Sustainability through Innovation

At UPM Raflatac, we aim to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations while also reducing our impact on the environment. In short, we’re aiming for a sustainable future. We hope you share our vision. By combining the efforts of the entire labelling sector we can together make a difference to our industry and our environment.

Introducing environmentally sound technology

When established in the 1970s, UPM Raflatac created new environmentally sound production technology. This technology, still in use today, introduced water-based solutions to the industry. Ever since, environmental management has been a key corporate priority for UPM Raflatac and the benchmark for the whole industry.

Thinking creatively about label waste
Today we’re working even harder to minimize the environmental impact of our operations. We try to reduce waste at all stages of our products’ lifecycles, from the use of raw material through to our customers' processes.

We are also turning labelstock waste into a resource with the RafCycle® waste management programme that collects filmic liner waste to be reused as raw material for UPM ProFi® wood plastic composite products and in other sustainable waste recovery processes.

Sourcing sustainable raw materials

We try to make sure that all our paper labels are produced at PEFC™ (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Scheme™) certified factories. Customers can purchase paper stock knowing that their material comes from well managed certified forests, which are legally logged.

Our PEFC certified label materials are ideal for example to applications in the food industry, retail and logistics. We also hold chain of custody certification for the FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®).

Cleaner manufacturing

Our work to develop innovative products goes hand in hand with the adaptation of our manufacturing techniques to make them as clean and energy efficient as possible. Today, all of our factories in the US, Europe, South Africa, China and Australia have the ISO 14001 environmental certification. The certificate assures our customers and partners that the environmental performance is an important part of our corporate culture.