Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor01.26.15
In order for label printers to produce eye-popping designs while managing costs and waste, label material suppliers must develop innovative products to satisfy converters’ customers.
The paper substrate sector of the industry is anything but static. Paper substrates are undergoing a makeover as suppliers are adjusting to several trends in an evolving marketplace.
There is growing interest in thinner and lighter papers, while converters have taken a long look at PET liners. “Converters are more interested in PET liners than ever for considerations like cost-out, improved runnability, both on press and at application, and – to some degree – for recyclability,” says Lee Green, UPM Raflatac’s product manager of prime papers. “Papers containing post-consumer waste and chain-of-custody certified fibers are often the subject of inquiries, although volumes are still quite small. For the most part, large brand owners drive the discussions.”
As with any consumable, paper substrates are not immune from challenges confronting suppliers. Change has brought the largest complications. Suppliers must keep up-to-date with continual mergers, closings and re-alignments among mills.
“The ever-shifting landscape in paper suppliers is the single biggest challenge in paper substrates,” adds Green. “The paper market today is vastly different than it was five years, much less ten years ago.”
Additionally, the crowded marketplace has fostered competition. In turn, companies are looking for innovative ways to catch the customer’s eye on the shelves. With that in mind, converters and suppliers alike can benefit from an update on the latest products and and trends.
UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac, a manufacturer of self-adhesive label materials, features a diverse portfolio. The company, which has US headquarters in Mills River, NC, offers a full range of paper substrates. These include semi-gloss, high gloss, cast gloss, wine, colors, metalized and security for prime label printing. Thermal transfer, direct thermal, EDP, as well as coated and uncoated laser and inkjet papers for VIP are also available.
For prime label printing, UPM Raflatac’s bestseller is its semi-gloss products. Converters continue to find that they can “upgrade” the commodity substrate with digital priming, embossing and foiling to create appealing labels.
“UPM Raflatac has unequaled global sourcing and logistics,” adds Green. “While most of the sourcing for the North American market is done regionally, UPM Raflatac has relationships with paper suppliers all over the world.
“Raflatac has insights and access into the paper industry that no other pressure sensitive substrate supplier can provide. If a substrate is needed that we do not currently offer, we can find it and source it.”
The company is increasingly improving its quality of digital-compatible products. It offers laser, inkjet and EDP, with laser and inkjet being the most popular among buyers. According to Paul Dickerson, UPM Raflatac’s product manager of EDP, laser, VIP paper, two major digital trends involve “better laser toner anchorage and ink-jet smudge resistance for laser and inkjet papers.”
Dickerson adds that the company provides product consistency in performance and global access to all different types of papers.
www.upmraflatac.com
Avery Dennison
Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials offers products meant to satisfy a diverse customer base. In addition to servicing inquiries about trending applications like digital printing, security labeling and environmental sustainability, Avery Dennison offers a comprehensive portfolio to label converters.
The company’s paper substrates include prime paper, variable information paper, non-pressure sensitive paper and others. Its Select Solutions Mix & Match portfolio allows customers to choose from a range of facestocks in order to meet specific and unique labeling needs.
“From the plain white paper that may be used for a salad dressing bottle label, to a paper substrate on a wine bottle, to holographic and metalized paper, to paper used in the pharmaceutical industry, we typically offer it all,” says David Collins, director of the prime paper and specialty product line team at Avery Dennison. “Our goal is to understand the needs of customers and industry trends in order to provide them with the substrates they need today and in the future.”
Buyers have different requests across the various markets, though. For food, wine and spirits, customers are looking for high-end, textured and uncoated papers. Pharmaceutical buyers, on the other hand, are seeking spot-free papers with high gloss. The home and personal care industries frequently request thinner, whiter papers. A recent Avery Dennison case study discussed the Hidden Barrel Collection from AC Golden Brewing Company. Here, the end goal was a material that would stand out, and the beer brand opted for a real wood veneer material.
Avery Dennison has not ignored the growing digital trend, either: “We have adapted and adjusted our substrates to meet this need to provide our customers with the latest technologies,” adds Collins, noting that the company has invested in experts ranging from its FSC-certified portfolio to digital technologies.
