UPM’s label papers certified as industrially, home compostable

A wide range of UPM Specialty Papers’ label papers have been certified as industrially and home compostable, helping brand owners and label converters meet their target of prioritizing materials with a sustainable end of life.

The following papers are now proven to be industrially and home compostable according to the EN 13432:2000 and NFT51-800:2015 standards: 

• Face papers: UPM LabelCoat, UPM LabelCoat Prime
• Release base papers: UPM Brilliant, UPM Brilliant Pro

The preferred end of life for any paper is to be recycled as fibers. However, compostability is an area that sets fiber-based and fossil-based materials apart. While it is estimated that fossil-based materials take hundreds of years to decompose, the industrial compostability standard requires that material disintegrates into soil in less than 12 weeks. 

The compostability certification ensures that the labeling materials, given the right conditions, break down into compost suitable for plant growth.

‘Compostability certification also sets the bar high for ensuring the non-ecotoxicity of the material. Therefore, the certification affirms our commitment to product safety and approach to sustainable product design,’ said Susanna Hyrkäs, senior manager, sustainability, UPM Specialty Papers.

UPM has set ambitious responsibility targets for 2030, such as promoting a circular economy and sustainable product design. Recyclability and compostability are part of the solution by ensuring a sustainable product end of life.