UPM Adhesive Materials Achieves RecyClass Recognitions for Label Materials in HDPE and PET Recycling Streams
UPM Adhesive Materials has announced an important sustainability milestone, receiving new recognitions from RecyClass, the independent non-profit organization dedicated to advancing plastic packaging recyclability across Europe. The recognition applies specifically to UPM’s releasable general-purpose RW85C adhesive, strengthening the company’s role as a provider of label materials that actively support recycling processes and the circular economy.
This latest recognition comes in addition to earlier approvals, confirming that label materials using RW85C adhesive are compatible with both HDPE container recycling and PET bottle recycling systems. Specifically, the adhesive is recognized as releasable in HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) container recycling and as an alkali/water releasable adhesive in PET bottle recycling. With these approvals, UPM’s label solutions are now confirmed to enable recycling in both HDPE natural and white recycling streams as well as PET bottle recycling streams, helping preserve material quality while improving the overall efficiency of plastics recovery.
Supporting the Circular Economy Through Innovation
The recognition from RecyClass is particularly important for advancing the goals of the circular economy, where materials are designed to be reused and recycled without compromising quality. Packaging components such as labels and adhesives have historically posed challenges for recyclers, since residues or incompatible materials could contaminate recycled plastic streams, reducing their value and usability.
UPM’s RW85C adhesive technology directly addresses these concerns. By ensuring that labels can be removed or released during the recycling process, the technology protects the integrity of HDPE and PET recyclates, ensuring that the resulting recycled plastics remain suitable for high-value applications. This not only reduces waste but also supports industries seeking to transition to more sustainable packaging solutions.
Industry Voices on the Recognition
Santeri Marjamäki, Manager, Ecosystem, EMEIA, UPM Adhesive Materials, emphasized the importance of this achievement for the broader packaging value chain.
“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.”
This statement highlights how innovations in label and adhesive design, though sometimes overlooked, are critical to achieving recyclability at scale. By aligning with recognized industry standards, UPM enables brand owners and packaging manufacturers to confidently adopt solutions that comply with recycling guidelines.
Przemysław Sawa, Director, Consumer Label Solutions, EMEIA, UPM Adhesive Materials, added that the recognition demonstrates the company’s proactive approach to future packaging regulations:
“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.”
Sawa’s remarks underline UPM’s commitment to both regulatory compliance and corporate sustainability, ensuring that packaging innovation remains aligned with broader societal and environmental goals.
RecyClass and the Push for Recyclability
RecyClass plays a central role in establishing harmonized recyclability protocols across Europe, providing testing and certification for packaging components to confirm their compatibility with recycling processes. Their methodology evaluates every aspect of packaging—from containers and closures to labels and adhesives—ensuring that materials can be processed effectively in real-world recycling environments.
The fact that UPM Adhesive Materials has earned recognition for RW85C adhesive in both HDPE and PET recycling is a strong endorsement of the company’s R&D investments. It reflects UPM’s active participation in collaborative industry efforts that aim to eliminate barriers to recycling and promote sustainable material flows.
A Broader Commitment to Sustainable Packaging
This achievement aligns with UPM’s broader sustainability strategy. The company has long focused on providing innovative adhesive and labeling solutions that reduce environmental impact, whether through material efficiency, renewable sourcing, or improved recyclability.
By working closely with certification bodies like RecyClass, UPM ensures that its technologies contribute not just to compliance, but also to measurable progress toward circular packaging systems. This benefits not only brand owners seeking to meet corporate sustainability targets but also consumers, who increasingly expect packaging to be both functional and environmentally responsible.
