Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor07.21.15
Substrate providers are being influenced by the emerging technologies effecting the label industry.
The market is seeing an upward trend in biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films. According to the “World BOPP Film Market Trends to 2019” study conducted by PCI Films Consulting, BOPP film demand grew by 6.3% annually from 2009 to 2014. In 2014 alone, roughly 7.4 million tons of these films were produced across the globe.
Films are frequently used in the flexible packaging and industrial markets. Flexible packaging includes food and non-food, which is made up of tobacco, pet and flower wrap products, among others. According to PCI Films, 68% of BOPP film is used for food-based packaging applications.
The industrial market consists of predominantly adhesive-based films, and thermal lamination films are growing in graphics applications. Although manufacturers produce films in North America, the highest demand remains in Asia. China, India and Indonesia are the leaders in this space, as China’s BOPP film demand and production occupy 45% of the global market.
The following is a compilation of what some of the industry’s leading suppliers are offering in this space:
Acucote
Acucote stocks polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyesters, vinyls and Tyvek. The Graham, NC-based supplier offers films that are compatible with flexographic, offset, UV, inkjet, thermal transfer and direct thermal print technologies.
The company has recently launched several new product in the films space. Its polyester-based custom void program allows converters to provide customized voiding text and to PMS color match the facestock. In addition, converters can showcase shapes and logos as the void pattern. This program is available in 9.5" x 5,000’ or by master width at 54" x 2,500’ (or more).
As part of its Diamond-Cote SP product line, Acucote has also launched IRComplete. “This single-ply, two-sided message IRC converts exactly like standard pressure sensitive applications – no lamination is required,” explains Melissa Walsh, marketing communications coordinator at Acucote. “Compared to other two-sided coupon solutions, this product offers fewer roll changes, faster setup times, improved run speeds, less scrap and it can be produced on a digital press.”
For promotional displays, security applications and game pieces, the company has also released polystyrene scratch-off solutions. MOQ for silver and black scratch-off applications is 54" x 2,500’.
According to Walsh, customers come to Acucote when they are looking for custom products to stand out from the competition. “Not only do we offer a full line of products, but our strength is custom solutions,” adds Walsh. “We are flexible and do not require our customers to select a product off of a generic product listing. If customers are unsure of which material and adhesive combination will meet their needs most effectively, our Application Development Team will work with them to build a custom-tailored solution.”
Acucote is also conscious of the shift toward environmental friendliness. To become more sustainable, the company has leaned toward thinner films as opposed to PLA or other renewable film sources.
www.acucote.com
Avery Dennison
Avery Dennison recently announced two new films, which are seeing increased use in applications ranging from health and personal care to wine and spirits. Global MDO is a conformable, clear labeling material that can be used with distinctly shaped bottles and containers to enhance shelf appeal. According to Kevin Rinehart, director of Prime Films PLT, Global MDO labels, which are thinner and more sustainable, produce 40% less solid waste and require 37% less energy to manufacture than comparable film labels. In addition, these film products provide twice as many labels per roll.
The Mentor,OH-based manufacturer also offers ClearCut technology. This is an adhesive technology designed for use on the company’s films, and it operates under the motto: “Thinner, clearer and cleaner.”
“ClearCut uses thinner construction, which means more labels per roll and fewer reel changes,” explains Rinehart. “It has outstanding resistance to water whitening, which delivers a no-label look that survives in demanding environments, such as the kitchen or bath. And of course, it looks great on the shelf at retail.”
ClearCut also provides excellent adhesive wet-out and clarity, as well as up to 50% less adhesive bleed than other similar films. “That means full self-adhesive labeling with easier and cleaner operations,” adds Rinehart. “That means reduced equipment downtime, too.”
As in other segments, Avery Dennison’s film offerings are shifting toward green. Its films feature lighter and thinner constructions, and the company has lessened its adhesive coat weight while maintaining performance and wet-out. “Our CleanFlake offering can allow PET bottles to be upcycled into food or beverage containers rather than recycled into a park bench or building material,” says Rinehart. “Innovation is important to us. It’s part of who we are as a company, and sustainability is a major consideration in all that we do.”
www.label.averydennison.com
FLEXcon
FLEXcon, headquartered in Spencer, MA, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of pressure sensitive films and adhesives, as well as coating, laminating and finishing of wide web roll-to-roll polymeric materials. The substrate manufacturer is currently offering sureFLEX, which consists of a series of polypropylene films that come in clear and white. “It is designed to be a multi-purpose, universal product for prime labeling applications,” says Michelle Lamontagne, market development specialist. “It is backed with a VO1 adhesive, which is intended to be used across many different container types.”
