In order to handle the complex needs of the label and package printing landscape, converters must assess their entire operation. From equipment to substrates, the newest technologies can transform a business. To learn more about fostering success with challenging label applications, L&NW sat down with Diane Merzbach, PPG’s global strategic market manager, Teslin Substrate Products.

L&NW: Why are labels with multiple performance requirements becoming more important today?
DM: Label converters and brand owners are operating in an environment that is more demanding than it was even a few years ago. Shorter runs, faster changeovers, and a growing mix of print technologies are now standard, while labels themselves are expected to perform reliably throughout increasingly complex distribution environments and end-use conditions.

As a result, materials are being asked to deliver more than a single performance attribute. Print quality, durability, workflow compatibility, and long-term legibility all need to come together in a single solution. Rather than optimizing for one requirement at the expense of another, converters are looking for materials that can support multiple needs without adding complexity to production.

L&NW: What makes PPG Teslin facestock different from other synthetic papers?
DM: Not all synthetic papers behave the same way. Teslin face stock is engineered with a microporous structure that locks in inks and toners. Because the inks are anchored within the material, Teslin substrate delivers durable, long-lasting print quality without requiring additional coatings or special treatments. At the same time, its inherent durability and flexibility allow it to perform across a wide range of applications and print formats.

L&NW: How are evolving production and supply chain demands influencing material selection?
DM: As production environments and supply chains become more automated and global, labels are being exposed to tougher conditions and face higher performance expectations. In many regulated and industrial environments, labels are required to remain readable and intact throughout storage, transportation, end use, and in some cases, to meet requirements as extreme as prolonged seawater immersion (BS 5609).

At the same time, brands and logistics providers are placing greater emphasis on real-time traceability. The adoption of RFID technology continues to grow as companies seek enhanced inventory visibility, authentication, and supply chain transparency. Labels are no longer just carriers of printed information; they are increasingly expected to house embedded components that enable tracking and data capture.

These shifts are prompting converters and packaging buyers to evaluate materials not only for print performance, but also for how well they protect functionality over time. Teslin facestock is engineered with a microporous structure that helps cushion and protect embedded RFID inlays, supporting long-term performance even after months in transport or storage. By combining durability, print clarity, and support for smart label technologies, it enables materials to meet the expanding demands of modern supply chains without adding unnecessary production complexity.

L&NW: Where do converters typically encounter tradeoffs when selecting label materials, and how does Teslin substrate help address them?
DM: Converters are often forced to choose between performance attributes. A material that prints cleanly on press may require protective topcoats to withstand abrasion or chemicals. Another may offer durability but limit compatibility across different print technologies or slow down production with additional treatments.

These trade-offs can lead to additional inventory, extra processing steps, and greater workflow complexity.

Teslin substrate helps reduce those compromises by supporting consistent print performance across multiple print technologies while maintaining durability in demanding environments. By delivering print quality and resilience in a single facestock, it enables converters to simplify material selection, reduce secondary treatments, and maintain productivity without sacrificing long-term label performance.

L&NW: What applications are driving the strongest demand for multi-function label materials like Teslin substrate?
DM: Demand is being driven by applications where label performance is directly tied to regulatory compliance, safety, and traceability. Pharmaceutical and medical labeling continues to expand as global serialization mandates take effect. In the United States, the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) now requires full electronic, package-level traceability, while the European Union’s Falsified Medicines Directive (EU FMD) mandates 2D barcodes and anti-tampering measures. 

Similar frameworks are being adopted in additional markets worldwide, increasing the need for durable, scannable labels that maintain data integrity throughout the supply chain.

Industrial and safety labeling also remains strong, particularly in chemical and regulated environments where labels must comply with standards such as GHS and, in some cases, BS 5609. In these applications, labels are exposed to abrasion, chemicals, moisture, and repeated handling, yet must remain legible and intact.