According to the company, the new UPM Raflatac PE PCR White TC 85 label material is made from 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic from household waste and a minimum of 55% post-industrial (PIR) plastic – to ‘help’ brand owners reach their sustainability goals. “It reduces the use of virgin feedstocks and therefore saves natural resources, contributing to lower environmental impact,” noted Anniina Kujala, segment manager, films at UPM Raflatac.
The development comes as the EU has announced legislation that will require all plastic packaging to be reusable or recyclable by 2030, in addition to regulations aimed at increasing recycling to cover more than 50% of the EU’s plastic waste.
UPM Raflatec is a signatory to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastic Economy Global Commitment and as such, is introducing the new label material to demonstrate its commitment to the circular economy.
PE PCR White TC 85 can be recycled in standard plastic recycling streams, and is available in Europe for the home and personal care markets.