New plastic labelling films can increase productivity, says ExxonMobil

The company has redesigned its oriented polypropylene film grades in order to fit with European directives on volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions during manufacture.

However, in addition to complying with the directives, the company also claims its new film grades can make the labelling process more productive.

“As well as re-engineering the platform of these new Label-Lyte grades, we have taken the opportunity to enhance their performance for printers and roll stock laminators,”​ global marketing manager Grant Doescher explained.

The new grades (Label-Lyte 50LL539 and Label-Lyte 60LH538) are for use with pressure sensitive applications such as the labelling of personal care and beauty products, beverages, and fruit and vegetables, a spokesperson for the company explained.

Reduce static during labelling process​

According to the company, the reduction of static during the labelling process is one the main advantages of these new grades.

Designed for low static in unwinding operations, the company says the new grades can help roll stock laminators and label printers achieve high productivity, as well as reducing the scarp and the number of machine adjustments necessary.

This, in turn, means customers experience fewer run interruptions and reduced intervention, thereby increasing productivity.

Like the rest of the Label-Lyte range, it can be successfully printed on using a number of techniques and both water-based and solvent-based inks can be used.

Label-Lyte 50LL539 is transparent and is therefore particularly suitable for use in clear labels used with clear containers, such as for health and beauty packages and beverage products.

This film grade is also accepted in the US for contact with food, so can be used for the small labels on fruit and vegetables, the spokesperson explained.

While European regulation for food contact has not yet been achieved, the company could apply for it depending on customer demand, the spokesperson said.