This product is suitable for containers that are rigid, semi-squeeze or full-squeeze. The adhesive allows sureFLEX to bond well to low and high surface energy plastics.
FLEXcon has also expanded its optiFLEX reseal product line. The company refers to optiFLEX as its “barrier” product, as the purpose of the film is to provide barrier properties against moisture. One of its main uses comes in food applications, where the film prevents the food from becoming stale. FLEXcon offers optiFLEX in a clear substrate.
In the durables space, the company has developed DRUMcal 51932, a 2.3-mil polypropylene to comply with the updated BS5609 standards. The material needs to last the lifetime of the product, whether it is for GHS or UL testing. This film has been tested and approved on the Microcomplex and Cab printers, which are two new dual head thermal transfer printers. “In addition to that, we’ve also tested and approved this material on the new UV inkjet presses on the market,” explains Brian Ayers, product manager. “It’s the film but also the surface coatings that are put onto it to make sure it meets the end use durability requirements.”
The company has also placed a strong emphasis on becoming more sustainable. In order to accomplish this, FLEXcon has reduced the thickness of the film to make it thinner. “By reducing the thickness of the film, you’re using less plastic material or content, as a whole,” adds Lamontagne. “In terms of the adhesive, we have leveraged and continue to develop emulsion-based, or water-based, adhesive technology because water-based adhesives are more environmentally friendly.”
www.flexcon.com
Ritrama
Ritrama offers a combination of both standard and custom-designed self-adhesive products. The Italian supplier, with production and slitting facilities in Cleveland, OH, USA, is planning to launch new products to complement its line of pressure sensitive film materials in the coming months. Ritrama’s most popular products in the films space include GlobalFlex, ClearFlex, WhiteFlex and MetalFlex. These conformable materials are used for substrates that require semi or full squeeze tolerable materials that do not wrinkle or dart.
The company also features a range of Seal-Reseal materials that cater to different types of flexible packaging substrates with varying levels of surface energy, as well as challenges when the contents come in contact with the adhesive. “There continues to be extensive growth in these type of applications in the market from food products, personal care, household cleaning products, meat and dairy, and with the extensive line of nine adhesives,” says Jouko Lahepelto, global business advisor. “The ability to modify several of these and the ability to mix-and-match allow endless creativity to build the ideal pressure sensitive construction for your select needs.”
Although Ritrama is planning to expand on its line of pressure sensitive film materials, customers still seek “performance” solutions at a competitive price. “We feel that the advantage we have at Ritrama is that we pride ourselves on creating sound solutions right out of the gate, which leads to customer and performance assurance,” adds Lahepelto. “We feel that thoroughly understanding the application and performance needs, in conjunction with our custom solution capabilities, and our ease of doing business, is what we do well and gives us an edge over our competitors.”
www.ritrama-us.com
Spinnaker Coating
Spinnaker Coating, based in Troy, OH, USA, is currently offering PrimeScan facestock in the film sector of the label market. This product can be used for applications ranging from beverages to durable lumber tags. Its thermal transfer printability and 12-month outdoor life make it a suitable prime label option for 4-color graphics.
PrimeScan displays solid performance when paired with cold temperature adhesives for outdoor use, and it embosses and foils well. It will diecut and fold easily, too. In order to help a wide range of customers in various segments, Spinnaker Coating offers both prime and variable films with cold temps, all temps, rubber-based adhesives, removables and layflat options on its Trimless program.
“Spinnaker has been able to benefit customers by offering a variety of film facestocks with less typical adhesive and liner combinations,” explains Julie Billing, product manager, Spinnaker Coating. “Customers need more than just general purpose options; they need the product that works for the application at a good price, low minimum and readily available. Our Trimless program offers these things with as little as a 3"x 5000’ single roll purchase with next day shipment.”
