Press release

UPM-Kymmene Oyj: UPM Adhesive Materials and GeBE reach high-performance milestone leading to lower maintenance costs and longer equipment life span

(UPM, Helsinki, November 18, 2025 at 10:00 EET) - A recent long-term test conducted by GeBE Elektronik und Feinwerktechnik GmbH, a leading provider of thermal printing systems, using UPM Raflatac OptiCut™ RL54 linerless label material has reached an impressive milestone: two million cuts without the need for blade cleaning. This achievement highlights the exceptional processing properties of the OptiCut adhesive, which was specifically engineered to minimize residue and ensure smooth operation in high-speed linerless cutter systems.

The OptiCut RL54 material has now been officially approved for use in GeBE linerless printers. It delivers very good thermal print quality and significantly reduces printhead contamination, contributing to lower maintenance cost and longer equipment lifespan.

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"The extensive testing proved that UPM's linerless label material has exceptional processing properties, which contributes to less maintenance and longer equipment lifespan. For us as specialists in linerless, it brings valuable operational efficiency in printing and cutting," adds Klaus Baldig, Development Manager at GeBE.

GeBE's linerless printers, when paired with UPM Raflatac OptiCut RL54, offer substantial operational advantages. Linerless roll change times are reduced to under a minute, minimizing downtime and labor costs. The ability to achieve up to two million cuts without blade cleaning is a testament to the efficiency of UPM's materials in real-world applications.

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"Building on years of successful partnership in linerless technology development, we are now strengthening our cooperation with GeBE to advance high-performance, sustainable solutions for the Print & Apply market," says Marko Tiainen, Business Growth Manager, Linerless at UPM Adhesive Materials.

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For more information, please contact:
Marko Tiainen, Business Growth Manager, Linerless, UPM Adhesive Materials, marko.tiainen@upm.com, tel. +358 40 653 0074

UPM, Media relations
Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00 EET
tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com

UPM Adhesive Materials
UPM Adhesive Materials provides high-performance, innovative self-adhesive products, including label materials, graphics solutions, and specialty tapes, as well as reliable services close to customers. We are one of UPM's fastest-growing global businesses employing around 3,200 professionals. In 2024, our sales reached nearly €1.6 billion ($1.7 billion). Read more: adhesivematerials.upm.com

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UPM
UPM is a material solutions company, renewing products and entire value chains with an extensive portfolio of renewable fibres, advanced materials, decarbonization solutions, and communication papers. Our performance in sustainability has been recognized by third parties, including EcoVadis and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. We operate globally and employ approximately 15,800 people worldwide, with annual sales of approximately €10.3 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.
UPM - we renew the everyday
Read more: upm.com

GeBE Elektronik und Feinwerktechnik GmbH

GeBE Elektronik und Feinwerktechnik GmbH, based in Germering, has been a leading provider of thermal printing systems for industrial applications for over 40 years. The company develops, manufactures, and distributes high-quality thermal printing systems that are used in logistics, retail, medical technology, parking, public transportation, and many other industries.

Further information: www.gebe.net

Follow GeBE Elektronik und Feinwerktechnik GmbH on: Linkedin | Youtube | Instagram