Press release

UPM-Kymmene Oyj: UPM Adhesive Materials plans to expand production capacity in advanced label materials in North America

(UPM Adhesive Materials, Helsinki, July 24, 2025, 15:00 EEST) - UPM Adhesive Materials, formerly known as UPM Raflatac, plans to increase its production capacity in the high-growth market for advanced labels with an investment in its factory in Mills River, North Carolina, USA.

UPM Adhesive Materials plans to implement new proprietary coating technology at its Mills River factory, which will significantly increase its capacity for high-value advanced label materials. This will enable the company to capture new business and increase its share of this growing market. Advanced label materials are used in markets such as wine & spirits, industrial, pharmaceuticals, and postal.

"This investment in new coating technology will enable us and our customers to benefit from new capabilities in advanced label material production," says Brinder Gill, Senior Vice President, Americas, UPM Adhesive Materials. "Additionally, it will bring advanced label production closer to our customers in the Americas, enabling us to service them more effectively."

The Mills River factory has been producing pressure-sensitive label materials under the Raflatac brand for over 25 years. The factory will continue to service UPM customers with high-quality paper and film label materials, in addition to advanced label materials.

For further information please contact:
Anna Hunt, Director of Marketing, Sustainability & Communications, Americas, UPM Adhesive Materials, tel. +18282908593

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

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.

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Read more: upm.com