Aluminium cans recycler Novelis has confirmed that the UPM Raflatac’s 23 micron Vanish label film is sufficiently light and does not affect the quality of recycled aluminum.
The ultra-thin Vanish PET label film, which is proved to be recycling-compatible, allows three functionalities which were previously considered impossible.
These include self-adhesive labeling on beverage cans; recyclability with aluminium cans; and the opportunity for beverage brands to market small batches cost-effectively.
UPM Raflatac films director Tuomo Wall said: "Vanish is an attractive and exceptionally versatile label material - and an ideal choice for companies like Saimaan Juomatehdas which strive to create high-quality products that are visually impressive.
"VANISH also introduces a solution for product decoration on smaller batches of beer and other beverages in a way that's economically viable and at the same time environmentally conscious.”
Finnish brewery Saimaan Juomatehdas has adopted Vanish by launching a craft beer in labeled aluminium cans.
The cans featuring Vanish lable are integrated into a refundable deposit system for recycling.
With recycling rate as high as 95%, the refundable deposit cans are said to be the most recycled container category, UPM Raflatac said.
Saimaan Juomatehdas CEO Jussi Laukkanen said: "Saimaan Juomatehdas is committed to sustainability, so we wanted to come up with a canning solution for our smaller beverage batches that would match our principles.
“We explored different options and discovered the Vanish label material. Together with UPM Raflatac and Auraprint, a printing house specializing in labeling solutions, we started looking into the possibility of applying it to recyclable cans - and everything started to fall into place.”