Finally, Avery Dennison has responded to increased demand for security labeling: “More and more of our customers in various industries are asking us about security labeling, including anti-tamper and anti-counterfeit solutions,” says Collins. “We have a security portfolio – which includes our line of tamper-proof labels featuring customizable UV and IR print options, chemical resistant coatings and adhesion to a wide range of substrates – to meet these needs and protect brands.”
www.averydennison.com
Wausau Coated Products
Wausau Coated Products, based in Wausau, WI, USA, offers a wide range of facestocks in addition to a variety of paper liners. While the company offers primary labeling paper substrates such as high gloss, semi gloss and matte, Wausau Coated Products also helps customers with their premium laser, direct thermal and thermal transfer needs, as well as both matte and glossy inkjet papers.
“We have the broadest selection of paper substrates in our wine and spirits product line to include estate and classic papers, as well as felt finish papers, linen, pearlescent, black vellum, recycled and other unique papers,” says Cheryl Bahr, corporate manager of strategic business development at Wausau Coated Products. “Our list is long and we are willing to make it longer.
“Wausau Coated’s strength is developing specialty and custom products that fulfill customer-specific applications and end-use needs,” explains Bahr. “Our custom-engineered equipment allows us to make short runs with reasonable pricing, so customers can unleash their creative side with us. We thrive on new opportunities and challenges, so when there’s a need for a new paper product, we will search until we find a solution.”
She also notes that many of the company’s current employees have come from the paper industry, and their experience is believed to have contributed to the company’s success.
Bahr finds that the use of textured and tactile-effect papers has emerged as a popular choice for Wausau customers, particularly with those serving the wine and spirits market. The company is also noticing that inkjet papers for primary labeling applications have risen in demand, leading to the development of reduced cost face papers.
For Wausau Coated Products, semi gloss, thermal transfer and laser papers have outsold all of their other paper substrates. But as it has had success with these products, the manufacturer is experiencing many of the same challenges that have affected the industry as a whole. With paper machines being pulled out of production and mills shutting down, there are now fewer sources available.
www.wausaucoated.com
Monadnock Paper
In business since 1819, Monadnock Paper produces premium printing papers and technical/specialty papers for a broad range of markets. Upon entering the label business, the paper manufacturer’s initial product featured an uncoated printing surface with durability characteristics that can withstand a broad range of processes, including foiling, embossing, high speed bottling and moisture resistance in an ice bucket.
“We learned that the wine industry has an enviable history of sustainability, and it was time to introduce a high post-consumer recycled content premium label that works,” says Tim Boyd, market sector manager at Monadnock. “Monadnock’s uncoated face paper offers a bright white, FSC-certified, 100% post-consumer-waste fiber sheet that is manufactured carbon neutral (VERs) using renewable electricity (RECs). Significant testing throughout the supply chain ensures the integrity of this product – it’s beautiful and it works.”
Recently, Monadnock entered into a licensing agreement to use Smart Planet’s EarthCoating for beverage labels. According to Boyd, this newer technology offers a “high performance, sustainable alternative to traditional ‘welded’ BOPP film laminated labels that are widely used to protect the brand.”
Among the products popular with the company’s customers are durable, plastic replacement grades and any grade with post-consumer-waste fiber. The beverage market has also become an area of focus. “We’re seeing an explosion in the craft beverage market – beers, spirits, meads and ciders,” explains Boyd, whose company still sees increased demand for premium uncoated papers. “These premium products call for specialty packaging.” he says.
Monadnock is continuing to expand options for those in the wine and craft beverage industries. Additionally, the company is focusing on sustainability by reducing the use of plastics and caustic materials where packaging is over-engineered for its intended use.
Placing an emphasis on sustainability comes with certain drawbacks. “We continue to battle the perception that recycled papers are less bright, less clean and don’t perform well on press or on the bottle,” says Boyd. “We get it. There is a significant time factor and risk when introducing a new substrate into a bottling line. However, through our experience with fine brands across the country, we know this product works and there is no compromise in performance, aesthetics, economics or the environment.”