The company has also announced new films for UV inkjet roll-to-roll presses. “The Screen Truepress Jet L350 UV inkjet press is one we are quite excited about,” says Joel Ulrich, digital market manager at Spinnaker Coating. “We have over 40 film products ready for use from clear and white polypropylene with general purpose adhesives to more specialized options, including metalized films, textured surface adhesives, removable options and, of course, many cold temperature offerings for food and outdoor use.”
According to Ulrich, these films have been tested and approved by other UV inkjet equipment manufacturers, including Domino, Jetrion and Durst. Spinnaker Coating’s inkjet films that have been introduced within the last 18 months support the new GHS standard that went into effect in June.
Spinnaker Coating has introduced two new products with PET liners, as well. The line consists of a clear and white polypropylene with a .92 mil PET liner and a 3 mil matte clear PE film, which is suitable for apparel. The new film is designed for sizer strips and other retail apparel needs.
www.spinps.com
UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac has a full range of prime label and variable information films, which features both clear and white rigid and semi-rigid conformable properties. The company’s film offerings include polypropylene, polyolefin, polystyrenes, polyethylene and polyesters. The clear and white polypropylenes continue to be UPM Raflatac’s most popular products in the prime space. The company has also recently released Vanish TC, a clear film that uses a 0.92 mil PET clear in place of more traditional polypropylene films. It is used as an alternative to rigid containers featuring 1.6 mil clear polypropylene and can often be seen in the beverage, cosmetic and food markets on glass and other rigid containers. UPM Raflatac’s films are frequently used in the home and personal care market, as well as the craft beer and craft beverage markets.
According to Bruce Ruppert, production manager, Films, UPM Raflatac, Vanish is an example of the no-label look that is used “to convey perception of high quality to consumers, which is something many brand owners continue to strive for when trying to reposition their products.”
UPM Raflatac’s products are designed to meet its customers’ growing demands, which include sustainability. In order to make a more environmentally friendly product, the company has strived to reduce the thickness of the film face and the liner.
“The once traditional 2.0 mil clear polypropylene on a 1.5 mil PET liner has moved to a 1.6 mil clear polypropylene on a 0.92 mil PET, or even a 0.75 mil PET liner on high volume applications,” adds Ruppert. “Our Vanish TC filmstock features a 0.92 mil clear top-coated PET face and is a new innovation with an even lower caliper than the 1.6 mil, but it matches the performance of 1.6 mil PP on press and the applicator with little or no adjustment.”
In order to meet sustainability goals, especially in the films space, UPM Raflatac has developed a tool called Label Life. With Label Life, the company can enter two products and receive information regarding water usage, energy cost and carbon footprint.
“One example would be if a company moved from our SY14X – 2.0 Mil PP Clear TC RP37 1.2 mil PET liner to our new Vanish TC RP74 0.92 PET liner, we calculate a 19% reduction in energy used to produce, 17% less water used in production and 10% reduction in CO2 emissions,” explains Ruppert. “This is just one small part of UPM’s commitments to be The Biofore Company. Biofore is a new industry category UPM has created to describe the future of the company. Bio stands for future orientation, sustainable solutions and good environmental performance. Fore stands for forest, and the company’s position at the forefront of development.”
www.upmraflatac.com
Wausau Coated Products
Wausau Coated is an Alliance One Select Member for Graphics Media, and it offers a broad line of stocked and custom pressure sensitive film products optimized for HP Indigo presses. Among the company’s offerings are white inkjet polyester, clear inkjet polyester, 2 mil rainbow holographic polyester, clear inkjet polypropylene and white inkjet polypropylene.
According to Kristine Martin, product manager, Teslin, 5 mil Kimdura (for GHS drum labeling) and white vinyl are some of Wausau Coated’s most popular products. “Currently, some of the most popular products are those developed for GHS drum label applications,” she says.
The company’s film portfolio also includes several options engineered for on-demand inkjet printing. Martin states that Wausau Coated has seen “a growing interest” in this films space lately.
“We’ve seen an increased demand for most of our specialty wine label facestocks to be paired with a film liner,” adds Martin. “Being a leader in the development of custom and specialty products, we globally source films that are best suited for a particular end use or application.”
