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Label release liner recycling made simple with UPM RafCycle™

UPM RafCycle™ is the original label release liner recycling service. Paper and PET liner waste is collected and recycled into new materials, keeping it out of landfill and incineration. Label release liner is an under-addressed waste stream globally. Recycling rates remain low worldwide, even as sustainability expectations rise and regulatory requirements tighten. UPM RafCycle provides a structured, supported approach to liner waste management, with DEKRA-validated CO2 impact data to back it up.

Find out if UPM RafCycle is offered in your area

How UPM RafCycle™ creates value

Reduce label waste through recycling

Paper and PET label release liner waste is collected and recycled into new paper or plastic products, and other innovative solutions. UPM RafCycle diverts liner from landfill and incineration, giving it a second life in the circular economy. The result is a transparent, cost-efficient way to manage release liner waste.

Simple, scalable implementation

UPM RafCycle provides a supported, structured recycling model that integrates into existing operations. Collection, logistics and routing to verified recycling facilities are coordinated by UPM, reducing operational complexity. This makes consistent, scalable implementation across sites achievable without disrupting day-to-day workflows. For brand owners, it helps turn liner waste from a disposal challenge into a managed recycling stream.

Verified data and measurable impact

Regular reporting on recycling volumes and CO₂ impact data supports internal decision‑making, while helping demonstrate measurable progress toward sustainability targets and regulatory requirements. UPM RafCycle’s CO₂ calculation method is validated by DEKRA, ensuring the data is credible and independently verified.

What UPM RafCycle™ means for your business

Across the labeling value chain, pressure to address waste and reduce CO₂ emissions is increasing. Release liner is a material that most operations produce in volume, yet few have a structured end-of-life process for it. UPM RafCycle changes that.

Converters

Partner with UPM RafCycle to offer release liner recycling as part of your sustainability and service offer. Available in select markets, the program helps your customers manage liner waste and demonstrate progress toward their sustainability targets.

Brand owners

Streamline waste management while demonstrating climate commitments. Gain chain-of-custody documentation and credible CO₂ impact data to support compliance and sustainability reporting.

Sustainability teams

Get verified, documented recycling volumes backed by DEKRA-validated data that holds up in regulatory reporting and stakeholder communication.

Talk to us about liner recycling

How does UPM RafCycle™ work?

UPM RafCycle makes label release liner recycling simple. Keep your PET release liner recycling and label backing paper recycling out of incineration and landfills – and in the circular economy.

What sets UPM RafCycle apart

Paper and PET liner in scope, covering paper label backing and PET film release liner
Structured service with hands-on local support where available

CO₂ impact methodology externally validated by DEKRA
Recognized globally by the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design Awards (PIDA), the World Packaging Organization (WPO) WorldStar 2024 and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition

UPM Adhesive Materials works with customers and brands to support better end-of-life outcomes for liner.

Sustainability benefits of recycling label release liner

Increased resource efficiency

Recycling paper release liner helps turn waste into valuable resources while reducing the need for new raw materials.

Recycling not resources

Based on paper-to-paper recycling, assuming a yield of 75% in pulp manufacturing. This pulp avoids the use of chemical pulp in the paper making process.

Material substitution

The use of paper release liner as a raw material in cellulose wadding for insulation substitutes the use of fiberglass.

Reduced CO₂ emissions

Recycling label release liner helps reduce carbon emissions compared to incineration. Data calculation validated by DEKRA.

Paper recycling

Calculated in April 2024 using the example of 100ton liner recycled, 50% via paper-to-paper recycling and 50% via paper-to-insulation material recycling in Europe. For exclusive use by UPM.

PET recycling

Calculated in April 2024 using the example of 100ton PET liner recycled via mechanical recycling in Europe. For exclusive use by UPM. 