UPM Raflatac has developed a range of wash-off film labeling solutions to help brands create a circular economy and accelerate sustainability targets.

 

These clear, white, metallized film label stocks — featuring UPM Raflatac's RW85C wash-off adhesive and a PET liner made from 90 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) content — have been recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) as exceeding its strict standards for recyclable label products. Now available in the Americas and Asia Pacific market regions, the labels are ideal for labeling PET containers in the food, beverage, home care and personal care segments. 

 

Thanks to the RW85C wash-off adhesive, the labels may undergo common PET recycling processes without contaminating any of the PET flake byproducts. During the caustic washing process, the polypropylene labels easily separate from PET containers and float, allowing more high-value, clean PET flakes to be recovered. The clean flakes can then be converted back into PET containers, which promotes a circular economy and reduces the amount of plastic pollution in landfills and the environment. 

 

"As the global drive to reduce plastic waste continues to gain speed, more and more packaging companies are looking for new and innovative solutions to maximize the recyclability of their PET containers," says Junion Zhao, director, films business, APAC, UPM Raflatac. "We are pleased to bring these wash-off labeling materials to market for our customers and brand owners aiming to achieve their sustainability targets."