Looking for an alternative to paper liner for your label projects? Try PET liner!
After a long period of supply chain shortages in the label industry, things are finally starting to loosen up. As we discussed in our post “The Film and Adhesive Supply Chain: Things Are Getting Better!” raw materials such as acrylic adhesive, hot melt adhesive, and PET/PP liner and face stock are becoming more available, and pricing has stabilized. On the paper side, however, shortages and inflated pricing remain, creating continued challenges in sourcing paper liner for key label applications.
In the label industry, this challenge will be further amplified this spring when Pixelle’s Androscoggin Mill will close due to the long term impacts of a pulp machine explosion in 2020. The biggest impact will be to 40# liner, which is the standard liner for label materials, especially those finished on rolls.
Fortunately, there is a solution: PET liner. This is not just a second-best alternative. In many cases, this is actually a better solution that benefits your customers in multiple ways.
Why Use PET Liner?
PET, which stands for polyethylene terephthalate, is a type of plastic that is commonly used in packaging and labeling materials. It looks different from paper-based liner, which can cause unease among customers. However, once they get over the fact that it looks different from what they are used to, they will find that PET liner is actually a better, less expensive, and more practical material for many projects.
Let’s look at five reasons this is the case.
1. PET is more readily available.
Unlike traditional paper liner materials, which has been more difficult to source during the ongoing paper shortage, PET liner is readily available, making it an ideal substitute for customers looking for an alternative labeling solution. “Readily available” also translates into shorter lead times.
2. PET is more durable and resistant to moisture.
This means that PET liner can be used in a wider range of applications, including those that require labels to be exposed to water, chemicals, or extreme temperatures. For example, PET liner labels are commonly used in the food and beverage industry to label products that need to be stored in refrigerated or frozen environments.
3. PET liner labels are less likely to tear or puncture.
This means that labels made from PET liner are less likely to cause problems during the labeling process. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on automated labeling equipment (such as those applying prime labels for grocery store products), as paper labels can sometimes jam or tear, causing production delays.
4. PET liners are more environmentally friendly.
Paper liner labels are more difficult to recycle than PET liner labels because of the way they are constructed. Paper labels are typically made from a combination of paper and adhesive, which can be difficult to separate during the recycling process. Paper labels can also be coated with a layer of varnish or other coatings that can further complicate recycling.
By contrast, PET is a recyclable material—simple as that.
5. PET liners can be more cost-effective.
While, in some cases, the upfront cost of PET liner labels may be higher than that of paper labels, their durability and resistance to moisture means that they are less likely to need replacing or to cause production delays, which can ultimately result in cost savings over time. For some liner constructions (such as “film on film” constructions compared to “film on paper”), however, the upfront cost may be comparable.
PET Liner — A Long-Term Solution
Overall, there are many benefits to using PET liner labels as a substitute for traditional paper liner labels. From their durability and resistance to moisture, to their environmental and cost-saving benefits, PET liner labels offer a range of advantages for customers who are not only looking for an alternative to paper-based label constructions, but who are open to a better performing product with shorter lead times.
Want to learn more? Contact our Anderson, SC label plant:
(888) 817-7036
