. Fossil-Free Adhesive RP48 is a renewable multipurpose material. Together with other responsibly sourced label materials, such as the forest positive UPM Raflatac RAFNXT+, this adhesive makes each layer of labeling even more sustainable.

Both Forest Film and Fossil-Free Adhesive do not require any changes in production processes and can smoothly replace traditional fossil-based options. These products combine the circular economy with renewable bioeconomy – one ton of fossil raw material can now be replaced with one ton of renewable raw material.

‘With these product innovations we are taking a big step forward on our journey toward labeling a smarter future beyond fossils,’ said Oona Koski, sustainability manager at UPM Raflatac. ‘By choosing our renewable labeling materials brands can move even further in their quest to use more renewable packaging. Furthermore, these materials are identical in quality and performance to conventional fossil-based materials and an easy way to add the final touch to a sustainable package.’

UPM is working to build a more sustainable future by replacing fossil-based, non-renewable materials with renewable alternatives from wood-based residues. The company uses raw materials efficiently to create new products and services based on wood fiber, biomolecules, residues and side streams.

‘The main raw material of these products is UPM BioVerno naphtha made from tall oil, a residue of pulp production. They are a great example of new product innovations originating from sustainably managed forests and concrete steps towards a future beyond fossils,’ said Panu Routasalo, vice president, UPM Biofuels.

These products will be on display at Labelexpo Europe 2019.