UPM Raflatac and Logopak partner on carbon-neutral linerless labeling

28 Sep 2022 --- UPM Raflatac and Logopak have partnered to execute carbon-neutral linerless labeling solutions. Using Logopak’s linerless labeling technology and UPM Raflatac’s Linerless Opticut label material, the companies hope to provide solutions for manufacturers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

The companies claim they have created the first robust linerless solution in print and apply labeling. By omitting the label liner, the length and capacity of the label rolls are significantly increased, which saves costs and reduces material use.

“Our vision is to make industrial labeling consistently sustainable to improve the eco-balance in an efficient way,” says Patrick Petersen-Lund, product manager at Logopak.

The linerless solution
The report states that the Opticut label is created without any “significant” pollution. The material reportedly minimizes service time, reduces the need for roll changes and lowers costs. 

Companies steering toward carbon-neutral packing continues to trend.  Logopak and UPM Raflatac aim to achieve high levels of speed, accuracy and reliability with their product, which they state are not present in competitors’ linerless options. 

The linerless labeling technology “enables us to offer complete solutions for our customers, from machinery and software until consumables,” says Petersen-Lund. 

The Logomatic 410 Linerless labeling system is fully automated. The company states the system provides sustainable, flexible and budget-friendly labeling of secondary packaging and shipping cartons. 

The technology Logopak created enables the labels, which are coated with active adhesives, to be cut in individual sizes. They claim to optimize the material input and make economic efficiency.

CO2 emissions 
The raw materials used for the labels are FSC-certified. The certification “ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits,” states the FSC. 

The product also requires fewer raw materials than standard pressure-sensitive label materials. UPM Raflatac and Logopak used their linerless tech to provide a lower waste solution for manufacturers. 

“We have been determined to develop linerless labeling to drive both sustainability and efficiency,” says Ville Pollari, business segment director of paper laminates EMEIA at UPM Raflatac.

Raflatac’s linerless range is certified as a carbon-neutral product by the CarbonNeutral Protocol by Climate Impact Partners. The organization framework provides a “robust and pragmatic blueprint” for carbon neutrality.

Many companies in the packaging industry have been making commitments to carbon neutrality. For example, this month, Huhtamaki, UFlex and L’oreal have all made claims about working toward becoming carbon-neutral. 

Looking back
UPM has invested €13 million (US$15.6 million) to create its line of linerless coating and increased slitting and packing capacity. 

Last year, the company noted that the Direct Thermal linerless market had seen approximately 15% year-on-year growth. That same year, they introduced a full range of paper labels made with 100% recycled fibers, designed for food, retail and logistics labeling.

By Sabine Waldeck