Environment, Health and Safety
At UPM Raflatac, we understand that we have responsibilities both to society and the world in which we live. When the company was founded in the 1970s we developed new technology to replace solvent-based adhesives with more environmentally sound water-based emulsions. As production expanded and developed in pace with our customers’ needs, hotmelt adhesives were introduced to our product range, using solventless silicone technology.
IS0 14001 environmental standard
UPM Raflatac’s European factories are certified to ISO 14001. This demonstrates a real commitment to continually improving our environmental performance. Regular assessment visits ensure that systems are followed and that objectives and targets for improving environmental performance are set and followed annually. During 2008 and 2009, our ISO 14001 certification is being expanded globally.
Laminate waste
Various wastes are a by-product of the manufacturing process, and targets are set for all factories to reduce waste levels.
- Paper and plastic face and backing materials are sent for recycling.
- Cores are re-used and cardboard recycled where possible.
- In the UPM ProFi project, laminate waste is used with plastic to make a new composite material which can be used for decking and patios. Where this is not possible, laminate waste is sent for use as fuel, i.e. energy recovery. Landfill is the last option, and only if the above are not possible.
- Wastewater levels from the adhesive coating process are minimal. Some factories have a wastewater treatment plant on-site; if not, the wastewater is treated off-site.
- Only small amounts of hazardous wastes are produced.
- Oils from engineering can be recycled, while other hazardous wastes have to be incinerated.
Health and safety
Health and Safety is an issue that concerns us all. Self-adhesive laminates manufactured by UPM Raflatac are safe products in accordance with the material description given by EC Directive 2001/95/EC, Article 2(b).
Material safety data sheets, as referred to in Directive 1999/45/EC, Article 14 and Directive 2001/58/EC (amendment from 91/155/EC), are not applicable to self-adhesive/ materials.