Features Environment & Sustainability
UPM Raflatac launches sustainable label materials

June 26, 2018 – Three new sustainable, BPA-free label materials for retail, food and logistics applications have been introduced to the European market by UPM Raflatac.

The products enable printers to offer BPA-free, legislation-compliant thermal labels that come with the added advantage of the RAFNXT+ formula of sustainability credentials. Thermal papers have traditionally used Bisphenol A (BPA) as a colour developer. However, new European Union legislation requires all thermal paper sold in Europe to be free of BPA after Jan. 2, 2020.

RAFNXT+ is a next-generation solution for sustainable packaging that optimizes the use of raw materials. The label materials are proven to be 20 per cent more carbon positive than standard paper materials, using less energy and water and generating less waste during their lifecycle. RAFNXT+ label products provide a competitive edge in terms of both sustainability and efficiency, with savings in downtime and start-up waste thanks to fewer reel changes as well as lower packaging and transportation costs. All products in the range are based on the Forest Positive lifecycle approach.

Thermal Eco BPA Free NXT+FSC and Retail Eco BPA Free NXT+FSC label materials can be applied to packaging films and most common cardboards in short-life labeling applications such as retail weigh-scale, backroom and logistics labeling. They ensure compliance with relevant food contact regulations and can be paired with a variety of different adhesives to ensure optimal performance at a range of temperatures. All four label materials are FSC™ certified, which guarantees that the wood raw material used to manufacture them is legally sourced and originates from sustainably managed forests.

“Many brands are incorporating net-positive principles into their strategies and targets, and the Forest Positive concept and RAFNXT+ product range is our answer to this,” Ville Pollari, director, VIP & Prime segment, EMEIA, UPM Raflatac, said. “Thanks to their resource optimization, these products are not only more carbon positive than our standard range, but they also help our customers improve their productivity. Our Thermal Eco range now included products that offer all these benefits and have the added advantage of being BPA free.”