UPM Raflatac addresses sustainability

Jussi Vanhanen, president of UPM Raflatac, spoke to leaders of global labelstock associations at the recent L9 meeting in Tokyo. Addressing the self-adhesive label industry in regards to the depletion of the world’s resources, he said, ‘In these circumstances it is more important than ever for the industry to focus its efforts on the efficient use of raw materials and resources. Doing nothing is not an option.’

‘Major brand owners and retailers are asking for accurate and case-specific information concerning the environmental performance of self-adhesive products and the factories producing them’ Vanhanen continued. He invited the self-adhesive labelstock industry to lead the development of harmonization for its raw material suppliers’ environmental reporting under the umbrella of the L9 associations. The Paper Profile, developed and used by graphic paper manufacturers with the industry associations, was presented as a good example of similar development.

The main factors influencing the global warming potential of labelstock products, throughout their lifecycles, are the raw materials and the end-of-life treatment of labelstock waste. Vanhanen highlighted practical means for label printers to reduce their environmental impact – most importantly the selection of substrates, thin and light labelstock components and sustainable end-of-life treatment – and suggested label printers and end-users join labelstock suppliers in supporting the efficient use of raw materials and resources by promoting environmentally sound options.

Viable recycling uses for labelstock waste streams were identified as the main bottleneck to increasing recycling rates. UPM’s RafCycle labelstock waste management concept makes use of labelstock by-products from all stages of the labelstock lifecycle. The recycled waste is given a new life as UPM ProFi wood-plastic composite products, paper or energy. Vanhanen concluded by inviting ‘The industry to innovate new uses for labelstock waste to expand recycling globally’.

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