UPM Raflatac unveils BPA-free papers and films

BPA is an organic, synthetic compound used in the manufacturing process of plastics. It is also used as a color developer in the thermal papers. Following the potential negative effect BPA might have on people’s health, the EU set new regulations restricting its use. The new directive will be effective as of January 2020.

To follow future trends and shape industry standards, the company also offers total phenol-free thermal label paper options. The developer used in UPM Raflatac’s materials are non-phenolic, making them chemically different from all other color developers used in the thermal paper market.

‘BPA-free materials are soon to become an industry standard. We will continue to be at the forefront by investing in developing total phenol-free chemistry solutions going forward. By adopting total phenol-free thermal label papers, printers and brands can stay two steps ahead of the competition and protect their market position in the long term for the years to come,’ said Ville Pollari, director of business segment VIP and Prime at UPM Raflatac.