Film Innovation

Film labels offer the versatility and durability necessary for a wide range of converting conditions, which explains why the material is seeing strong growth across the globe. The supply chain constraints regarding paper have only added to their popularity, as more converters are now exploring filmic substrates as a suitable alternative to paper.

Even prior to paper sourcing challenges, film was on the rise. Films are durable throughout a wide range of conditions, from outdoor exposure to harsh chemicals present in industrial settings.

The benefits are plenty, says James Allen Howell, product manager, UPM Raflatac Americas. Films can deliver conformability, water resistance, chemical resistance, a clear-no label look, and increased run speeds. “Films also enable great dot reproduction during printing to be able to print high resolution images with fine details,” he adds.

AWA Alexander Watson Associates has segmented the global labeling market, and the numbers illustrate that filmic materials rival those of their paper counterparts. AWA’s research shows that in 2021, 71,005 million square meters of label materials were p