Looking Ahead

Film liners

Film release liner trends were addressed by John C. Forster, vice president, corporate development, for FLEXcon. Growing in the roll-label market at 5-6 percent per year, film release liners are adapting to market needs in many ways. Reduced caliper, low extractable silicone systems and silicone-free release systems, recyclability, two-sides coated, and modifications to the backside of the liner are some of the areas where there are developments today. However, silicone transfer to the print surface, and the relationship between film tension and heat, remain problem areas.