UPM Raflatac Sets New Standard in Sustainability with Product Footprints

April 12, 2025, 11:15 pm
UPM
UPM
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Location: Finland, Mainland Finland, Helsinki
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1993
In a world where sustainability is no longer optional, UPM Raflatac has taken a bold step forward. The company has become the first in the labeling industry to embed product footprint data directly into customer quotes. This innovation, known as product passport prototypes (PPPs), is a game-changer. It provides label converters with essential environmental data, allowing them to make informed choices and reduce their carbon footprint.

Imagine a compass guiding you through a dense forest. That’s what PPPs offer to label converters. They illuminate the path toward sustainable material choices. With raw materials accounting for a staggering 70-90% of a converter's total environmental impact, having access to real-time footprint data is crucial. It’s like having a map that shows not just where you are, but also the environmental consequences of each step you take.

The PPPs are seamlessly integrated into UPM Raflatac’s quote documents. This means that as soon as a converter receives a quote, they also get a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of their label materials. Each PPP presents a wealth of metrics covering the entire lifecycle of the label. This empowers converters to evaluate and minimize their environmental footprint right from the purchasing stage.

As corporate sustainability regulations tighten, the timing of this initiative couldn’t be better. The upcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will require certain products sold in the EU to include a digital product passport (DPP). UPM Raflatac’s proactive approach places it ahead of the curve. It’s like being the first to plant a flag on a new territory.

The PPPs are generated by UPM Raflatac’s LCA service, Label Life, which has been validated by DEKRA. This external validation adds credibility to the data, ensuring that converters can trust the information they receive. With over 90% of UPM Raflatac’s label products covered by sales volume globally, this service is not just a novelty; it’s a necessity.

In a landscape where consumers are increasingly demanding transparency, UPM Raflatac’s initiative gives converters a competitive edge. They can respond swiftly to customer inquiries about sustainability, showcasing their commitment to the environment. It’s like having a secret weapon in a competitive market.

The benefits extend beyond just the converters. End consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious. They want to know the story behind the products they purchase. By providing detailed environmental data, UPM Raflatac helps converters tell that story. It’s a win-win situation.

The labeling industry is at a crossroads. With growing awareness of climate change and environmental degradation, companies must adapt or risk being left behind. UPM Raflatac’s initiative is a beacon of hope. It sets a new standard for sustainability in the industry.

But what does this mean for the future? As more companies follow suit, we could see a ripple effect across various sectors. Transparency could become the norm rather than the exception. This shift could lead to a more sustainable economy, where businesses prioritize the planet alongside profits.

The implications of this initiative are profound. By embedding sustainability into the very fabric of their operations, UPM Raflatac is not just responding to market demands; they are shaping the future. They are redefining what it means to be a responsible business in the 21st century.

As we look ahead, the importance of such innovations cannot be overstated. The world is changing, and businesses must evolve with it. UPM Raflatac’s PPPs are a step in the right direction. They provide a framework for other companies to follow, encouraging a collective movement toward sustainability.

In conclusion, UPM Raflatac’s introduction of product footprints in customer quotes is a landmark achievement. It empowers label converters with the data they need to make informed, sustainable choices. As the industry moves forward, this initiative could very well serve as a blueprint for others. The journey toward sustainability is long, but with leaders like UPM Raflatac paving the way, the destination seems more attainable. The future is bright, and it’s green.