UPM Raflatac's smart label solution makes recycling smarter than ever


(UPM Raflatac, Helsinki, 13 June 2018 at 10:00 EET) - UPM Raflatac combines digitalization with circular economy. By adding RafMore smart label solution to its RafCycle® recycling process, UPM Raflatac is able to optimize the waste collection process from its customers. The smart labels added to the recycling containers and scanned by a mobile app tell when the customers' waste is ready to be collected.

Per Hasso, Warehouse assistant at Xellia Pharmaceuticals shows how RafMore application works.

RafCycle is a cost efficient waste recycling solution that collects label release liner waste from our partners throughout Europe. The RafMore smart label solution was tested with several RafCycle customers in Denmark and Sweden, and the waste material collected from these customers can be turned into new products at UPM Plattling paper mill in Germany where the paper release liners are de-siliconized and recycled into pulp and paper, closing the loop.

Previously, the waste collection process was done manually, which required a lot of communication between UPM Raflatac and the customers. By combining two innovative solutions, UPM Raflatac makes recycling smarter than ever.

"We now give our RafCycle customers unique codes through which we can track the exact amount of waste and give direct feedback via the RafMore mobile application. This helps us to better manage our logistic processes, making the waste collection process more efficient. By doing so, we offer our customers better service and help them to make more sustainable choices," says Claus Søndergaard, Sales Manager, Denmark, UPM Raflatac.

"We have been using RafCycle for recycling our glassine liners from our production for several years now and it has been a great solution. Recently, we implemented the new RafMore solution which made for logistic efficiency in our warehouse because it moved the planning of RafCycle pickups into the hands of UPM Raflatac. The mobile app itself is easy to install and use. On top of the logistic app solution, we now have a better overview of the total volume that has been moved from waste to a resource," says Per Hasso, Warehouse Assistant, Xellia Pharmaceuticals.

Xellia Pharmaceuticals was an early adopter within the pharmaceutical industry to take advantage of the RafCycle program and enter into a circular economy solution for their glassine waste.

RafMore is much more than a label - it is a completely new innovative solution that allows brand owners to turn ordinary product labels into smart packaging that tells an ever-evolving story. Using the latest digital printing technology, RafMore transforms traditional product packaging into connected packaging with a unique traceable identity. UPM Raflatac is planning to take RafMore into use in other countries.

UPM Raflatac leads the label industry with RafCycle®, an innovative recycling concept that offers a new life for label waste. Label recycling provides numerous benefits to printers, packers, brand-owners, and, of course, the environment. UPM Raflatac currently has more than 100 RafCycle customers globally.

Read more about RafMore smart label solution »

Watch a video about RafMore smart labels »

Read more about RafCycle recycling program »

Click here to download a photo of RafMore application in action »

For further information please contact:
Juha Virmavirta, Director, RafCycle Solutions, UPM Raflatac, tel. +358 20 416143

UPM, Media Relations
Mon-Fri 9.00-16.00 EET
tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com

UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac is labeling a smarter future by developing innovative and sustainable labeling solutions complemented with world-class service. As one of the world's leading producers of self-adhesive label materials, we supply high-quality paper and film label stock for consumer product and industrial labeling through a global network of factories, distribution terminals and sales offices. We employ around 3,000 people and made sales of EUR 1.5 billion (USD 1.9 billion) in 2017. UPM Raflatac is part of UPM - The Biofore Company. Find out more at www.upmraflatac.com.

Follow UPM Raflatac on Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

UPM
UPM leads the forest-based bioindustry into a sustainable, innovation-driven and exciting future across six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. UPM provides sustainable and safe solutions to the growing global consumption. Products are made of renewable and recyclable materials. The group employs around 19,100 people worldwide and its annual sales are approximately EUR 10 billion. UPM shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. UPM - The Biofore Company - www.upm.com

Follow UPM on Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | upmbiofore.com #UPM #biofore