UPM Raflatac’s Pressure Sensitive Labels approved by RecyClass
09 Nov 2022

A series of Pressure Sensitive Labels (PSL) developed by UPM Raflatac have undergone testing in accordance with RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocols[1]. The PSLs were evaluated separately for HDPE and PP rigid, coloured recycling streams and have been both approved as limited compatible.

Within the list of tested PSLs were variations of adhesives (UV acrylic hotmelt, acrylic emulsions, and rubber hotmelt) applied on either PE, PO, or PP white facestocks. These types of labels are suitable for Home and Personal care, Food, Oil and Industrial Chemical labeling.

Unprinted labels were respectively applied on either HDPE or PP bottles, depending on the tested stream. The weight of adhesive used within the tested structures ranges between 0.8 and 1.6wt% of the total weight of packaging.

The compatibility with recycling was evaluated at Plastics Forming Enterprises (PFE), in accordance with the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocols for HDPE or PP containers. A total of eight tests were carried out and according to the laboratory results, UPM Raflatac’s PSLs conform to the current European coloured HDPE and PP container recycling streams, provided they are used under specific conditions[2]. The tests demonstrated that plastic generated by the recycling process can be used back in closed-loop applications, such as blow-moulded bottles with up to 25% of this material.

When evaluating the recyclability of a plastic package, every component counts. In the transition toward a circular plastic future, UPM Raflatac’s PSLs are an example of how innovation can contribute toward accelerating the industry’s efforts.

 

[1] RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocols

[2] Full conditions of the approval can be found in the individual Recyclability Approval Letters: ‘PE WHITE / TACKIFIED ACRYLIC EMULSION’; ‘PP WHITE / MULTIPURPOSE ACRYLIC EMULSION’; ‘PP WHITE / STYRENE BLOCK CO-POLYMER RUBBER HOTMELT’; ‘PP WHITE / UV ACRYLIC HOTMELT’; ‘PO WHITE / MULTIPURPOSE ACRYLIC EMULSION’.

 

^{RecyClass Recyclability Approvals
RecyClass issues two types of Recyclability Approvals – Technology Approvals and Product Approvals. These are issued upon conducted testing in accordance with one of the established Recyclability Evaluation Protocols. Testing results are incorporated in the RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines and the Online Tool. The full list of approved Technologies and Products can be found on the RecyClass website.}

^{About RecyClass
RecyClass is a non-profit, cross-industry initiative advancing recyclability, bringing transparency to the origin of plastic waste and establishing a harmonized approach toward recycled plastic calculation & traceability in Europe. RecyClass develops Recyclability Evaluation Protocols and scientific testing methods for innovative plastic packaging materials which serve as the base for the Design for Recycling Guidelines and the RecyClass Online Tool. RecyClass established Recyclability Certifications for plastic packaging, Recycling Process Certification and Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification for plastic products. 
RecyClass – Plastic Future is Circular
Follow the latest news on RecyClass channels:  LinkedIn |  Twitter |  YouTube
Contact: Jean-Emile.Potaufeux@plasticsrecyclers.eu, www.recyclass.eu}

^{About UPM Raflatac 
UPM Raflatac is leading in sustainable labeling through our innovative self-adhesive label materials and services. We offer high-quality paper and film label stock for branding and promotion, informational labels, and labels with functionality. We operate a global network of factories, distribution terminals and sales offices. Our company employs around 3,000 people and made sales of EUR 1.7 billion (USD 1.9 billion) in 2021. UPM Raflatac is part of UPM. Find out how we are labeling a smarter future beyond fossils at www.upmraflatac.com.
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