FACE STOCKS

Paper remains the most widely used face material, though in recent times filmic stocks have gained substantial market share. The most predominantly used varieties of paper are the uncoated matt, the one side or two side coated semi-gloss also known as the chromo art paper and the cast gloss also known as mirror coat paper. With customer needs getting to be more specific, it is necessary to use more modified varieties of paper.

General requirements of the paper include the surface and mechanical characteristics.

SURFACE PROPERTY

Surface characteristics can be modified by coating, calendaring, metalizing, laminating, etc. For non-contact printing like inkjet a relatively porous surface would be needed and for the other printing processes pigment coated and/or calendared surface may be required.

ADHESIVES

The scenario is fast changing in India. The general-purpose permanent acrylic emulsion adhesive is not enough these days to service all the segments in labels. With surfaces becoming diverse and the usage of labels becoming complex, the selection of adhesive is of prime importance and needs the continued partnership between the label printer and the label user. Consideration of the substrates, the condition of application, the converting process, the storage and usage conditions is imperative before deciding on the adhesive.

RELEASE LINER

This is the most performing part of the label stock. Unfortunately it lands up in the dustbin as soon as the labels are dispensed and starts its journey as a part of the final product. The types of substrates being used to produce release liners are Glassine, which is popular, Super Kraft, Platinum, Synthetic liners like BOPP, PET, LDPE, etc.