Self-adhesive paper and film products provider UPM Raflatac has received recyclability certification for its pressure-sensitive labels from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR).
The company earned the APR Design for Recyclability Recognition for its clear and white polypropylene (PP) labels with hot melt, SmartCircle wash-off adhesive, and general-purpose acrylic adhesives.
This certification confirms that the labels with various adhesives meet the stringent recycling standards for polyethylene terephthalate and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles in North America.
The APR certification process involved a comprehensive evaluation of UPM Raflatac's clear and white PP labels, which are designed for HDPE packaging compatibility and can be used with approved wash-off inks.
The APR, a non-profit organisation focused on improving plastic recycling, verified that these labels detach effectively from HDPE packaging and do not interfere with the recycling process, ensuring that packaging can be effectively recycled into new products.
UPM Raflatac Americas HPC, food, and beverage business director Kyle Strenski said: "Being the first in our industry to receive APR's Critical Guidance recognition for natural HDPE energises us. We are committed to leading the sustainability charge by advancing packaging solutions for brands.”
This recognition is the seventh instance of UPM Raflatac receiving APR Critical Guidance recognition.
Last week, UPM received a platinum score in the EcoVadis responsibility assessment, placing the company among the top 1% of the 130,000 companies evaluated worldwide.
