UPM Raflatac expands RafCycle® label liner recycling solution to North America

UPM Raflatac, the global leader in sustainable pressure sensitive labeling solutions, is pleased to announce its RafCycle® recycling solution has expanded to the United States and Canada. Now, brands in this region can give new life to their self-adhesive label waste that would otherwise be landfilled. Converter and printer Fort Dearborn Company as well as several brand owners are participating in the launch.

UPM Raflatac collects the paper and PET liner waste from its RafCycle partners and recycles it into new materials, which provides numerous benefits to printers, packers, brand-owners, and, of course, the environment. Turning waste into a resource is a key concept in the circular economy and an important part of UPM Raflatac’s approach to labeling a smarter future beyond fossils.

Collaboration across the value chain is important to making the RafCycle program successful in delivering more sustainable packaging solutions. The North American launch of the program includes value added partners across the value chain, from UPM Raflatac to printers/converters, brands and recyclers.

“Our RafCycle program proudly boasts more than 120 partners worldwide, and we are honored to bring this solution to sustainability-minded brands in North America who are looking to join us in labeling a smarter future by reducing their label waste,” says Juha Virmavirta, Director, RafCycle Solutions, UPM Raflatac. “We invite any brands looking to achieve their sustainable packaging and zero waste targets to contact us to learn more about how our RafCycle solution can benefit them.”

UPM Raflatac also announces that it has partnered with Sustana and Kal-Polymers to recycle the paper and PET label liner waste from its RafCycle partners.

“Sustana is pleased to support the innovative RafCycle program and to be part of the circular economy, by renewing fiber that is often landfilled, and turning it into new paper and tissue products,” says Jay Hunsberger, Vice President, Pulp Sales and Marketing, Sustana.

“Our recycled materials enhance profits, reduce costs, maintain quality and support sustainability,” says Gobi Saha, President, Kal-Polymers. “We have joined UPM Raflatac’s RafCycle program to help give label liner waste a new life.”

“By signing on as a RafCycle partner, we will help our customers and brand owners build their legacy as a responsible business and reduce their environmental footprint,” adds Tyler Matusevich, Sustainability Manager, Americas, UPM Raflatac. “Our RafCycle waste management concept shows how we can work together to think and act circular. Special thanks to Fort Dearborn Company, Sustana and Kal-Polymers for taking this important step in creating a more circular economy.”
https://www.upm.com/about-us/for-media/releases/2018/12/upm-raflatac-expands-rafcycle-label-liner-recycling-solution-to-north-america/

Related Posts

FSC Aligned Certification for EUDR and system-wide changes now live

The FSC Regulatory Module and FSC Risk Assessment Framework comprise FSC Aligned Certification for EUDR, along with system-wide updates to operationalize these changes and align with the intention of the Policy to Address Conversion. The launch of these requirements ensures that our certification system remains robust and relevant in the evolving regulatory landscape. The Risk Assessment Framework and other system-wide changes are also applicable for Certificate Holders not affected by EUDR. This new voluntary add-on module FSC-STD-01-004 FSC Regulatory Module supports EUDR compliance by providing additional requirements for Forest Management, Chain of Custody, and Controlled Wood Certification as well as accreditation requirements. It is designed to help companies use their FSC certification to meet EUDR’s stringent requirements by taking the guesswork out of what is required on top of FSC certification. The module outlines robust due diligence systems, conducting thorough risk assessments with FSC’s Risk Assessment Framework, and maintaining transparent supply chain documentation.

What is sustainable forestry – and why is it critical in mitigating against climate change?

Sustainable forestry is about caring for the long-term resilience of forests and is often wrongly associated with the environmentally and socially destructive practice of deforestation. Deforestation is one of the largest contributors to climate change because when trees are lost to forest fires or die and decay due to insects or disease without proper regeneration, the stored carbon is permanently released into the atmosphere. Forests are considered carbon sinks, because as trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the air, converting it into plant matter by way of photosynthesis. It’s well-documented that the destruction of these naturally occurring carbon sinks is detrimental to our environment and the balance of global temperatures. The commitment made in November 2022 at the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) is evidence of this significance, with leaders representing over 85% of the world’s forests pledging to halve and reverse deforestation and land degradation by 2030.

How Green Are Your Consumers?

On April 22 the world celebrated Earth Day. But many consumers try to pay homage to Mother Nature all year long through their purchases. According to Influence Central's survey of nearly 1,000 women, 47% identify as “very green.” In fact, 99% of this segment would consider themselves “green moms” and 87% always try to use Earth-friendly practices, like relying on DIYs and green cleaning products. In addition, 40% of the women surveyed would consider themselves somewhat green and 68% of all consumers surveyed consider themselves “green moms.” These consumers are extremely knowledgeable about the products that they purchase. According to Influence Central, 73% of respondents often do research to understand the safety of ingredients exposed to their families and 70% agree that they possess knowledge and expertise about environmentally friendly products. This shouldn't come as a surprise given that 91% of the study's participants buy green products because they're concerned about their family's health. So, brands definitely have an opportunity to meet consumers' growing needs.
Back To Top
×Close search
Search