New PET label film offers more labelling flexibility

Toray Plastics claims that its new PET label film gives label converters the opportunity to achieve superior silicone adhesion performance, to streamline processing and to tap new markets.

The firm’s new technologically advanced co-extruded PET Lumirror PS10 film is FDA-compliant co-extruded polyester PS10 label film that is designed to help converters eliminate costly and time consuming corona treatment or chemical priming processes and produce a high quality label product that prevents migration of silicone to other surfaces. Toray also claims that the film has excellent peel strength and release speed. Applications are diverse and include sophisticated labels used to create and elevate brand awareness.

The use of PET within the packaging sector is expanding rapidly. Indeed according to market analyst Canadean, the material has enjoyed such success in recent years that it now accounts for almost 40 per cent of the global pack mix and is nearly twice as popular as its nearest rival. PS10 is made with a co-extruded sheet consisting of a thin layer of an amorphous material over a thicker layer of crystalline polyester. Excellent physical properties allow it to be easily laminated, printed, or vacuum metallised.

Toray claims that it offers excellent cure stability, resistance to rub off, and thermal stability, as well as superior mechanical properties, including high strength, dimensional stability, and optical clarity. "Value-added label film technology helps converters drive business," said Steve Sargeant, director of new business development at Toray Plastics. "Label converters who must meet stringent silicone bonding requirements, or who seek entry into profitable label markets, can gain significant production and economic advantages with this unique co-extruded technology."

Corona treatment requires the use of two electrodes, one on either side of the film. As a result, both surfaces are treated, which may be unnecessary or even disadvantageous, depending on subsequent processing steps. In addition, equipment previously used for silicone coating can be diverted to profitable applications.