Wausau Coated Products is headquartered in Wausau, WI, USA.
www.wausaucoated.comlnw
The market is seeing an upward trend in biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films. According to the “World BOPP Film Market Trends to 2019” study conducted by PCI Films Consulting, BOPP film demand grew by 6.3% annually from 2009 to 2014. In 2014 alone, roughly 7.4 million tons of these films were produced across the globe.
Films are frequently used in the flexible packaging and industrial markets. Flexible packaging includes food and non-food, which is made up of tobacco, pet and flower wrap products, among others. According to PCI Films, 68% of BOPP film is used for food-based packaging applications.
The industrial market consists of predominantly adhesive-based films, and thermal lamination films are growing in graphics applications. Although manufacturers produce films in North America, the highest demand remains in Asia. China, India and Indonesia are the leaders in this space, as China’s BOPP film demand and production occupy 45% of the global market.
The following is a compilation of what some of the industry’s leading suppliers are offering in this space:
Acucote
Acucote stocks polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyesters, vinyls and Tyvek. The Graham, NC-based supplier offers films that are compatible with flexographic, offset, UV, inkjet, thermal transfer and direct thermal print technologies.
The company has recently launched several new product in the films space. Its polyester-based custom void program allows converters to provide customized voiding text and to PMS color match the facestock. In addition, converters can showcase shapes and logos as the void pattern. This program is available in 9.5" x 5,000’ or by master width at 54" x 2,500’ (or more).
As part of its Diamond-Cote SP product line, Acucote has also launched IRComplete. “This single-ply, two-sided message IRC converts exactly like standard pressure sensitive applications – no lamination is required,” explains Melissa Walsh, marketing communications coordinator at Acucote. “Compared to other two-sided coupon solutions, this product offers fewer roll changes, faster setup times, improved run speeds, less scrap and it can be produced on a digital press.”
For promotional displays, security applications and game pieces, the company has also released polystyrene scratch-off solutions. MOQ for silver and black scratch-off applications is 54" x 2,500’.
According to Walsh, customers come to Acucote when they are looking for custom products to stand out from the competition. “Not only do we offer a full line of products, but our strength is custom solutions,” adds Walsh. “We are flexible and do not require our customers to select a product off of a generic product listing. If customers are unsure of which material and adhesive combination will meet their needs most effectively, our Application Development Team will work with them to build a custom-tailored solution.”
Acucote is also conscious of the shift toward environmental friendliness. To become more sustainable, the company has leaned toward thinner films as opposed to PLA or other renewable film sources.
www.acucote.com
Avery Dennison
Avery Dennison recently announced two new films, which are seeing increased use in applications ranging from health and personal care to wine and spirits. Global MDO is a conformable, clear labeling material that can be used with distinctly shaped bottles and containers to enhance shelf appeal. According to Kevin Rinehart, director of Prime Films PLT, Global MDO labels, which are thinner and more sustainable, produce 40% less solid waste and require 37% less energy to manufacture than comparable film labels. In addition, these film products provide twice as many labels per roll.
The Mentor,OH-based manufacturer also offers ClearCut technology. This is an adhesive technology designed for use on the company’s films, and it operates under the motto: “Thinner, clearer and cleaner.”
“ClearCut uses thinner construction, which means more labels per roll and fewer reel changes,” explains Rinehart. “It has outstanding resistance to water whitening, which delivers a no-label look that survives in demanding environments, such as the kitchen or bath. And of course, it looks great on the shelf at retail.”
ClearCut also provides excellent adhesive wet-out and clarity, as well as up to 50% less adhesive bleed than other similar films. “That means full self-adhesive labeling with easier and cleaner operations,” adds Rinehart. “That means reduced equipment downtime, too.”
As in other segments, Avery Dennison’s film offerings are shifting toward green. Its films feature lighter and thinner constructions, and the company has lessened its adhesive coat weight while maintaining performance and wet-out. “Our CleanFlake offering can allow PET bottles to be upcycled into food or beverage containers rather than recycled into a park bench or building material,” says Rinehart. “Innovation is important to us. It’s part of who we are as a company, and sustainability is a major consideration in all that we do.”
www.label.averydennison.com
FLEXcon
FLEXcon, headquartered in Spencer, MA, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of pressure sensitive films and adhesives, as well as coating, laminating and finishing of wide web roll-to-roll polymeric materials. The substrate manufacturer is currently offering sureFLEX, which consists of a series of polypropylene films that come in clear and white. “It is designed to be a multi-purpose, universal product for prime labeling applications,” says Michelle Lamontagne, market development specialist. “It is backed with a VO1 adhesive, which is intended to be used across many different container types.”
