Labelexpo Europe 2023 – Materials | 111MATERIALSLabelexpo Europe 2023 was a manifestation of an industry-wide commitment to environmental concerns and innovation, Akanksha Meena reportsco-consciousness dominated the Labelexpo Europe 2023 show foor in materials segment in light of fast-approaching circular economy legislation in different parts of the world.E A central theme across exhibitor stands was the incorporation of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content into label materials, with some manufacturers presenting materials made entirely of recycled content to enable circular economy. A second trend that was apparent at the show was exploring fossil fuel alternatives in the production of labelstock. With the ongoing global emphasis on reducing carbon footprints and embracing cleaner energy sources, manufacturers were keen to introduce label materials that are not dependent on fossil fuels.Patricia Rodrigo, international key account manager, release liner, Mondi, says: ‘Mondi takes sustainability very seriously. Our map says that by 2025 all of our products will be recyclable, reusable or compostable. More customers are demanding recycled content liners and liners that are easy to recycle. There is also a trend of reducing product in the fnal application and reducing emissions.’“MORE CUSTOMERS ARE DEMANDING She continues: ‘Many of the products that are sold in the market are made of virgin fbers and polymers. And there are collection RECYCLED CONTENT LINERS AND LINERS streams but not so many. We use recycled content as much as we THAT ARE EASY TO RECYCLE. THERE IS can. We are also using alternate coatings that are not silicone. If it is silicone, then it comes from renewable resources. And polymers ALSO A TREND OF REDUCING PRODUCT also come from renewable sources.’Elodie Picard, global marketing and strategy director of tapes IN THE FINAL APPLICATION AND and labels/pressure sensitive adhesives, Henkel sums up the trend: ‘Sustainability is a mega trend and everyone is trying to fgure out REDUCING EMISSIONS”how to provide sustainability in the label industry. That means we need to work together from materials and adhesives to inks adhesive (72F), and an effcient resource-saving paper backing suppliers – the whole industry – to achieve this goal.’ material. The rPE PCR white (grade 856) label material is crafted solely from PCR plastic. Adhesive 72F, a joint venture of Herma and BASF, boasts zero carbon footprint and excellent adhesion RECYCLABLE AND PCR CONTENT MATERIALSItalstick presented papers made from 100 percent post-consumer properties. The paper backing minimizes resource consumption. paper waste; grass papers, made of up to 40 percent grass Toyobo offered Crisper and Kamishine white PET flms for label fbers without coloring agents; and RippedBrown kraft, natural, applications with up to 25 percent PCR content. unbleached, uncoated paper. It also offered phthalate-free PVC and Aluminium Féron showed new Monotex tag materials such as a wide range of plastic flms for offset and digital printing, all made PE flms with PCR, as well as recyclable PO flms for laser printing. with water-based acrylic adhesives. A tear-resistant Tritex product with 100 percent recycled paper and Ahlstrom showcased Acti-V RF glassine release paper with over 90 percent PCR core was also introduced. 15 percent PCR cellulose fber and comes in light yellow color for VPF’s stand featured its range of 12 sustainable paper based face release liners. Acti-V RF Natural glassine release paper in a natural materials including exclusive hemp and grass paper, sustainable kraft color, crafted from at least 15 percent post-consumer recycled flm based face materials, rPET liner with 90 percent PCR content, cellulose fber and unbleached cellulose fbers. The company liner with 70 percent recycled content. A new VPFine range of also offered Acti-V Industrial RF Natural, a custom double-sided thinner and lighter materials was also introduced.silicone-coated paper for double-sided PSA tapes. Lecta presented its new ‘Recy’ papers, made from recycled fbers. Klöckner Pentaplast introduced SmartCycle Pro heat shrink One notable new feature was its Adestor Collect&Recycle service sleeve flm that is recyclable in the RIC 1 stream and made from 30 for the collection and recycling of glassine paper. The company percent certifed PCR material. also showed sustainable label materials for wine labeling, two Polyart Group launched r-Polyart synthetic paper made of laminates certifed for waste paper recycling, a new comprehensive 30 percent PCR material, and Fiberskin weather-resistant paper laminate flm program with UV stable and scratch-resistant that’s recyclable, biodegradable and printable by dry toner, for variants and soft touch. It also showed wash-off adhesives 602 (for short-term outdoor exposure, outdoor tags, labels and signage. papers) and HM725UV (for flms) for recycling processes.The company also introduced Polyart Laser Food, a food-compliant Henan Yinjinda New Materials introduced YMR206H(c) synthetic paper for dry toner printing. crystallizable shrink flm. The flm is 100 percent recyclable with Synthogra introduced its new flm, SYN-BOPP transparent PET bottles. Another new product shown was YMR206H(r)-50 HB top coated 70 percent REC UCO, made with 70 percent used rigid PETG shrink flm for shrink sleeve labels. The flm contains 50 cooking oil. The product is produced from bio-based feedstock. percent PCR materialsHerma unveiled an eco-conscious labelstock with three key Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives introduced the RE-Play material components: grade 856 rPE PCR white flm, a zero carbon footprint range, utilizing a closed-loop recycling system with recovered Oct - Dec 2023