UPM Raflatac New Wave paper labels

Ride the wave of change to boost the recyclability of rigid plastic packaging.

 

The world’s first RecyClass-certified paper label for rigid HDPE and PP

Are you looking for recycling compatible label solution for rigid plastic packaging? New Wave paper labels boost the circular economy — thanks to their compatibility with plastic packaging recycling — and support future beyond fossils with responsibly sourced renewable materials. Make the switch. Close the loop.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Innovating for a future beyond fossils

The New Wave label is more than just a paper label — it’s a groundbreaking result of UPM Raflatac's ongoing commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. We don’t just want to meet industry standards; we want to exceed them with scalable solutions that work.  

The New Wave label material provides functionality for the full life cycle of products, mainly as a paper label for household products and personal care packaging. Available now to customers in EMEIA, followed by the Asian market, this solution offers a different choice for those looking to use label materials from a renewable source.

 

Certified by RecyClass

Brands can now achieve certification for the final rigid HDPE and PP packaging with New Wave label material certified by RecyClass. The Letter of Compatibility confirms the label material is compatible with recycling technologies used at an industrial scale in Europe, and the recyclates can potentially feed a closed-loop material stream.

Letter of Compatibility, Certificate codes: 101-upm-rm, 009-upm-rm

 

Approved for transparent and white, rigid HDPE and PP

Obtaining RecyClass approval for transparent and white HDPE and PP rigid final packaging has been difficult due to the lack of any RecyClass-approved (pressure-sensitive) label. New Wave paper labels are the first of any label solution to be certified by RecyClass for transparent and white HDPE and PP rigid packaging, which requires the highest purity in recycling processes. Naturally, changes in the design or used materials can impact the outcome of the recyclability of a final packaging.

 

Made from renewable materials

At UPM Raflatac, we aim to move beyond fossils with renewable and recycling compatible alternatives — and this label is a game-changer. As a part of our commitment to taking climate action and responsible sourcing, we only purchase third-party certified papers for our products. The New Wave paper label is FSC™ certified (FSC C012530), made from materials sourced from FSC certified sustainably managed forests and controlled sources.

 
 

RecyClass testing method and results

The accredited third-party certification body of RecyClass assessed the recyclability of New Wave paper labels with HDPE and PP bottles with remarkable results:

  • 100% removal efficiency: The New Wave paper label can be considered removable and passes the procedure because the removal efficiency is 100%.
  • ‘Without fibre loss’: The New Wave paper label can be considered “without fibre loss” and passes the procedure as there were no measurable weight changes found, hardly any naked-eye visual residue observation on the filters, and no noticeable wash and rinse water colouration was observed.
 
 
 

Ready to order?

We sell rolls and sheets to label printers worldwide. Find out how to order our label materials below. 

Not a printer? Our face materials, adhesives and liners are selected to match your brand's labeling needs before being assembled into label products. Talk to our experts to receive tailored advice on the right combination of label materials for you. We can also help by recommending these materials to your printer.  
 

 
 

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