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Beverage label materials delivering reliable runnability and consistent quality

High-performance beverage label materials are essential to keep production lines running without disruption. Fast lines and short runs leave little room for inconsistency. At the same time, labels must maintain consistent aesthetic appeal and perform reliably in moisture, cold storage and demanding handling conditions.

Our UPM Raflatac™ beverage label materials are designed to perform reliably throughout the value chain, maintaining efficient operations while delivering premium visual quality and reliable adhesion across beverage packaging applications. They help you meet industry expectations and sustainability targets – verifiably and with confidence.

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Dependable label performance across the beverage packaging lifecycle

Reduce downtime on high-speed labeling lines

Designed for high-speed printing with frequent SKU changes, our label materials help minimize downtime. Stable, predictable handling and dispensing combined with reliable performance ensure efficient operation across printing technologies and labeling systems.

Deliver consistent print quality across runs

Strong ink adhesion across flexo, offset and digital printing ensures consistent print performance. Uniform surfaces support smooth solids and clean typography, while consistent color across runs helps maintain accurate results for both saturated, vivid designs and clean, transparent labels.

Print recycling-compatible labels with confidence

UPM ProCycle™ wash-off label materials are designed to separate cleanly during grinding and washing processes, supporting high-quality recyclate while maintaining reliable label performance. Solutions are externally recognized for compatibility with PET recycling streams and supported by independent testing.

UPM ProCycle™

Recyclability performance made easy by UPM ProCycle adhesive technologies and circular products

With UPM ProCycle adhesives, you get:

Portfolio designed to adapt to changing needs
Externally recognized recycling compatibility
Independent testing for required label functionality
Support with regulatory and sustainability expertise

Learn more from the in-brief brochure of your region:

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Label solutions designed for a wide range of beverage applications

From ultra-high-speed water lines to cold chain dairy and emerging craft formats, beverage labeling places some of the most demanding requirements on label materials. Our UPM Raflatac label materials are engineered to deliver consistent runnability, adhesion and print quality across beverage applications. PP clear, white and metallized films provide premium printability and color reproduction, while Wet Strength Alkali (WSA) treated papers maintain their appearance even in coolers, ice buckets and refrigerators without discoloration, scuffing or scratching.

Water

With still, carbonated, functional and flavored water bottles, ultra-high line speeds place strict requirements on label runnability and dispensing stability at high volumes. Water bottle labels must withstand cold and wet end-use conditions and resist condensation without losing clarity.

Carbonated beverages

From soft drinks to energy drinks, strong adhesion is essential for PET bottle labels and aluminum can labels in cold and wet conditions. Stable converting supports efficient high-volume production with fewer interruptions, and scratch-resistant materials help maintain visual quality under rough handling and distribution.

Juice and smoothie

Juice, juice concentrate and smoothie applications require consistent adhesion and runnability across a wide range of packaging formats. Pasteurization and cold chain conditions often place additional demands on label materials, requiring resistance to temperature changes, moisture and challenging container surfaces.

Beer and cider

Refrigeration and high humidity create demanding conditions for glass bottle labels and can labels. Beer and cider labels must ensure reliable adhesion, while resisting scuffing and maintaining high visual quality throughout handling and distribution.

Dairy and plant-based drinks

Temperature changes during processing, pasteurization and cold storage can cause container expansion and contraction. Label materials must accommodate these changes to prevent wrinkling, bubbling or adhesion failure while maintaining performance in cold and wet environments.

Emerging beverage applications

From electrolyte and probiotic drinks to mocktails, seltzers and craft beverages, frequent SKU changes and shorter production runs increase the need for flexible production. Label materials must support efficient changeovers and consistent runnability across evolving product portfolios.

Find the right solution for your needs on our Label product finder

Explore label materials for wine and spirits

Why printers choose UPM Raflatac label materials for beverage

Consistent caliper and liner release across rolls and batches supports stable runnability on high-speed filling and labeling systems.

Formulated for reliable ink adhesion across flexo, offset and digital printing, maintaining print clarity from production through cold chain distribution.

Uniform surface finish delivers consistent color accuracy and clean typography across both saturated, vivid designs and transparent labels.

UPM ProCycle wash-off label materials are externally recognized for compatibility with PET recycling streams and supported by independent testing.

Our technical and end-use expertise enables printers to deliver label solutions that meet their customers’ application needs and sustainability expectations.

Consistent supply backed by a global network keeps production running reliably across markets and seasons.

Beverage labels backed by verified standards and global capabilities

High quality based on verified standards

Consistent quality based on standardized production and quality control
Complies with packaging regulations and food contact requirements

Sustainability supported by data

UPM ProCycle wash-off label materials are externally recognized for compatibility with PET recycling streams
Our paper label material selection features FSC™-certified products (FSC C012530) across key grades in the portfolio. All our purchased papers are certified under third-party forest certification schemes, reinforcing our commitment to responsible sourcing.
UPM Label Life provides DEKRA-validated life cycle assessment calculations for UPM Raflatac label materials

Optimized for operational scalability

Consistent and agile material performance across beverage applications and portfolio changes
Supports short runs and high volumes
Effortless integration across printing technologies and labeling systems

Global supply and expertise

Strong technical support
Reliable supply backed by global manufacturing and distribution network

Label solutions that support beverage packaging sustainability goals

Our UPM Raflatac beverage label materials help support sustainability targets while maintaining reliable converting and end-use performance across demanding beverage packaging environments. They also support packaging development aligned with evolving recyclability and material efficiency requirements, including PPWR-driven (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) label solutions.

Labels engineered for packaging recyclability

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.

Recycled content designed for consistent performance

Switching to labels made with recycled materials helps to reduce dependence on virgin feedstocks without compromising performance. Our comprehensive range of PCR (post-consumer recycled) films and papers replaces virgin raw materials across various applications. With the recycled-content substrates, we help reduce reliance on finite resources while maintaining consistent performance and confidently demonstrating progress toward achieving circular packaging goals.

Reduced material use with proven performance

Reduce raw material consumption without compromising performance. Our extensive portfolio includes thinner label materials engineered for beverage applications, delivering consistent converting and end-use reliability. Thinner materials also deliver more labels per roll, helping you improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and lower transport and packaging costs while supporting your sustainability targets.

Different label placements, different performance requirements

Front labels

Front labels must combine strong visual quality with reliable performance in high-speed production. Label materials need to support consistent print results and adhesion across different containers and conditions.

Back labels

Back labels often carry regulatory and variable information, requiring consistent print quality and production flexibility. Materials must support efficient converting and reliable performance across both conventional and on-demand printing.

Neck labels

Neck labels require good conformability on smaller, curved surfaces. Label materials must ensure reliable adhesion and consistent dispensing, even at high application speeds.

Seal labels

Seal labels serve a functional role in ensuring product integrity and tamper evidence. Materials must provide reliable adhesion and conformability while performing consistently in production and application.

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