Euro-Graph Publishes Monthly Statistics of the European Graphic Papers Industry

Resonating with the ambitious EU regulatory targets for reducing waste, UPM Specialty Papers has introduced a new “LinerLoop compatible” label to promote closed loop recycling of release papers used in self-adhesive labels and tapes. Release papers carrying the label qualify for recycling in UPM LinerLoopTM, which is the first commercial-scale closed-loop recycling solution for silicone coated release papers. Currently some 50% of used release papers and matrix materials are recycled in Europe, but it is estimated that only 15% are recycled back to release papers in a closed loop (source: CELAB, AWA). As a member of CELAB-Europe and AFERA, UPM Specialty Papers works towards increasing the share of closed-loop recycling. Recycling silicone coated papers in a circular fashion is a technically demanding process. One factor, for instance, impacting closed-loop recycling is the shade of paper. As the typical shade of glassine used in label applications is white or some other light shade, recycling darker coloured glassine grades in the same stream would contaminate the recycled pulp.

UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of innovative and sustainable self-adhesive paper and film products, has been formally recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for three types of biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) label products for HDPE and PP package recycling. These include Undecorated BOPP with hotmelt adhesive, Undecorated BOPP with RW85C, and Metalized undecorated BOPP with general purpose acrylic adhesive. APR Design® for Recyclability Recognition provides third-party validation that a package or packaging component’s design is compatible with the North American recycling system. This process has now confirmed that UPM Raflatac’s BOPP products, as stated above, have met the highest criteria for recyclability according to the APR Design® Guide. UPM Raflatac’s latest recognitions are all for HDPE and PP recycling.

Materials Group: *Reported sales increased 5% to $1.5 billion. Sales were up 6% ex. currency and on an organic basis. -Label Materials sales were up mid-to-high single-digits on an organic basis. **Volume/mix was up low double-digits, which was partially offset by deflation-related price reductions. -Graphics and Reflectives were up low single-digits organically. -Performance Tapes and Medical were down low single-digits organically. *Reported operating margin was 14.4%. Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) was 17.9%, up 220 basis points driven by higher volume/mix and benefits from productivity, partially offset by higher employee-related costs. Solutions Group: *Reported sales increased 12% to $689 million. Sales were up 14% ex. currency and 11% on an organic basis. -Sales in high-value categories were up low double-digits ex. currency. -Sales were up mid-to-high teens ex. currency in base solutions. *Reported operating margin was 9.3%. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 16.8%, up 100 basis points, driven by higher volume and benefits from productivity, partially offset by higher employee-related costs and investments. -Margin was up 70 basis points sequentially; the company expects margin to continue to improve in the second half of 2024.