Packaging

UPM Raflatac expands its product range and strengthens R&D resources in China

Thursday 08. November 2012 - UPM's Label business UPM Raflatac is investing in new hotmelt adhesive mixing and coating technology at its self-adhesive labelstock factory in Changshu, China. With this in-house hotmelt manufacturing capability, UPM Raflatac will be offering label converters cutting-edge technology and expertise they require to develop cost-effective and high-quality label products. The new technology will be in use during the first quarter of 2013.

The latest hotmelt coating technology allows UPM Raflatac to expand its standard paper and film product ranges particularly in the food, retail and tyre industries as well as in variable information printing (VIP), where hotmelts provide advantages such as high initial tack and reliable adhesion on chilled, moist or rough surfaces. The new technology also enables the development of special products designed for niche markets as well as shorter runs, meeting the individual needs of brand owners.
In addition to a wider product range, UPM Raflatac’s customers will benefit from a hotmelt pilot-coating facility and strengthened local R&D capabilities. An accelerated development process will bring regionally adapted new products faster to market.
“This investment in the latest technology and local R&D development show that UPM Raflatac is committed to developing solutions that help labelstock converters in the region build their businesses and grow,” says Arto Tuomi, General Manager, UPM Raflatac China. “It also opens new opportunities for us to continually serve the market better.”
The investment is one of the biggest investments at the Changshu factory since its inauguration in 2007 and it further strengthens UPM Raflatac’s position in the competitive Asian labelstock market.