UPM Raflatac, a leading provider of sustainable label materials, has recently introduced its latest collection of wine, spirits, and beverage labels, named Rêverie 3, designed to highlight the potential of eco-friendly label materials available today. As the inclusion of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and post-consumer recycled (PCR) packaging becomes increasingly important for brands, UPM Raflatac’s Rêverie 3 collection embraces a circular approach by utilizing recycled fibers in visually appealing labels.
The Rêverie 3 collection offers packaging designers a versatile array of aesthetically pleasing labels, all manufactured using materials sourced from well-managed, FSC-certified (FSC C012530) forests, recycled materials, and other controlled sources. To showcase the capabilities of these sustainable label materials, UPM Raflatac collaborated with five Spanish design agencies, assigning them the task of creating a new collection.
“The label designs in the Rêverie 3 collection were specifically crafted for high-end wine, spirits, sparkling cider, craft beer, and tomato juice drink applications, with impeccable artwork execution employing different printing techniques overseen by Gráficas Varias,” states Joss Ramel, packaging solutions manager for Spain and Portugal at UPM Raflatac.
The five label materials chosen from UPM Raflatac were as follows:
1. Biarritz WSA PCR-FSC (20% recycled fibers) – This material, designed for high-quality wine and spirits labels, exhibits a natural pigmentation that enhances the labels’ premium appearance. Estudio Series Nemo utilized this material to create a stunning sparkling cider bottle label design.
2. Drops WSA PCR-FSC (100% recycled fibers) – Tailored for high-quality wine and spirits labels, this label material features a unique paper-making process, resulting in an exquisite textured surface with a translucent effect and enhanced tactility. Estudio Maba utilized this material to create an outstanding spirits bottle label design.
3. Fenix WSA PCR-FSC (40% recycled fibers) – Developed for high-quality wine and spirits labels, this paper material displays minimal impurities, providing a delicate hint of its recycled content. Estudio Puigdemont Roca utilized this material to create an exquisite tomato juice bottle label design.
4. Hipster WSA PCR-FSC (100% recycled fibers) – Designed for high-quality wine and spirits labels, this material offers a warm and elegant white shade with a delicate, uneven, felt marked surface, allowing for labels with a unique personality. Estudio Calcco utilized this material to design captivating wine bottle labels.
5. Vintage WSA PCR-FSC (30% recycled fibers) – Ideal for wine, spirits, and beverage labels requiring an authentic and artisanal appearance, this material features a kraft brown shade. Bulldog Studio used this material to create stunning craft beer bottle labels.
Miguel Angel del Baño from Estudio Maba highlights the importance of using such materials, stating, “We designers have a responsibility and a duty to use materials of this kind. The industry is progressing, and suppliers are offering more sustainable options. Having a range of recycled papers with so much personality and quality, that are hyper-specialized, is amazing for us designers.” Albert Puigdemont from Estudio Puigdemont Roca adds, “I was pleasantly surprised by the print quality, especially in terms of relief and stamped finishes, as well as the ease of adherence, fixing, and raising. It seemed impossible to have elegant, high-class recycled paper for premium products, but now, papers of this quality do exist.”
Eulalia Alcaraz, business director at UPM Raflatac, emphasizes the company’s commitment to responsible sourcing and the success of their collaboration with designers. She remarks, “This collaboration has shown that recycled fiber materials can stand alongside other labels and deliver in terms of both quality and impact,” and concludes, “It just demonstrates what can be achieved when high-quality materials combine with creativity.”
In summary, UPM Raflatac’s Rêverie 3 collection showcases the impressive capabilities of sustainable label materials by offering designers a range of visually appealing options suitable for various high-end food and beverage packaging applications. The collaboration with Spanish design agencies has brought these materials to life, demonstrating the potential to elevate the quality and sustainability of packaging through creativity and innovation.
