UPM Raflatac Advances Sustainability Standards with BPA and BPS-Free Direct Thermal Laminates
(UPM Raflatac, Mills River, 15 January 2025, at 15:00 ET) – UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of self-adhesive paper and film products, reports that all manufacturing of their Direct Thermal laminate products in North America will no longer rely on Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Bisphenol-S (BPS) direct thermal developers.
Linked to environmental and health concerns, Bisphenol compounds BPA and BPS are commonly known as developers in the reactive layers of certain direct thermal products, including those used in manufacturing pressure-sensitive label stock. UPM Raflatac collaborates closely with raw material suppliers to ensure that these substances are not intentionally added to its direct thermal products or used in the raw materials for its direct thermal face sheets.
UPM Raflatac's direct thermal products meet the recent legislation deadlines of California's Proposition 65 requirements, which require warnings for products with harmful chemicals. They also intend to comply with the upcoming Washington State's Safer Products Act, which aims to reduce harmful chemicals in consumer goods.
Commitment to Innovation and Responsibility
Product stewardship is at the forefront of UPM Raflatac’s operations. By adopting these latest technological developments, the company minimizes the risks associated with these substances, while championing product stewardship. At the same time, the move represents a tangible step toward reducing the environmental impacts of labeling materials, a crucial consideration in today's eco-conscious economy.
"We take immense pride in the tremendous effort and dedication our cross-functional Raflatac team has shown in achieving the transition of our direct thermal products well ahead of our 2025 goal. This milestone is a testament to their expertise and unwavering focus on excellence," said Zach Franklin, Director of Variable Information Label Solutions at UPM Raflatac, Americas. "At UPM Raflatac, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering safer and more sustainable labeling solutions that benefit our customers."
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For more information, please contact:
Chris Price, Senior Communications Specialist, UPM Raflatac
Mon-Fri 8.00–15.00 ET
tel. +1828 620 7386
Chris.price@upmraflatac.com
UPM, Media Relations
Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00 EET
tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com
UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac offers high-quality self-adhesive paper and film products including label materials, graphics solutions and removable self-adhesive products. We operate 12 factories and deliver our innovative and sustainable products through our global network of distribution terminals. We are one of UPM’s growth businesses and employ around 3,100 people. Our sales reached almost EUR 1,5 billion (USD 1,6 billion) in 2023. 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 Fibres, 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 16,500 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 10,5 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore – Beyond fossils. www.upm.com
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