UPM Raflatac, a provider of sustainable pressure sensitive labeling solutions, has partnered with EcoBlue to launch its RafCycle recycling solution in Thailand.
Image: Tanarrato Tanaka (left), Pranay Jain and Robert Taylor. Photo: Courtesy of UPM Raflatac.
During an end-user event, UPM Raflatac has launched RafCycle services in Bangkok and announced EcoBlue as the first RafCycle partner in the area.
EcoBlue offers recycling solutions for tough-to-recycle materials like PET label liner waste at its recycling facility in Rayong, which would otherwise be land-filled or incinerated.
UPM Raflatac said that PET liner waste will be collected from RafCycle partners and recycled into new resources, providing various benefits to packers, printers, brand-owners, and the environment.
EcoBlue managing director Pranay Jain said: “The goal of 100% recyclable packaging set out by the consumer product companies requires us to find solutions for waste materials beyond PET bottles.
“Our CircuLiner Program intends to achieve this by providing a recycling solution for the PET liner waste. We are excited about partnering with an environmentally conscious organization like UPM Raflatac and hope to grow this program through RafCycle.”
UPM Raflatac country manager for Thailand Tanarrato Tanaka said: “We are delighted to be able to introduce RafCycle in Thailand in partnership with EcoBlue. Our local team of experts can offer our customers and brands a range of sustainable products and services that will deliver benefits in the local market and beyond.”
Recently, UPM Raflatac has signed up to the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. It will be among 250 organizations, including various packaging producers, brands, retailers and recyclers, as well as governments and NGOs, that have already signed the commitment.
The company aims to extend the recycling program, enabling all the costumers to return their label liners.
UPM Raflatac sustainability director Robert Taylor said: “Labels are everywhere and an integral part of packaging. In expanding our RafCycle program to Thailand, we want to encourage brands to work with us to achieve their recycling targets and to make the plastics economy truly circular.
“Our ambition is to expand the RafCycle solution into other South East Asian markets in due course.”