UPM ProCycle™
Recyclability performance made easy
Adhesive performance. Recycling compatibility.
Meeting your customers' recyclability targets starts with the right label material. UPM ProCycle™ brings together recycling-compatible adhesives and circular label materials in one portfolio, built on advanced adhesive technologies that put recyclability performance within easy reach. Products are externally recognized for compatibility with relevant recycling streams and, where specific functionality is required, supported by independent testing. UPM ProCycle label materials deliver consistent adhesion, efficient converting and high print quality across plastics, fiber and glass packaging. The portfolio includes solutions for rigid plastic packaging.
One circular portfolio enabled by UPM ProCycle™ advanced adhesive technologies
UPM ProCycle uses advanced adhesive technologies, such as wash-off, to support recyclability while maintaining reliable label performance. From converting and application through end use and recycling, circular solutions support consistent performance throughout the full package life cycle.
The portfolio is designed to make label material selection simpler and more straightforward. UPM's global team of adhesive, regulatory and sustainability experts works with you to identify recycling-compatible materials that meet your end-use specifications. This guidance helps align material choices with customer recyclability targets.
Recyclability by design
- Clean separation during recycling processes
- Relevant recycling stream compatibility
- Externally recognized solutions
Simplify selection
- Clearly defined portfolio for streamlined decision-making
- Reduced technical and compliance risk
- Consistent adhesive performance across applications
Partnered support
- Regulatory guidance as requirements evolve
- Sustainability expertise at your service
- Independent testing for proven results
UPM ProCycle™ for rigid plastic packaging
For rigid plastic packaging, label materials play a critical role in recycling performance. Different packaging materials and recycling processes place different demands on label performance, from clean separation during recycling to secure attachment during use.
UPM ProCycle offers recycling‑compatible solutions for rigid PET and HDPE packaging across beverage, food and home and personal care applications. Wash‑off label constructions are designed to separate cleanly during grinding and washing processes, supporting high‑quality recyclate while maintaining reliable label performance.
Beverage
UPM ProCycle offers recycling‑compatible solutions for rigid PET and HDPE beverage packaging, designed for high‑speed labeling operations and clean separation during recycling to protect recyclate quality.
Food
UPM ProCycle solutions support food packaging applications where reliable label performance and recycling compatibility are essential, backed by testing and expertise to support demanding environments and regulatory expectations.
Home & personal care
Balancing durability, appearance and recycling compatibility, UPM ProCycle solutions for home and personal care are designed to stand up to challenging contents while separating cleanly in relevant recycling processes.
Find technical information with our product selector tool
Quickly compare constructions, performance data and sustainability attributes for your specific end uses.
More than products – a portfolio built on expertise and trust
UPM ProCycle stands apart through a clearly defined approach that combines adhesive expertise with circular label materials in one portfolio. Externally recognized solutions are backed by regulatory guidance from a single trusted source. This helps you advise customers on label material choices that meet end-use requirements and support recyclability with greater clarity. The portfolio is designed to evolve, supporting circular solutions across different materials and applications.
✔ Externally recognized recycling compatibility
✔ Independent testing for required label functionality
✔ Compatible with PET and HDPE recycling streams
✔ Reliable adhesive performance
✔ Regulatory and sustainability expertise
✔ Portfolio designed to adapt to changing needs
Recyclability performance made easy by UPM ProCycle™ adhesive technologies and circular products
FAQs about UPM ProCycle™
Label choice directly affects how easily a package can be recycled, because it needs to align with the base material’s recycling stream. Incompatible labels can contaminate the process, reducing recyclate quality. Choosing labels designed for recycling compatibility helps maintain material value and supports better recycling outcomes.
Learn how you can enhance packaging recyclability through label choice in our Packaging recyclability guide.
Wash-off adhesives are designed so labels separate cleanly from packaging during the recycling process. This is particularly important for PET containers, where wash-off adhesives help prevent contamination and support high-quality recyclate. Recovered PET flakes can be converted into new PET packaging materials, reducing waste and improving recycling outcomes.
Solutions are independently tested and externally recognized for compatibility with relevant packaging recycling streams, following regional protocols and guidelines from bodies such as the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and RecyClass.
The UPM ProCycle portfolio currently includes solutions for rigid plastic packaging, specifically PET and HDPE applications used in beverage, food and home and personal care packaging.
Yes. Experts provide guidance to help you navigate changing regulations and sustainability expectations, support material selection for recyclability performance and compliance across packaging types and markets.
UPM ProCycle brings together recycling-compatible adhesives and circular label materials in a clearly defined portfolio, combining adhesive expertise, independent testing and regulatory guidance from a single trusted source.
A portfolio designed to evolve
The UPM ProCycle portfolio combines advanced adhesive technologies with a growing range of circular label products to help you respond to changing recyclability requirements. As regulations and market expectations evolve, solutions help support compliance across packaging types and markets while maintaining reliable label performance. The portfolio is designed to grow, with circular products for additional packaging materials and recycling streams in development – giving you more options to meet changing sustainability and recyclability needs.
Expert support at every stage
Choosing the right label materials is supported by UPM’s global team of adhesive, regulatory and sustainability experts, from early evaluation through to application.