The UPM Raflatac RW85C PET wash-off solution, which is part of the UPM Raflatac SmartCircle™ sustainable product offering, has received recognition at the 2020 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design Awards (PIDA). Developed in partnership with Kiwi Labels, a New Zealand pioneer in digitally-printed labels, the sustainable solution for cherry punnet rPET packages was nominated in two categories, ultimately taking home bronze in the 2020 Sustainable Packaging Design Special Award-Retail Pack category. The award came as a high mark of recognition for leadership in innovative, sustainable packaging.
According to the NZ Packaging Council, New Zealanders consume about 735 000 tonnes of packaging every year and recycle only about 58 per cent. The New Zealand market is facing an urgent need to develop more sustainable products and solutions to reduce plastic waste. Through continuously improving its innovative product portfolio, Kiwi Labels found the RW85C PET wash-off label adhesive solution to be a truly sustainable way to maximize the recyclability of PET containers, thereby helping brand owners to achieve their sustainability targets.
“We always face the problem that the standard label solution hinders the recycling process as it sticks on the recyclate. With most of the recyclers using old machinery, label choice matters. UPM Raflatac’s RW85C wash-off solution really works well. It enhances the efficiency of the PET recycling process without requiring any changes to our existing labeling equipment,” states Guy Phillips, General Manager at Kiwi Labels.
With a strong commitment to labeling a smarter future beyond fossils, the RW85C PET wash-off adhesive is an ideal film labeling solution meeting the needs of the circular economy. Unlike traditional label materials, the wash-off solution separates easily during the industrial washing process, floating away from the high-value clean PET flakes and allowing a greater yield to be recovered without contamination. These flakes can be converted into new pellets for PET packaging, reducing waste, and improving the efficiency of the plastic recycling process.
“With increased awareness of the environmental issues caused by plastic waste, more and more brand owners recognize sustainability as a key factor in their packaging decisions. We are pleased that our PET wash-off solution can help to build-in and maximize the recyclability of their packaging, thereby enhancing their brand’s value in an increasingly competitive market,” says Philip Bracey, Country Manager of UPM Raflatac New Zealand.
Click here to learn more about how Kiwi Labels has established itself as the front runner in the NZ market with its new PET wash-off solution.
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For further information please contact:
Philip Bracey, Country Manager of UPM Raflatac New Zealand, tel. +64 21 766711
UPM, Media Relations
Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00 EET
tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com
UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac is leading in sustainable labeling through our innovative self-adhesive label materials and services. We offer high-quality paper and film label stock for branding and promotion, informational labels, and labels with functionality. We operate a global network of factories, distribution terminals and sales offices. Our company employs around 3,000 people and made sales of EUR 1.6 billion (USD 1.8 billion) in 2019. UPM Raflatac is part of UPM. Find out how we are labeling a smarter future beyond fossils at www.upmraflatac.com.
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UPM
We deliver renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. As the industry leader in responsibility we are committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and the science-based targets to mitigate climate change. We employ 18,700 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 10.2 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore – Beyond fossils. www.upm.com
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Kiwi Labels
Across 44 years, Kiwi Labels has forged a national presence in FMCG labels. Kiwi Labels are NZ pioneers in digitally-printed labels, a market position which they maintain to this day. Recently Kiwi have successfully entered embellished markets for wine & honey labels. Also from Christchurch, Mark-it Labels enjoyed a loyal nationwide client base in nursery, fresh produce & logistics. In 2017, under the guidance of General Manager Guy Phillips, Kiwi and Mark-it joined forces - creating a broader business, competing in multiple markets. In 2018 Kiwi installed a Prati Vega+ BKL press, and are now producing extended content (multipart/booklet/coupon) labels. In 2019 Kiwi also deployed impactful additional flexo capacity.
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