UPM Raflatac partners with Soprema to create construction and insulation materials from labeling waste
06 Dec 2023 --- Self-adhesive paper and film specialist UPM Raflatac is making Soprema its main partner in label waste recycling in the EMEA region. Soprema specializes in waterproofing, roofing and insulation and says it will transform the label waste collected through UPM Raflatac into new construction and insulation materials.
UPM Raflatac uses its own service, branded RafCycle, to help businesses dispose of their linerless labeling waste through a collection scheme. Label waste is converted into insulation solutions, supporting the use of renewable sources in the construction industry at Soprema’s site in France.
“We are excited to announce this partnership with Soprema, as collaboration is key in the circular economy. This cross-industry collaboration not only supports the recycling of liner waste but also allows us to continue providing solutions to avoid other disposal methods, such as incineration or landfilling. The first collections of RafCycle label waste have already been delivered to Soprema,” says Juha Virmavirta, director of RafCycle at UPM Raflatac.
Soprema is a major player in the construction sector. The company has 123 manufacturing sites and over 120 subsidiaries worldwide. The collaboration with UPM Raflatac further underlines its dedication to sustainability, Soprema says.
Insulation materials play a pivotal role in enhancing energy efficiency in buildings. Cellulose wadding is one the best solutions for attic insulation, for example, because it offers high performance in different kinds of weather conditions.
The collaboration will take a new step forward in the integration of the release liner as raw material for an insulation product that is more effective for all-season thermal comfort, Soprema’s management team asserts.
UPM Raflatac has set a target to be the first label materials company to go beyond fossil fuel-based resources. Last month, it teamed up with Lohmann to boost paper liner recycling in the tape industry.
Edited by Louis Gore-Langton