Boyd believes the benefits strongly outweigh the concerns. “We are fortunate to call many of the largest brands in the world our customers. We don’t chalk that up to luck. It is testament to our uncompromising quality, consistency and innovation.”
www.mpm.com
Green Bay Packaging
Green Bay Packaging, headquartered in Green Bay, WI, USA offers papers for almost every pressure sensitive label use, including primary labeling, variable imaging, digital and specialty applications. Specialty labeling often deals with markets involving wine, mailing tabs, dissolvable products and more.
According to Patricia Mulvey, marketing manager at Green Bay Packaging, semi-gloss is the most popular paper for primary label printing. “Customers will also often request high-gloss, metallic and sparkle papers when they need something ‘to pop’,” she says, adding that more cost effective grades are typically popular in variable imaging categories. Direct thermal and thermal transfer are used for copy, alphanumeric coding, bar codes and other variable data that need to be added by the end user.
Green Bay Packaging offers a line of digital papers that is designed to work with a specific digital technology – Indigo, laser or inkjet. When it comes to digital, glossy stocks are preferred. “The use of digital presses is increasing rapidly,” says Mulvey. “This means that pressure sensitive labelstock manufacturers have to expand their product lines to carry all the different materials that will work on the enormous variety of presses that have been introduced into the market.”
In addition to digital, Mulvey acknowledges the shift toward eco-friendly products. “There is a desire for sustainable products. These could be FSC-certified or recycled content papers, unbleached liners, recyclable liners or recycling compatible adhesives. Thinner materials accomplish two goals – saving money and using fewer resources,” she says. In line with sustainable products, Green Bay has developed a proprietary stock made entirely of recycled products. “We offer a full range of sustainable paper products, including a grade that is exclusive to us – Kona Paper. It is 100% recycled paper made of used coffee bean bags and post-consumer waste material. With a slightly rough texture and the noticeable pieces of jute, this paper makes a unique visual statement, and a statement of environmental responsibility. It is available in three colors, light, medium and dark roast.”
www.gbp.com
The paper substrate sector of the industry is anything but static. Paper substrates are undergoing a makeover as suppliers are adjusting to several trends in an evolving marketplace.
There is growing interest in thinner and lighter papers, while converters have taken a long look at PET liners. “Converters are more interested in PET liners than ever for considerations like cost-out, improved runnability, both on press and at application, and – to some degree – for recyclability,” says Lee Green, UPM Raflatac’s product manager of prime papers. “Papers containing post-consumer waste and chain-of-custody certified fibers are often the subject of inquiries, although volumes are still quite small. For the most part, large brand owners drive the discussions.”
As with any consumable, paper substrates are not immune from challenges confronting suppliers. Change has brought the largest complications. Suppliers must keep up-to-date with continual mergers, closings and re-alignments among mills.
“The ever-shifting landscape in paper suppliers is the single biggest challenge in paper substrates,” adds Green. “The paper market today is vastly different than it was five years, much less ten years ago.”
Additionally, the crowded marketplace has fostered competition. In turn, companies are looking for innovative ways to catch the customer’s eye on the shelves. With that in mind, converters and suppliers alike can benefit from an update on the latest products and and trends.
UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac, a manufacturer of self-adhesive label materials, features a diverse portfolio. The company, which has US headquarters in Mills River, NC, offers a full range of paper substrates. These include semi-gloss, high gloss, cast gloss, wine, colors, metalized and security for prime label printing. Thermal transfer, direct thermal, EDP, as well as coated and uncoated laser and inkjet papers for VIP are also available.
For prime label printing, UPM Raflatac’s bestseller is its semi-gloss products. Converters continue to find that they can “upgrade” the commodity substrate with digital priming, embossing and foiling to create appealing labels.
“UPM Raflatac has unequaled global sourcing and logistics,” adds Green. “While most of the sourcing for the North American market is done regionally, UPM Raflatac has relationships with paper suppliers all over the world.
