The use of filmic substrates has been on the rise in recent years. While many converters began exploring the newest films due to paper supply chain shortages, others made the move years ago. The growing reliance on films has spurred several trends, as well as enhanced R&D efforts from label suppliers.

Perhaps the most prominent trend with the newest film launches centers around sustainability. Environmental friendliness is a driving force growth, with brands, consumers, and converters alike. Consumers have become more discerning about their products, and brands want to lower their carbon footprint, as well.

“Within the label and packaging space, brand owners are pushing their raw material suppliers to offer more sustainable options,” says Melissa Harton, marketing manager, North America, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives. “This move is aimed at helping these companies achieve their sustainability targets and convey their brand narratives to consumers effectively.”

According to Harton, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives has been at the forefront of engineering new sustainable film materials. This range of solutions includes recycled polypropylene and polyethylene films, along with a new series of bio-based films. These developments are tailored to meet the labeling industry’s stringent quality and performance requirements while aligning with sustainability objectives.

“Sustainability has become a pivotal focus in the recent research and development of films within the industry,” explains Harton. “The urgency to address the significant plastic pollution in our environment has led to heightened pressure to offer packaging alternatives that are more sustainable. Many advancements in the label and packaging film industry stem from this growing demand for environmentally conscious options.”

Currently, brand owners are leading the way in the sustainability movement. Therefore, it is imperative for collaboration and communication between suppliers and converters in order to deliver the most efficient product to brands.

“These brand owners are driven by multiple factors, including the desire to set their product apart in the market, emphasize the value of a sustainable product, meet regulatory standards, fulfill corporate objectives, and minimize their impact on the environment (CO2 emissions, for example),” states Harton. “They hope to achieve these objectives by utilizing materials that either use fewer resources or have a lower environmental impact.”

Meanwhile, converters are working tirelessly to satisfy their customers, the brand owners, by offering options that align with these sustainability goals. Performance, of course, must remain a constant. Sustainability cannot be prioritized over the quality of the label.

“Converters are also focused on whether these options deliver equal or better performance during printing and throughout their manufacturing process,” comments Harton. “This includes maintaining consistent quality and performance for the end customer throughout the product’s life.”

These initiatives are not without challenges, though. The primary challenge for the label and package printing industry is the limited availability of raw materials. “There is a notable scarcity of high-quality recycled or post-consumer materials that can be effectively utilized in producing these films,” states Harton. “To address this shortfall, there is a crucial need for expanded infrastructure dedicated to facilitating the clean recycling of post-consumer materials.”

Fedrigoni has diligently worked to navigate the latest industry challenges while also meeting customer demand for sustainable products. The company’s latest recycled polypropylene films feature an rPET liner crafted from 30% recycled content, while its rPP facestocks boast over 85% recycled content. Plus, Fedrigoni has launched a new top-coating technology, TCX, to ensure enhanced printing quality across digital, UV inkjet, and dry toner printing methods. According to Harton, Fedrigoni’s recycled polyethylene films are forged from top-tier mechanical recycled PE feedstock, too.

Bio-based films are also a focus at Fedrigoni. The company’s bio-based film range has been derived primarily from recycled vegetable oil, resulting in films that deliver excellent performance attributes while prioritizing the planet.

“Notably, our bio-based films are fashioned from renewable resources and are intentionally designed to be recycled within existing polyolefin recycling streams at the conclusion of their lifespan,” remarks Harton. “They are constructed from 100% virgin polymers, utilizing second-generation renewable feedstock that avoids conflicts with the food chain supply.”