UPM Raflatac has joined the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, alongside 250 organizations including packaging producers, brands, retailers and recyclers, as well as governments and NGOs. 

 

The Global Commitment and its vision for a circular economy for plastic is led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with UN Environment. The commitment was unveiled at the Our Ocean Conference in Bali Oct. 29.

 

By signing the commitment, UPM Raflatac demonstrates its commitment to labeling a smarter future beyond fossils. By developing sustainable labeling solutions and partnerships, UPM Raflatac supports brand owners in eliminating unnecessary plastic packaging and achieving their target of 100 percent of plastic packaging being reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. Innovative solutions such as the RafCycle recycling concept, thin film materials, wash-off adhesives and label materials containing recycled content are good examples of how UPM Raflatac can enable the circular economy.

 

"Labels are everywhere and an integral part of packaging -- wrapped around food, beverages, cosmetics and medicines, to name a few,” says Robert Taylor, sustainability director, UPM Raflatac. “Labels matter, and as the leader in sustainability, we can support brands in meeting their ambitious targets on their journey towards a circular future. We would like to invite our clients, brands and other stakeholders to work with us to make the plastics economy truly circular.”

 

The Global Commitment aims to create 'a new normal' for plastic packaging. Targets will be reviewed every 18 months and become increasingly ambitious over the coming years. Businesses that sign the commitment will publish annual data on their progress to help drive momentum and ensure transparency. 

 

"The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment draws a line in the sand, with businesses, governments and others around the world uniting behind a clear vision for what we need to create a circular economy for plastic,” says Dame Ellen MacArthur, founder of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. “This is just one step on what will be a challenging journey, but one which can lead to huge benefits for society, the economy and the environment. I encourage all businesses and governments to go further and embark on a race to the top in the creation of a circular economy for plastic. One in which this material never becomes waste or pollution.”