UPM Raflatac reveals “benchmark-setting” lineless label technology for material reduction and production efficiency

02 Feb 2021 --- UPM Raflatac is adding a Direct Thermal (DT) linerless label design to its portfolio, which the company says is a “benchmark-setting” development for industry.

Branded OptiCut, the label is created to prevent paper jamming in machinery and provide strong adhesion with a minimal adhesive build-up in various applications, from rough surfaces to sub-zero temperatures.

OptiCut minimizes service time and offers customers a linerless product with maximum uptime of printer applicators, says the company. This technology also allows for fewer reel changes and a crisp barcode on the package.

“We have developed OptiCut in collaboration with our partners across the value chain. Our innovative and sustainable solution is the optimal choice when you are looking for clean cutting performance on the printer combined with excellent adhesion on the package,” says 

Mauri Suomela, senior vice president of the Paper Laminates division at UPM Raflatac.

DT linerless labeling brings material savings 
DT linerless labeling is an efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional label stock as it brings up to a 40 percent reduction in material usage, says UPM. 

OptiCut adds to linerless labeling solutions that cut out needless material use.Driven by sustainability trends and the need for increased efficiency, linerless has quickly gained ground alongside traditional labeling technologies. 

Boosted by growing demand in end-uses such as grocery labeling, logistics and quick service restaurants, UPM notes the DT linerless market has seen approximately 15 percent year-on-year growth in recent times.

To strengthen its position in the fast-growing linerless label stock market, UPM Raflatac is in the process of building a new production line in Nowa Wies, Poland. 

The €13 million (US$15.6 million) investment includes a new linerless coating line and increased slitting and packing capacity. 

The company is thereby increasing its DT linerless annual production capacity by 100 million m2. 

The new production line is expected to be operational at the end of 2021.

UPM making circular moves 
Last year, UPM launched a label material made of 30 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic from household waste and a minimum of 55 percent post-industrial (PIR) plastic in efforts to reduce its material usage further. 

The remaining 15 percent of the label face consists of virgin auxiliary substances like the PE masterbatch, including the additives and pigments it carries. 

The company is also forming an array of partnerships with other companies, brand owners, material suppliers and organizations like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to improve its practices. 

UPM currently employs around 3,000 people and reported sales of US$1.8 billion in 2019.

Edited

By Louis Gore-Langton