This product is suitable for containers that are rigid, semi-squeeze or full-squeeze. The adhesive allows sureFLEX to bond well to low and high surface energy plastics.
FLEXcon has also expanded its optiFLEX reseal product line. The company refers to optiFLEX as its “barrier” product, as the purpose of the film is to provide barrier properties against moisture. One of its main uses comes in food applications, where the film prevents the food from becoming stale. FLEXcon offers optiFLEX in a clear substrate.
In the durables space, the company has developed DRUMcal 51932, a 2.3-mil polypropylene to comply with the updated BS5609 standards. The material needs to last the lifetime of the product, whether it is for GHS or UL testing. This film has been tested and approved on the Microcomplex and Cab printers, which are two new dual head thermal transfer printers. “In addition to that, we’ve also tested and approved this material on the new UV inkjet presses on the market,” explains Brian Ayers, product manager. “It’s the film but also the surface coatings that are put onto it to make sure it meets the end use durability requirements.”
The company has also placed a strong emphasis on becoming more sustainable. In order to accomplish this, FLEXcon has reduced the thickness of the film to make it thinner. “By reducing the thickness of the film, you’re using less plastic material or content, as a whole,” adds Lamontagne. “In terms of the adhesive, we have leveraged and continue to develop emulsion-based, or water-based, adhesive technology because water-based adhesives are more environmentally friendly.”
www.flexcon.com
Ritrama
Ritrama offers a combination of both standard and custom-designed self-adhesive products. The Italian supplier, with production and slitting facilities in Cleveland, OH, USA, is planning to launch new products to complement its line of pressure sensitive film materials in the coming months. Ritrama’s most popular products in the films space include GlobalFlex, ClearFlex, WhiteFlex and MetalFlex. These conformable materials are used for substrates that require semi or full squeeze tolerable materials that do not wrinkle or dart.
The company also features a range of Seal-Reseal materials that cater to different types of flexible packaging substrates with varying levels of surface energy, as well as challenges when the contents come in contact with the adhesive. “There continues to be extensive growth in these type of applications in the market from food products, personal care, household cleaning products, meat and dairy, and with the extensive line of nine adhesives,” says Jouko Lahepelto, global business advisor. “The ability to modify several of these and the ability to mix-and-match allow endless creativity to build the ideal pressure sensitive construction for your select needs.”
Although Ritrama is planning to expand on its line of pressure sensitive film materials, customers still seek “performance” solutions at a competitive price. “We feel that the advantage we have at Ritrama is that we pride ourselves on creating sound solutions right out of the gate, which leads to customer and performance assurance,” adds Lahepelto. “We feel that thoroughly understanding the application and performance needs, in conjunction with our custom solution capabilities, and our ease of doing business, is what we do well and gives us an edge over our competitors.”
www.ritrama-us.com
Spinnaker Coating
Spinnaker Coating, based in Troy, OH, USA, is currently offering PrimeScan facestock in the film sector of the label market. This product can be used for applications ranging from beverages to durable lumber tags. Its thermal transfer printability and 12-month outdoor life make it a suitable prime label option for 4-color graphics.
PrimeScan displays solid performance when paired with cold temperature adhesives for outdoor use, and it embosses and foils well. It will diecut and fold easily, too. In order to help a wide range of customers in various segments, Spinnaker Coating offers both prime and variable films with cold temps, all temps, rubber-based adhesives, removables and layflat options on its Trimless program.
“Spinnaker has been able to benefit customers by offering a variety of film facestocks with less typical adhesive and liner combinations,” explains Julie Billing, product manager, Spinnaker Coating. “Customers need more than just general purpose options; they need the product that works for the application at a good price, low minimum and readily available. Our Trimless program offers these things with as little as a 3"x 5000’ single roll purchase with next day shipment.”
