UPM Raflatac launches new portfolio to combat climate change

FINLAND – UPM Raflatac has taken a significant step forward in sustainability by launching its Carbon Action Plastic Labels portfolio.

This move aims to assist customers in reducing the carbon footprint of their packaging materials and underscores the company’s commitment to the United Nations climate action initiatives.

Despite ongoing efforts, only 15% of the targets outlined in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals are currently believed to be on track.

UPM joined the UN Global Compact Forward Faster initiative in September 2023 to accelerate progress. This initiative expedites advancements toward the Sustainable Development Goals’ 2030 targets, particularly in Climate Action, Living Wage, Gender Equality, Water Resilience, and Finance & Investment.

UPM is dedicated to setting science-based net-zero emission targets aligned with a 1.5°C pathway. Its goals include halving global emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 the latest.

To achieve this, UPM plans to reduce its emissions and those throughout its supply chain while fostering innovation, such as with its Carbon Action portfolio.

Each product within the Carbon Action portfolio supports multiple aspects of the circular economy—utilizing Reduced, Recycled, or Renewable materials designed for Recycling or Reuse.

By doing so, UPM aims to assist printers and brand owners reduce their Scope 3 emissions. The company conducts Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculations through its Label Life service, which DEKRA validates.

The Carbon Action label materials are designed to seamlessly replace traditional options without compromising quality or performance.

UPM anticipates that these products will facilitate its transition from fossil-based materials and serve as a meaningful solution for the packaging industry.

As of yesterday, the initial products under the Carbon Action umbrella have been made available to customers in EMEIA and the Americas, with additional offerings planned for the future.

Katja Kivelä, business director of Food and HPC, Films & Specials at UPM Raflatac, emphasizes, “The launch of our Carbon Action portfolio is more than an introduction of new products; it’s a declaration of our unwavering commitment to sustainability and our customers’ success.

“By providing innovative solutions that can directly contribute to reducing carbon footprint and enhancing circularity, we empower our customers and brands to take concrete steps towards a low carbon circular economy.”

In addition to the Carbon Action initiative, UPM Raflatac has achieved other sustainability milestones, including certifying all its papers as responsibly sourced and recognition from RecyClass for its PE films featuring multipurpose UV acrylic adhesive technology.

At last year’s LabelExpo, Innovia Films unveiled two label face stock films—Rayoface CPE45 and Rayoface WPE45.

These recyclable solutions are thinner than traditional film label materials, enabling customers to reduce their carbon footprints further.

For all the latest packaging and printing industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel.