UPM Raflatac's Wash-Off Paper Label Innovation
BEVERAGESPACKAGINGSUSTAINABILITY
The global shift toward sustainability has prompted industries to rethink their materials and processes. In the beverage sector, where millions of containers are reused or recycled daily, the need for labels that facilitate this cycle has never been greater. UPM Raflatac Oy’s recent patent application for an innovative wash-off paper label presents a solution that aligns with these demands, prioritizing environmental responsibility without compromising efficiency.
Why Labels Matter in Recycling
Labels play a critical role in the lifecycle of beverage containers. Traditional labels, often made of plastic or metal foils, pose challenges during recycling. These materials are difficult to remove, requiring high temperatures, alkaline chemicals, and longer wash-off times. These inefficiencies not only increase costs but also negatively impact the environment.
The patent by UPM Raflatac addresses these challenges head-on with a plastic- and metal-free paper label, offering a sustainable and practical alternative. They have also launched a similar this product under their OptiCut™ WashOff solution range.
Key Features of UPM Raflatac's Paper Label
Material Composition:
The labels are free from plastic films and metal foils, making them lightweight and eco-friendly.
They feature a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) with a specialized wash-off additive designed for easy removal.
Wash-Off Technology:
Unlike conventional labels requiring temperatures as high as 85°C with alkaline agents, these labels wash off efficiently at just 40°C in plain water.
The wash-off additive is based on acrylic adhesives combined with a unique resinous material and grafted rosin esters, enhancing adhesive washability under low-temperature conditions.
Enhanced Recycling Compatibility:
The labels maintain high wet strength, ensuring they don’t disintegrate during the wash cycle.
Their reduced wash-off time speeds up the recycling process and lowers energy consumption.
Direct Food Contact Approved:
Suitable for food-related applications, the labels comply with food safety standards, making them ideal for beverage bottles.
Sustainability Benefits
The novel paper label offers a host of environmental advantages:
Energy Efficiency: The low-temperature wash-off process reduces energy requirements.
Chemical-Free Cleaning: Eliminating the need for alkaline agents prevents harmful chemical discharge into water systems.
Material Recyclability: By avoiding plastic and metal components, the labels align seamlessly with paper recycling processes.
The adhesive system in this patent incorporates 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA) for strong adherence during product use while ensuring easy detachment during washing. Manufacturing processes for the labels are versatile, allowing direct adhesive application or transfer from a carrier material, further enhancing production flexibility. The key benefits include:
Cost Efficiency: Reduced energy and chemical use lower operational costs.
Regulatory Compliance: Meets stricter environmental regulations and consumer expectations for sustainability.
Broader Applications: While ideal for beverage bottles, these labels can be adapted to other sectors requiring environmentally friendly labeling solutions.
The OptiCut WashOff solution, backed by patented technology and eco-friendly certifications, is poised to play a pivotal role in meeting the evolving needs of packaging industries. It not only supports efficient recycling processes but also aligns with global carbon reduction goals, making it a valuable solution for brands prioritizing environmental responsibility.