Much like the overall narrow web converting industry, the marketplace today for overlamination films is a healthy one, says John Grindstaff, Achem’s North American business development manager.

“One of the sectors we are seeing exceptional growth in is the flexible packaging space, which is due to the demand for more PPE for personal use at home. This market is driving new products being purchased at a level not seen before,” Grindstaff says.

High-end graphic capabilities and low-cost setup are fueling new and more innovative labeling applications. “We are also seeing continued growth in digital printing, which is driving new technologies that are expanding the label and flexible packaging markets. With demand being up for overlamination films, the need for a performance, self-wound overlaminate designed to work specifically with these printers has risen. Digital printing has become more and more common – not just for short runs," Grindstaff says.

BOPP overlaminates are most popular for indoor label applications including extended content, food and beverage, and household goods. “These films provide scuff resistance and additional overall stability to the label at an attractive price point,” Grindstaff explains. The overlaminate not only protects the graphics and improves the appearance, but it is also functional.  Examples include heat-sealable and thermal transfer printable applications.

“For more demanding or outdoor applications, we recommend PET overlaminates,” Grindstaff adds. “PET films provide higher fade and heat resistance and overall durability than BOPPs, making them ideal for industrial equipment labels and any application requiring UL compliance.”

Overlamination films are used in a wide range of markets, including industrial, pharmaceutical, health and beauty, food, pet food and medical applications, to name a few. The ease of use and consistency of self-wound overlaminates over UV varnishes or press-applied films greatly benefits the label converter and frees up a print station, Grindstaff says. “This also helps cut down the amount of cleanup time and changeover from one job to the next. Improving job changeover times and decreasing cleanup is a key component to being more profitable as a printer. Overlamination films accomplish both of these while adding durability and aesthetic appeal.”

According to Grindstaff, some of the challenges associated with the overlamination films are directly related to the technology of today's printers. New digital presses have enhanced performance through the use of designs, inks and materials. “These innovations have increased via digital and hybrid presses,” Grindstaff says, adding, “Overlamination needs to evolve to accommodate these new digital printing technologies. One particular challenge is to be able to print on the outside of the lamination where there is typically a release coating. Currently, self-wound overlaminates are designed to have a surface that releases the adhesive, which might not be compatible with printing. Variable printing on top of the overlaminate is being used for the food and pharmaceutical industries as well as being used in heat sealable applications.  Working with your ink suppliers and testing are keys to success in these markets.”

Customer requirements have changed dramatically over the last decade with expectations passed on to suppliers. “With more digital printers, self-wound printable products will grow as variable print designs become more of the norm. Overlamination films will become more of the design of the label instead of simply a protective film. Adhesives, ink systems and environmental concerns will all contribute to the next generation of overlamination technology. Market demands are currently driving all of these initiatives," he says.

Concludes Grindstaff, “Working with adhesive and ink companies to ensure success will be paramount in addressing evolving lamination films moving forward. Achem will continue to strive for excellence and stay true to our trademark, to ‘Laminate with Confidence’.”