SELL

38 | L&L
specific application so that you can work with a supplier to provide a
recommendation that meets all of those needs. Take into account that
suppliers will need exact regulatory requirement numbers to make an
informed recommendation. As always, it is important to test adhesive
options within the specific application to ensure regulations are met.
No6.
HOW
two categories, shelf life and durability. Shelf life
LONG WILL A LABEL LAST?
Label life expectancy can be broken into
refers to the amount of time a label maintains its quality and performance
level in an unapplied state. To maximize shelf life, raw material label
stock and finished labels should be stored in conditions as close to 72
F and 50 percent RH as possible. Durability relates to how long a label
will perform on a substrate in its end- use application. Label durability
depends on label construction, print technology and environmental
conditions. Understanding the durability needs for an application is key to
designing a cost-effective and successful label solution.
No7.
WHEN DO I NEED A DIRECT VS.
INDIRECT FOOD CONTACT ADHESIVE
FOR MY APPLICATION?
The main factor that determines whether food contact labeling is
considered direct or indirect revolves around whether there’s a functional
barrier between the food that is being labeled and the adhesive. For
more specific information, please refer to the Food and Drug Administration’s
mandates on the topic: FDA spec 21 CFR 175.105 for regulations
on indirect food contact adhesives and FDA spec 21 CFR 175.125 for
direct food contact adhesives. Also remember that with food labeling
there can be additional regulations that relate to the label facestock,
inks, varnishes, etc, further highlighting the importance of working with
knowledgeable suppliers.
No8.
WHAT FILM FACESTOCK SHOULD I USE?
There are numerous types of film facestocks to
choose from that could fit the needs of labeling
applications, and all have their own unique characteristics that may help
or hinder performance. Knowing these performance characteristics
are only part of the equation, however, as you’ll also need to know the
facestock’s converting characteristics, such as usefulness for printing,
die cutting and so on. The most popular film facestocks used in prime
labeling are biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP/PP) or polyolefin
(PO), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE). For more durable labeling
requirements, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) are often used. For those customers that would like a more
environmentally friendly facestock, polylactic acid (PLA) has become
quite popular. The usual rules apply when it comes to selecting a
film facestock: know your application needs and select a face stock
accordingly.
No9.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE
REGARDING DIGITAL PRINTING ON
PRESSURE SENSITIVE LAMINATES?
When planning the best method for digitally printing labels, research
what products are recommended for your digital press or printer model
for optimal results. Knowing what model you or your customer is using,
required properties of printing materials (such as basis weight and caliper
range), the printer or press’s media handling capabilities (whether it can
handle pressure-sensitive label media), and whether the printer requires
ink-specific stock (ink jet, toner, thermal transfer, Indigo, etc.) is very
helpful when making printing decisions. For any pre-print requirements,
check with your ink manufacturer to find out whether a given ink will work
well on certain substrates and be functional and safe for use in that digital
press or printer. As a result, it is safest to steer toward products made
specifically for digital printers.
When working with thermal transfer printers, finding the right ribbon
to use is imperative. In general, wax-resin ribbon should be trialed on
substrates not originally designed for thermal printing. Testing all aspects
of the printing and end-use for a product is the only way to be sure that
your label construction and design will effectively meet your customer’s
expectations.