UPM Raflatac has announced plans to invest in new hotmelt manufacturing capability for labelstock converters, at its self-adhesive labelstock factory in Changshu, China.
The new in-house hotmelt adhesive mixing and coating technology is expected to be in use during the first quarter of 2013 and will enable UPM to offer new technology to label converters in order to develop label products.
UPM can also expand its standard paper and film product ranges in the food, retail and tyre industries, as well as in variable information printing (VIP).
The hotmelt coating technology helps to meet the individual needs of brand owners and also the development of new products designed for niche markets.
UPM's customers will benefit from a hotmelt pilot-coating facility and strengthened local R&D capabilities, besides a wider product range.
The company claims that the investment is expected to build up the company's position in the Asian labelstock market further.