Plastic Recyclers Approve UPM Raflatac Wash-Off Adhesive for PET Bottle Labels

 

On August 16, UPM Raflatac (HQ Location) announced that the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) approved the company’s 2.6 mil PP Pearlescent TC and 1.6 mil PP Clear TC pressure-sensitive label stocks constructed with RW85C wash-off adhesive as meeting or exceeding the APR Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Label for PET Bottles Critical Guidance Document requirements.

Now available in the Americas market, common end-uses for these new labels include bottled water and juice, with several major international beverage brands already utilizing them or in development to move to more recyclable materials on their bottles.

Ideal for labeling PET bottles, these clear and white polypropylene product combinations can undergo common PET recycling processes without contaminating any of the PET flake by-products. During the washing process, these labels easily separate from the PET container and float, allowing high-value, clean PET flakes to be recovered.

To achieve APR approval, product innovations like these must meet or exceed the most challenging test conditions and strictest guidance criteria developed as the result of a multi-industry consensus of the key issues related to recycling post-consumer PET bottles.

"APR thanks UPM Raflatac for its cooperation in using this important protocol," said Stephen Alexander, Executive Director, APR, in a letter to UPM Raflatac. "The protocol is intended to improve the quality of recycled bottles by helping innovators make informed decisions about the consequences of PET bottle innovations. The impact of this protocol is beneficial to worldwide recycling efforts."

"Meeting APR standards is truly a significant step for UPM Raflatac in demonstrating the company’s commitment to the environmental impact and recyclability of its products," said Daryl Northcott, Director, Films & Specials Business, Americas, UPM Raflatac. "Like all of UPM Raflatac’s label solutions, these new wash-off label materials are backed by our comprehensive technical support, established supply networks, and global expertise. UPM Raflatac has everything that label converters and end-users need to improve their businesses.