“Raflatac has insights and access into the paper industry that no other pressure sensitive substrate supplier can provide. If a substrate is needed that we do not currently offer, we can find it and source it.”
The company is increasingly improving its quality of digital-compatible products. It offers laser, inkjet and EDP, with laser and inkjet being the most popular among buyers. According to Paul Dickerson, UPM Raflatac’s product manager of EDP, laser, VIP paper, two major digital trends involve “better laser toner anchorage and ink-jet smudge resistance for laser and inkjet papers.”
Dickerson adds that the company provides product consistency in performance and global access to all different types of papers.
www.upmraflatac.com
Avery Dennison
Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials offers products meant to satisfy a diverse customer base. In addition to servicing inquiries about trending applications like digital printing, security labeling and environmental sustainability, Avery Dennison offers a comprehensive portfolio to label converters.
The company’s paper substrates include prime paper, variable information paper, non-pressure sensitive paper and others. Its Select Solutions Mix & Match portfolio allows customers to choose from a range of facestocks in order to meet specific and unique labeling needs.
“From the plain white paper that may be used for a salad dressing bottle label, to a paper substrate on a wine bottle, to holographic and metalized paper, to paper used in the pharmaceutical industry, we typically offer it all,” says David Collins, director of the prime paper and specialty product line team at Avery Dennison. “Our goal is to understand the needs of customers and industry trends in order to provide them with the substrates they need today and in the future.”
Buyers have different requests across the various markets, though. For food, wine and spirits, customers are looking for high-end, textured and uncoated papers. Pharmaceutical buyers, on the other hand, are seeking spot-free papers with high gloss. The home and personal care industries frequently request thinner, whiter papers. A recent Avery Dennison case study discussed the Hidden Barrel Collection from AC Golden Brewing Company. Here, the end goal was a material that would stand out, and the beer brand opted for a real wood veneer material.
Avery Dennison has not ignored the growing digital trend, either: “We have adapted and adjusted our substrates to meet this need to provide our customers with the latest technologies,” adds Collins, noting that the company has invested in experts ranging from its FSC-certified portfolio to digital technologies.
Finally, Avery Dennison has responded to increased demand for security labeling: “More and more of our customers in various industries are asking us about security labeling, including anti-tamper and anti-counterfeit solutions,” says Collins. “We have a security portfolio – which includes our line of tamper-proof labels featuring customizable UV and IR print options, chemical resistant coatings and adhesion to a wide range of substrates – to meet these needs and protect brands.”
www.averydennison.com
Wausau Coated Products
Wausau Coated Products, based in Wausau, WI, USA, offers a wide range of facestocks in addition to a variety of paper liners. While the company offers primary labeling paper substrates such as high gloss, semi gloss and matte, Wausau Coated Products also helps customers with their premium laser, direct thermal and thermal transfer needs, as well as both matte and glossy inkjet papers.
“We have the broadest selection of paper substrates in our wine and spirits product line to include estate and classic papers, as well as felt finish papers, linen, pearlescent, black vellum, recycled and other unique papers,” says Cheryl Bahr, corporate manager of strategic business development at Wausau Coated Products. “Our list is long and we are willing to make it longer.
“Wausau Coated’s strength is developing specialty and custom products that fulfill customer-specific applications and end-use needs,” explains Bahr. “Our custom-engineered equipment allows us to make short runs with reasonable pricing, so customers can unleash their creative side with us. We thrive on new opportunities and challenges, so when there’s a need for a new paper product, we will search until we find a solution.”
She also notes that many of the company’s current employees have come from the paper industry, and their experience is believed to have contributed to the company’s success.
Bahr finds that the use of textured and tactile-effect papers has emerged as a popular choice for Wausau customers, particularly with those serving the wine and spirits market. The company is also noticing that inkjet papers for primary labeling applications have risen in demand, leading to the development of reduced cost face papers.
