UPM Adhesive Materials receives RecyClass recognitions for its label materials for HDPE container and PET bottle recycling

Press Release 17.9.2025 11:00 EEST

UPM Adhesive Materials has received recognitions from RecyClass for its releasable general purpose RW85C adhesive. In addition to the previously acquired approvals, label materials with RW85C adhesive are now recognized to be releasable in the HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) container recycling and alkali/water releasable adhesive in the PET bottle recycling*. This means that the approved label materials can be recycled in HDPE natural and white and PET bottle recycling streams, further enhancing recyclability and supporting the circular economy.

“Thanks to the immense research of RecyClass, label material producers can now transparently prove their labels do not hinder the recyclability of HDPE and PET packaging. The quality of the highly valued natural and white recyclate can be secured with the right label material, including also the right adhesive technology innovations, which enables the circular economy and enhances sustainability performance. Brand owners will be able to utilize the UPM Adhesive Materials technology approvals to certify their packaging with RecyClass,” says Santeri Marjamäki, Manager, Ecosystem, EMEIA, UPM Adhesive Materials.

“As packaging regulations like the PPWR evolve and sustainability expectations grow, we’re staying ahead of the curve by collaborating with RecyClass to deliver label solutions that meet strict recyclability criteria by design. Our label solutions help brand owners hit their sustainability targets and lead the shift toward a circular packaging economy,” comments Przemysław Sawa, Director, Consumer Label Solutions, EMEIA, UPM Adhesive Materials.

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*Specific conditions of the approval can be found in the RecyClass Technology Approval Letters: 

Letter 1 and Letter 2

Please find the UPM Raflatac products complying with RecyClass recycling requirements here

Read more about our industry collaboration with RecyClass

Click here to download images.

For more information, please contact:
Przemysław Sawa, Director, Consumer Label Solutions, EMEIA, UPM Adhesive Materials, przemyslaw.sawa@upmraflatac.com, tel. +48 669430171

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UPM Adhesive Materials
UPM Adhesive Materials provides high-performance, innovative self-adhesive products, including label materials, graphics solutions, and specialty tapes, as well as reliable services close to customers. We are one of UPM’s fastest-growing global businesses employing around 3,200 professionals. In 2024, our sales reached nearly €1.6 billion ($1.7 billion). Read more: adhesivematerials.upm.com

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UPM
UPM is a material solutions company, renewing products and entire value chains with an extensive portfolio of renewable fibres, advanced materials, decarbonization solutions, and communication papers. Our performance in sustainability has been recognized by third parties, including EcoVadis and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. We operate globally and employ approximately 15,800 people worldwide, with annual sales of approximately €10.3 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.
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