.app-navigation__wrapper--for-seo { display: block !important; }

Reduce label carbon footprint for improved packaging sustainability

Choosing lower-carbon label constructions helps reduce Scope 3 emissions, support sustainability targets and meet growing customer expectations for sustainable packaging. Most brands – and increasingly converters – are working toward net-zero commitments and Scope 3 emission reductions.

Our portfolio includes label materials designed to help reduce the carbon footprint of packaging and labeling applications, from renewable and recycled-content materials to resource-optimized constructions. Backed by externally validated LCA data, our lower-carbon label solutions support emission reporting and sustainability targets, and respond to evolving regulatory and customer requirements.

Explore sustainable label materials in our Label product finder

Compare packaging label carbon footprints

Three ways you can reduce the carbon footprint of labels

Renewable label materials

Replace fossil-based raw materials with renewable alternatives. Paper label materials and bio-circular film solutions, such as our UPM Raflatac™ Carbon Action plastic labels, help reduce dependence on virgin fossil resources while maintaining performance across demanding packaging applications.

Recycled-content label materials

Reduce demand for virgin raw materials by incorporating materials that include recycled content. Our portfolio includes film, paper face and liner solutions containing recycled materials, helping support circular material use while maintaining converting and labeling performance.

Resource-optimized label materials

Use less material while maintaining required functionality. Lighter film, paper face, and liner materials, as well as linerless labels can help reduce material consumption, transportation impacts and overall product carbon footprint.

Already a customer? Order via MyRaflatac

New to our sustainable products? Explore our Label product finder

Data-based and verified carbon footprint reduction for label materials

Reducing the carbon footprint of label materials requires a data-based and comprehensive approach. UPM combines renewable, recycled-content and resource-optimized material solutions with science-based climate commitments, verified product carbon footprint data and sustainability expertise to help customers progress toward their climate goals.

Learn more about our climate targets

Compare label materials with UPM Label Life

UPM Label Life provides externally validated life cycle assessment (LCA) data that helps converters and brands compare the carbon footprint of label constructions and identify opportunities to reduce emissions. With LCAs validated by the accredited certification body DEKRA, UPM Label Life provides reliable product-level environmental data to support sustainability decision-making.

Product-level carbon footprint information is also automatically integrated into our customer quotations, helping sustainability considerations become part of material selection and purchasing decisions.

Product-level carbon footprint comparisons
Third-party verified LCAs
Support sustainability reporting

Data integrated into customer quotations
Designed for the regulatory horizon
Over 10 years of in-house LCA development

Learn more about UPM Label Life

Support sustainability reporting with Scope 3 emissions data

To support sustainability reporting and climate target setting, UPM provides selected customers with Scope 3 reports based on annual purchasing data and product-level carbon footprint calculations generated through UPM Label Life. These reports demonstrate how UPM's product footprint data and sustainability expertise can support customers’ reporting and sustainability strategies.

Talk to our experts about Scope 3 reporting

Reducing carbon footprint and enabling circularity go hand in hand

Circular material choices help lower the carbon footprint of labels and packaging across their life cycle. Recycling-compatible labels and recycled-content materials also align with evolving requirements such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Explore packaging circularity solutions

You might be interested in

UPM introduces a new portfolio of label solutions designed for packaging recyclability

News | 05/05/2026 12:00:00 | 3 min

Carbon Action label material portfolio addresses impact of the entire value chain

Story | 01/27/2026 08:07:46 | 3 min

From science to action: how LCA data helps generate business in the changing labeling industry

Story | 10/01/2024 07:00:03 | 4 min