Low label density allows easier separation, says UPM Raflatac

By Joe Whitworth

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Recycling Polyethylene terephthalate

UPM Raflatac creates RafShrink PO Decro 45 heat shrink sleeve film
UPM Raflatac will roll out a heat shrink sleeve film which allows easier separation in the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) process due to its low density.

RafShrink PO Decro 45 heat shrink sleeve film will be available in January for piloting purposes.

The label is targeted at end-users especially involved in the recycling process and to offer the sustainable option in their shrink sleeve business.

During recycling, PET flake from shredded bottles and containers sinks during the hot-wash process, while the new label floats and is easily skimmed off.

Low density

A spokeswoman for UPM Raflatac told FoodProductionDaily.com that the low density, less than one, is what makes the film technically advanced.

“The issue that the PET bottle recyclers currently face is that they cannot get pure quality of recycled PET due to not being able to separate the label material from the container. The advantage with our new product is as said in the low density compared to PS, PVC and PET sleeve materials.

“During the recycling process, PET packages and their sleeves are ground into flake prior to a hot wash process which cleans away residues.

“Solids like shredded caps are separated with a sink-float separator. The PET flake sinks in the water while RafShrink PO Decro 45 film floats and is very easily skimmed off.

“This early separation of the sleeve material also gives the best possible quality recycled PET.”

Shrinkage ratio

It has a good shrinkage rate to temperature ratio, which makes it suitable for steam shrinking.

A transverse-direction (TD) shrinkage rate of 50% makes it suitable for a variety of sleeve applications.

This new RafShrink PO Decro 45 will be something new in the EMEA market and will be an innovative addition to our product range,” ​she concluded.

Minimum order quantities start at 3960 m², on lead times as short as 96 hours.

Related topics Processing & Packaging

Related news