MILLS RIVER – UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of innovative and sustainable labeling materials with two factories in Western North Carolina, raises its climate ambition to accelerate its journey towards being the world's first label materials company beyond fossils. In practice, this means increasing the use of certified fibers and traceability of biobased materials, fostering reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and developing innovative products and services that help brand owners take positive climate action and go beyond their climate goals.

UPM (UPM Raflatac’s parent company) is among the first forest industry companies committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5 °C to take tangible actions to mitigate climate change. UPM has also joined The Climate Pledge which commits the company to achieve net-zero annual carbon emissions by 2040. As part of UPM, UPM Raflatac aims to reduce or replace virgin fossil sources of carbon by applying the principles of reduce, recycle, renew, and reuse through responsible sourcing, sustainable operations and logistics, and innovative products and services.

“Our ambition is also about designing better solutions for the packaging industry through the smart use of materials and enhanced recyclability and reuse. For us, climate has been a strategic issue for a number of years, so we have already made significant headway in our climate ambitions,” says Ashley Drew, Sustainability Manager, UPM Raflatac, Americas. 

UPM Raflatac has taken big steps to make its production more sustainable. The Mills River and Fletcher factories, plus six of ten others around the world, are fully powered with renewable electricity. As a whole, the company has reduced the greenhouse gas emissions of its production sites by 65% since 2015. Furthermore, a high share of UPM Raflatac’s products use certified materials from forests that are managed as carbon sinks.

“The time for incremental improvements has passed and the industry must take bold steps to drive effective climate initiatives,” Drew adds.

UPM Raflatac operates two factories in western North Carolina and an office in Biltmore Park. 

About UPM Raflatac:
UPM Raflatac offers high-quality self-adhesive paper and film products including label materials, graphics solutions, and removable self-adhesive products. They operate 12 factories and deliver sustainable and innovative products through a global network of distribution terminals. One of UPM’s growth businesses, they employ around 3,300 people with sales reaching almost $2.1 billion in 2022. Learn more at UPMRaflatac.com.

About UPM:
UPM delivers renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Fibres, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers, and UPM Plywood. UPM is committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and the science-based targets to mitigate climate change. They employ 17,000 people worldwide with annual sales of approximately EUR 9.8 billion. Learn more at UPM.com.  

Source: UPM Raflatac