In today’s label printing environment, filmic substrates provide solutions to numerous challenges. Films often meet demand for higher durability, moisture resistance, and flexibility. Films are also the go-to choice for providing brands with a “no-label look.” Squeeze or flexible packaging, where paper simply cannot match performance, are preferred, as well.

For suppliers like Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives, sustainability serves as a hallmark of innovation. As more brands establish lofty environmental goals, substrate R&D is critical.

“Today’s film innovations are driven heavily by sustainability,” explains Melissa Harton, marketing manager North America, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives. “Manufacturers are responding to market demand by introducing solutions with recycled content and downgauged constructions – for example, moving from 2.6 mil to 2.4 mil materials – while still maintaining the same visual appeal and performance characteristics as traditional films. The goal is to deliver environmental benefits such as material reduction and improved recyclability, without sacrificing the durability, print quality, or aesthetics that converters and brand owners rely on.”

Looking toward recyclability

Additionally, the sustainability discussion will be impacted by recyclability. It is important to ask whether a film contains any post-consumer or post-industrial recycled content. Customers should also explore whether it can be separated cleanly from packaging during disposal.

“The sustainability conversation around films requires a clear understanding of the materials’ compatibility with existing recycling waste streams,” says Harton. “Not all films can be recycled the same way, so it’s essential for converters and brand owners to know how the end product fits into the recycling ecosystem. At Fedrigoni, we place a strong emphasis on understanding each customer’s sustainability objectives so we can recommend the best-fit solution, whether that’s a recyclable facestock, a thinner construction, or a film designed to support circular economy goals.”

In addition to a wide range of substrates, Fedrigoni’s AR842 adhesive, used in Ri-Move products, also supports recycling goals. The adhesive allows both the facestock and package to go through the same recycling stream.

For inquiring customers, APR certification for label wash-off is an important benchmark for materials designed to support plastic recycling. This certification verifies that a label can be cleanly removed from PET packaging during the recycling process. Meanwhile, it doesn’t leave behind adhesive or ink residues that could contaminate the stream.

“Choosing APR-certified wash-off labels ensures compatibility with established recycling infrastructure and helps brand owners meet sustainability goals while contributing to a more circular packaging lifecycle,” adds Harton.

Cost benefits

Film has also gained in prominence due to cost feasibility, as well. In cases where film was once significantly more expensive, today it might only be a few cents more per MSI. This allows converters to access the added performance benefits without incurring much higher costs.

“While the narrowing price gap led to more widespread use of film in recent years, especially in applications that once defaulted to paper, today we’re seeing a swing back to paper in response to sustainability targets and cost sensitivity,” remarks Harton. “Still, film continues to be ideal for demanding applications, and it’s now gaining ground in emerging areas like security labeling, where enhanced durability and tamper-evident performance are essential.”

According to Harton, film is still the material of choice for high-performance labeling environments. That hasn’t significantly changed over time, either. Films remain the optimal choice in conditions that require moisture resistance, clarity, flexibility, or durability. These are often seen in personal care, household chemicals, and beverage packaging.

Release liner acceptance

Films have also seen greater acceptance in the release liner space. Borne out of necessity during the supply chain challenges in recent years, polyester liners continue to dominate in certain segments. Their acceptance is due to greater roll efficiency, higher label counts per roll, and lower overall waste volume. These attributes contribute to a smaller landfill footprint.

“Fedrigoni has focused on specialty, bespoke, and application-driven pressure sensitive label constructions,” states Harton. “We work closely with customers to deliver tailored solutions that solve real-world application challenges – whether it’s high-performance labeling for complex surfaces, or sustainable materials that meet specific brand goals. Thanks to our global supply chain and intercompany collaboration, we have the unique ability to introduce innovative products from other international markets into North America, giving our customers a true competitive edge.”