UPM Raflatac closes circular economy loop

Brand owners are often looking for innovative technologies to help them meet their sustainability commitments, such as landfill reduction targets and increased use of recycled content. LabelLoop addresses this need and illustrates the company’s dedication to enabling the circular economy and working toward a future beyond fossils.

Silicone and adhesive residue on waste liner causes major contamination, so liner that does get recycled is often downcycled into lower quality material. Now, with LabelLoop, these liners can continue to be used by the labeling industry, getting UPM Raflatac, its customers and end-users one step closer to a true circular economy.

The label liners used in LabelLoop materials are collected via the RafCycle by UPM Raflatac service and through other industry initiatives. The paper liners are de-siliconized and converted to recycled pulp by Sustana Fiber. It is then turned into paper face stock by other suppliers. UPM Raflatac uses these new materials to create semi-gloss label stock with up to 30 percent post-consumer waste.

They offer the same high standards of print quality and high-speed converting as compared to UPM Raflatac’s standard offering and are suitable for a variety of end-uses. These products are also FSC-certified (FSC C012530), which allows brands to show their commitment to responsible raw materials sourcing.

‘We’re incredibly proud to bring this exclusive new product range to market – a true first in the packaging industry,’ said Scott Conrad, segment manager, prime business, paper laminates at UPM Raflatac, Americas. ‘Label liners are often landfilled or downcycled, so to turn them into new LabelLoop products that do not sacrifice performance represents a tremendous step forward in our company’s quest to label a smarter future. We think this will bring great value to sustainability-minded brands looking to go circular with their packaging materials.’