UPM RAFLATAC LAUNCHES PP LABEL MATERIAL WITH RECYCLED CONTENT

UPM Raflatac has launched the first polypropylene label film made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, which uses Sabic's TruCircle technology for the certification of recycled PP products.
UPM Raflatac's PP PCR transparent and white products are manufactured using a chemical recycling technology that uses mass balance methods to provide raw resin materials. These PP PCR films have the same performance as standard PP films and can be used for different labeling applications, including rigid food packaging. Customers and brand owners can achieve the same product performance and reduce their carbon footprint by simultaneously reducing the amount of raw materials used.
"We are very pleased to participate in the transformation of our industry towards more circular solutions. This innovative product is the first practical product on the market. This is the concrete result of our efforts to achieve 'smart labeling and leading the future' beyond fossil materials by developing products that reduce the use of non-renewable materials and treat waste as valuable resources," said Antti J?? skel? Inen said.
The new product is a continuation of the company's vision of using recycled or renewable raw materials. This task began with Forest Film, where (UPM Raflatac) replaced practical fossil-based raw materials with renewable wood materials.
The entire value chain of PP PCR film is certified by ISCC PLUS, a widely recognized sustainability certification program that verifies the predefined and transparent rules of quality balance. Furthermore, it provides traceability of the supply chain from raw materials to the final product.
The PP PCR film leverages Sabic's TruCircle complete technology portfolio, which spans from recyclability design to mechanical recycling products, from certified recycled products from raw material recycling plastic waste streams to renewable products from certified bio-based raw materials.
High-quality post-consumer recycled plastics are produced through chemical recycling, which returns plastic polymers to their original molecules. These can be synthesized into polypropylene, which is made from raw materials and meets strict food safety regulations. The chemical recycling process enables recycled plastics to be used in applications where recycled materials could not be used before, such as food applications.
"Sabic is continuing to reshape and lead sustainability, and we are truly pioneering the path towards a circular economy for plastics. TruCircle is an important milestone in our journey, and with it, we are more committed than ever to collaborating to achieve a closed loop for waste plastics and make our planet better," said Mark Vester, head of circular economy at Sabic.