As the labels and packaging industry becomes more sophisticated in its material offerings, PPG continues to see wider adoption of Teslin. The PPG Teslin substrate is a durable, secure and highly printable synthetic paper that excels in applications that demand a tough, high-performance material

The synthetic paper is offered as both a facestock and labelstock.

“Teslin labelstock combines the inherent durability and security of Teslin substrate with high-quality adhesives and liner materials to meet a wide variety of application needs,” explains Fabrizio Mandingorra, PPG business development manager, labels and print, Teslin Substrate. “It is offered in four standard varieties and can be customized for almost any label application, including security, medical-grade, food and beverage, and other specialty label applications.”

Gulf States Label, a label converter in Texas specializing in chemical drum labeling, recently found success by switching to Teslin. Gulf States Label prints for its direct customers and converts pressure sensitive rolls into sheets for a large number of local printers. The move allowed the company to double its capacity and save more than $120,000 annually.

“Teslin substrate can be used across a broad array of applications where durability is needed,” says Mandingorra. “It outperforms other synthetics in its ability to durably protect printed data while providing superior flexibility in print technology compatibility, as well as high-quality text, photo and color reproduction.”

Teslin is microporous, meaning it boasts the ability to absorb and lock inks and toners into its structure to secure printed text and images. “Not only does this characteristic protect Teslin substrate against exposure to moisture and chemicals, it also renders printed data practically impervious to the many scrapes and scuffs it will encounter during packaging and handling,” notes Mandingorra. “Most other synthetic papers lack this porosity, so inks and toners must cure on top of plastic film, making printed information susceptible to abrasion damage.”

Teslin also provides bubble-free application and provides a long-lasting adhesive bond that can endure extreme conditions. The static-dissipative nature of Teslin labelstock helps minimize static buildup during digital printing, improving throughput and print quality. This design feature makes the labelstock suitable for applications that include GHS-compliant chemical containers, brand protection, tamper-evident security, medical/pharmaceutical products and high-end wine and spirits.

PPG Teslin works with a wide range of printing technologies, too. Teslin is compatible with print methods ranging from offset and flexo, to most digital print technologies. Teslin has been designed to be easier to use than other synthetics and printable plastics, since no top-coat or over-varnish are required. In addition, PPG has introduced application-specific grades of Teslin to support customer demand for biodegradable, direct food contact, and program-specific, traceable security applications.

“Due to overall demand for durable, on-demand, digitally printed, color materials, labels continue to grow globally, forcing synthetic paper manufacturers to focus on digital optimization with print OEMs,” says Mandingorra. “The resulting range of available synthetics is enabling printers and label converters to offer more functional solutions to their customers.”