Three new sustainable label materials have been introduced to the European market by UPM Raflatac. These have been developed to comply with EU legislation that requires all thermal paper sold in Europe to be free of BPA after 2 January 2020.
RAFNXT+ Thermal Eco BPA-free NXT+FSC and Retail Eco BPA-free NXT+FSC label materials can be applied to packaging films and most common boards in short-life labelling applications such as retail weigh-scale, backroom and logistics labelling.
Thermal papers have traditionally used Bisphenol A (BPA) as a colour developer, but new EU legislation requires all thermal paper sold in Europe to be free of BPA after 2 January 2020. RAFNXT+ label materials are 20% more carbon positive than standard paper materials, using less energy and water and generating less waste during their lifecycle.
The materials are also compliant with food contact regulations and can be paired with a variety of adhesives to ensure optimal performance at a range of temperatures.
All products in the range are based on the company’s Forest Positive lifecycle approach and are FSC certified. Ville Pollari, director, VIP & Prime segment, EMEIA, explained, ‘Many brands are incorporating net-positive principles into their strategies and targets, and the Forest Positive concept and RAFNXT+ product range is our answer to this. Our Thermal Eco range now includes products that offer all these benefits and have the added advantage of being BPA free.’
