Sustainable labels boost circular economy

The first of these is a range of wash-off film labeling solutions that make it easier, during the caustic washing process that is central to the recycling of PET, to separate polypropylene labels from clean PET flake. The key to this concept is UPM Raflatac’s RW85C wash-off adhesive. The clear, white, or metallized film label stocks score additional sustainability points because their release liners are made from 90 percent post-consumer recycled content. According to UPM Raflatac, the labels have been recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) as exceeding APR’s strict standards for recyclable label products.

The other highlight of the UPM Raflatac booth is Vanish PCR ultra-thin clear film labels available with 90 percent recycled content face and liners. These clear, no-label-look labels are said to be a global first for sustainable packaging.