Technological watch

Labeling a smarter future 

Finnish producer of self-adhesive label materials UPM Raflatac has become the first label material producer to bring a new wood-based polypropylene film material into the market. The UPM Raflatac Forest Film™ label material has been developed in collaboration with UPM Biofuels using UPM BioVerno naphtha, a 100 percent wood-based solution originating from sustainably managed forests.

The film will answer brand owners’ needs to replace traditional fossil-based virgin materials with renewable ones. It offers companies an efficient and impactful way to reach beyond their sustainability goals without compromising on product performance.

“At UPM Raflatac, we support the circular economy by innovating circular labeling solutions, but that is not enough. We are aiming higher by making sure that the raw materials we use are as sustainable as possible. By replacing fossil-based raw materials with renewable ones we can ensure a truly sustainable packaging solution,” says Antti Jääskeläinen, Executive Vice President, UPM Raflatac. “Our Forest Film is a natural step on our journey towards labeling a smarter future beyond fossils.”

UPM Raflatac is leading in sustainable labeling by partnering with different players in the forest and packaging value chain. As one of the signatories of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, the company is committed to developing alternative, circular and renewable labeling solutions.

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

"UPM Biofuels converts pulp production residue into renewable naphtha, a drop-in raw material for the chemical industry. Replacing fossil raw materials, it brings substantial climate and environmental benefits. This wood-based film is a great example of UPM’s brand promise in action. We help our partners to go beyond fossils with our sustainable innovation," says Panu Routasalo, Vice President, UPM Biofuels.

http://www.upmraflatac.com
http://www.upmbiofuels.com


 

Publication date: 21/08/2019

Bioplastics magazine (News)



      

This project has received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 837761.