The company has also announced new films for UV inkjet roll-to-roll presses. “The Screen Truepress Jet L350 UV inkjet press is one we are quite excited about,” says Joel Ulrich, digital market manager at Spinnaker Coating. “We have over 40 film products ready for use from clear and white polypropylene with general purpose adhesives to more specialized options, including metalized films, textured surface adhesives, removable options and, of course, many cold temperature offerings for food and outdoor use.”
According to Ulrich, these films have been tested and approved by other UV inkjet equipment manufacturers, including Domino, Jetrion and Durst. Spinnaker Coating’s inkjet films that have been introduced within the last 18 months support the new GHS standard that went into effect in June.
Spinnaker Coating has introduced two new products with PET liners, as well. The line consists of a clear and white polypropylene with a .92 mil PET liner and a 3 mil matte clear PE film, which is suitable for apparel. The new film is designed for sizer strips and other retail apparel needs.
www.spinps.com
UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac has a full range of prime label and variable information films, which features both clear and white rigid and semi-rigid conformable properties. The company’s film offerings include polypropylene, polyolefin, polystyrenes, polyethylene and polyesters. The clear and white polypropylenes continue to be UPM Raflatac’s most popular products in the prime space. The company has also recently released Vanish TC, a clear film that uses a 0.92 mil PET clear in place of more traditional polypropylene films. It is used as an alternative to rigid containers featuring 1.6 mil clear polypropylene and can often be seen in the beverage, cosmetic and food markets on glass and other rigid containers. UPM Raflatac’s films are frequently used in the home and personal care market, as well as the craft beer and craft beverage markets.
According to Bruce Ruppert, production manager, Films, UPM Raflatac, Vanish is an example of the no-label look that is used “to convey perception of high quality to consumers, which is something many brand owners continue to strive for when trying to reposition their products.”
UPM Raflatac’s products are designed to meet its customers’ growing demands, which include sustainability. In order to make a more environmentally friendly product, the company has strived to reduce the thickness of the film face and the liner.
“The once traditional 2.0 mil clear polypropylene on a 1.5 mil PET liner has moved to a 1.6 mil clear polypropylene on a 0.92 mil PET, or even a 0.75 mil PET liner on high volume applications,” adds Ruppert. “Our Vanish TC filmstock features a 0.92 mil clear top-coated PET face and is a new innovation with an even lower caliper than the 1.6 mil, but it matches the performance of 1.6 mil PP on press and the applicator with little or no adjustment.”
In order to meet sustainability goals, especially in the films space, UPM Raflatac has developed a tool called Label Life. With Label Life, the company can enter two products and receive information regarding water usage, energy cost and carbon footprint.
“One example would be if a company moved from our SY14X – 2.0 Mil PP Clear TC RP37 1.2 mil PET liner to our new Vanish TC RP74 0.92 PET liner, we calculate a 19% reduction in energy used to produce, 17% less water used in production and 10% reduction in CO2 emissions,” explains Ruppert. “This is just one small part of UPM’s commitments to be The Biofore Company. Biofore is a new industry category UPM has created to describe the future of the company. Bio stands for future orientation, sustainable solutions and good environmental performance. Fore stands for forest, and the company’s position at the forefront of development.”
www.upmraflatac.com
Wausau Coated Products
Wausau Coated is an Alliance One Select Member for Graphics Media, and it offers a broad line of stocked and custom pressure sensitive film products optimized for HP Indigo presses. Among the company’s offerings are white inkjet polyester, clear inkjet polyester, 2 mil rainbow holographic polyester, clear inkjet polypropylene and white inkjet polypropylene.
According to Kristine Martin, product manager, Teslin, 5 mil Kimdura (for GHS drum labeling) and white vinyl are some of Wausau Coated’s most popular products. “Currently, some of the most popular products are those developed for GHS drum label applications,” she says.
The company’s film portfolio also includes several options engineered for on-demand inkjet printing. Martin states that Wausau Coated has seen “a growing interest” in this films space lately.
“We’ve seen an increased demand for most of our specialty wine label facestocks to be paired with a film liner,” adds Martin. “Being a leader in the development of custom and specialty products, we globally source films that are best suited for a particular end use or application.”
Wausau Coated Products is headquartered in Wausau, WI, USA.
www.wausaucoated.comlnw