For Wausau Coated Products, semi gloss, thermal transfer and laser papers have outsold all of their other paper substrates. But as it has had success with these products, the manufacturer is experiencing many of the same challenges that have affected the industry as a whole. With paper machines being pulled out of production and mills shutting down, there are now fewer sources available.
www.wausaucoated.com
Monadnock Paper
In business since 1819, Monadnock Paper produces premium printing papers and technical/specialty papers for a broad range of markets. Upon entering the label business, the paper manufacturer’s initial product featured an uncoated printing surface with durability characteristics that can withstand a broad range of processes, including foiling, embossing, high speed bottling and moisture resistance in an ice bucket.
“We learned that the wine industry has an enviable history of sustainability, and it was time to introduce a high post-consumer recycled content premium label that works,” says Tim Boyd, market sector manager at Monadnock. “Monadnock’s uncoated face paper offers a bright white, FSC-certified, 100% post-consumer-waste fiber sheet that is manufactured carbon neutral (VERs) using renewable electricity (RECs). Significant testing throughout the supply chain ensures the integrity of this product – it’s beautiful and it works.”
Recently, Monadnock entered into a licensing agreement to use Smart Planet’s EarthCoating for beverage labels. According to Boyd, this newer technology offers a “high performance, sustainable alternative to traditional ‘welded’ BOPP film laminated labels that are widely used to protect the brand.”
Among the products popular with the company’s customers are durable, plastic replacement grades and any grade with post-consumer-waste fiber. The beverage market has also become an area of focus. “We’re seeing an explosion in the craft beverage market – beers, spirits, meads and ciders,” explains Boyd, whose company still sees increased demand for premium uncoated papers. “These premium products call for specialty packaging.” he says.
Monadnock is continuing to expand options for those in the wine and craft beverage industries. Additionally, the company is focusing on sustainability by reducing the use of plastics and caustic materials where packaging is over-engineered for its intended use.
Placing an emphasis on sustainability comes with certain drawbacks. “We continue to battle the perception that recycled papers are less bright, less clean and don’t perform well on press or on the bottle,” says Boyd. “We get it. There is a significant time factor and risk when introducing a new substrate into a bottling line. However, through our experience with fine brands across the country, we know this product works and there is no compromise in performance, aesthetics, economics or the environment.”
Boyd believes the benefits strongly outweigh the concerns. “We are fortunate to call many of the largest brands in the world our customers. We don’t chalk that up to luck. It is testament to our uncompromising quality, consistency and innovation.”
www.mpm.com
Green Bay Packaging
Green Bay Packaging, headquartered in Green Bay, WI, USA offers papers for almost every pressure sensitive label use, including primary labeling, variable imaging, digital and specialty applications. Specialty labeling often deals with markets involving wine, mailing tabs, dissolvable products and more.
According to Patricia Mulvey, marketing manager at Green Bay Packaging, semi-gloss is the most popular paper for primary label printing. “Customers will also often request high-gloss, metallic and sparkle papers when they need something ‘to pop’,” she says, adding that more cost effective grades are typically popular in variable imaging categories. Direct thermal and thermal transfer are used for copy, alphanumeric coding, bar codes and other variable data that need to be added by the end user.
Green Bay Packaging offers a line of digital papers that is designed to work with a specific digital technology – Indigo, laser or inkjet. When it comes to digital, glossy stocks are preferred. “The use of digital presses is increasing rapidly,” says Mulvey. “This means that pressure sensitive labelstock manufacturers have to expand their product lines to carry all the different materials that will work on the enormous variety of presses that have been introduced into the market.”
In addition to digital, Mulvey acknowledges the shift toward eco-friendly products. “There is a desire for sustainable products. These could be FSC-certified or recycled content papers, unbleached liners, recyclable liners or recycling compatible adhesives. Thinner materials accomplish two goals – saving money and using fewer resources,” she says. In line with sustainable products, Green Bay has developed a proprietary stock made entirely of recycled products. “We offer a full range of sustainable paper products, including a grade that is exclusive to us – Kona Paper. It is 100% recycled paper made of used coffee bean bags and post-consumer waste material. With a slightly rough texture and the noticeable pieces of jute, this paper makes a unique visual statement, and a statement of environmental responsibility. It is available in three colors, light, medium and dark roast.”
www.gbp.com