Greg Hrinya, Editor04.08.24
While trends like automation and digital printing continue to grow, sustainability remains arguably the biggest topic in label and package printing. As brands and consumers seek out more environmentally friendly materials for their packaging, suppliers have ramped up R&D to meet market demand.
Avery Dennison has experienced a growing demand for sustainable paper substrates such as those made from responsibly sourced and recycled fibers. Additionally, the materials must be PFAS free and Bisphenol free.
“Major brands have net zero and targeted GHG emission goals,” says Travis Rue, senior product manager, Paper, Avery Dennison. “In order to support those targets, lightweight papers are becoming increasingly prevalent for a variety of applications, such as packaging and direct mail. This trend continues to grow in the label industry as well.”
Thinner liner and facestocks have become prevalent. In terms of facestocks, many converters are shifting from 60# to 54# and 54# and 48# stocks. The quest for sustainability goes on, but performance, too, must remain a constant.
“Historically, the production of paper was perceived as detrimental to the environment, explains Farminder Anand, senior R&D leader, Avery Dennison. “Over time, the paper industry has undergone significant advancements. These advancements include sourcing wood responsibly (such as avoiding deforestation), making capital investments to minimize environmental impact, and adhering to EPA regulations. In addition, the increased recycling rates have created a shift in perception. Today, responsibly sourced papers, like FSC, are recognized as a biorenewable resource.
“Many converters are seeking information on how they can explore more sustainable paper labels,” adds Anand. “This includes PCW content, thinner label materials and labels that are recycling compatible. There is also growing interest in liner recycling opportunities.”
In Avery Dennison’s newest product launches, the manufacturer has emphasized linerless and eco-constructions. The company’s Direct Thermal blank linerless labeling solutions add efficiency, sustainability and convenience, seamless operations, eliminating liner waste, and reducing downtime.
“Eliminating the liner on Direct Thermal blanks allows customers to get up to 50% more labels per roll,” remarks Rue. “This leads to fewer roll changes, speeding operations and improving warehouse utilization. The Avery Dennison blank linerless labeling solutions offer productivity, sustainability, and safety benefits.”
There are several inherent challenges with designing for the paper facestock market. For starters, numerous mills have shuttered, which complicates sourcing. Suppliers must continue to innovate with new solutions, such as smart labels, while dealing with ongoing supply chain and sourcing disruptions.
“Over the years, many paper mills have either closed down or have converted into making packaging grades,” notes Rue. “This has necessitated new supplier development and is a challenge we must continue to navigate as an industry.
“We are anticipating a shift in packaging materials over the coming years as regulations around single use plastic go into effect,” adds Rue. “As the packaging designs and materials evolve, it will create new opportunities for paper labels to meet those new unique needs. Additionally, we continue to see the growth of RFID and the opportunity for smart packaging in many segments where paper labels are used.”
Avery Dennison has experienced a growing demand for sustainable paper substrates such as those made from responsibly sourced and recycled fibers. Additionally, the materials must be PFAS free and Bisphenol free.
“Major brands have net zero and targeted GHG emission goals,” says Travis Rue, senior product manager, Paper, Avery Dennison. “In order to support those targets, lightweight papers are becoming increasingly prevalent for a variety of applications, such as packaging and direct mail. This trend continues to grow in the label industry as well.”
Thinner liner and facestocks have become prevalent. In terms of facestocks, many converters are shifting from 60# to 54# and 54# and 48# stocks. The quest for sustainability goes on, but performance, too, must remain a constant.
“Historically, the production of paper was perceived as detrimental to the environment, explains Farminder Anand, senior R&D leader, Avery Dennison. “Over time, the paper industry has undergone significant advancements. These advancements include sourcing wood responsibly (such as avoiding deforestation), making capital investments to minimize environmental impact, and adhering to EPA regulations. In addition, the increased recycling rates have created a shift in perception. Today, responsibly sourced papers, like FSC, are recognized as a biorenewable resource.
“Many converters are seeking information on how they can explore more sustainable paper labels,” adds Anand. “This includes PCW content, thinner label materials and labels that are recycling compatible. There is also growing interest in liner recycling opportunities.”
In Avery Dennison’s newest product launches, the manufacturer has emphasized linerless and eco-constructions. The company’s Direct Thermal blank linerless labeling solutions add efficiency, sustainability and convenience, seamless operations, eliminating liner waste, and reducing downtime.
“Eliminating the liner on Direct Thermal blanks allows customers to get up to 50% more labels per roll,” remarks Rue. “This leads to fewer roll changes, speeding operations and improving warehouse utilization. The Avery Dennison blank linerless labeling solutions offer productivity, sustainability, and safety benefits.”
There are several inherent challenges with designing for the paper facestock market. For starters, numerous mills have shuttered, which complicates sourcing. Suppliers must continue to innovate with new solutions, such as smart labels, while dealing with ongoing supply chain and sourcing disruptions.
“Over the years, many paper mills have either closed down or have converted into making packaging grades,” notes Rue. “This has necessitated new supplier development and is a challenge we must continue to navigate as an industry.
“We are anticipating a shift in packaging materials over the coming years as regulations around single use plastic go into effect,” adds Rue. “As the packaging designs and materials evolve, it will create new opportunities for paper labels to meet those new unique needs. Additionally, we continue to see the growth of RFID and the opportunity for smart packaging in many segments where paper labels are used.”