Rayven Inc.

Just how much do consumers realize how their food packaging protects them? Or what do they think really goes into that nice glossy cover for their favorite magazine? The answers are probably not much and they probably don’t give the cover a second thought. Nor do they realize why their paper cups are so impervious to the liquids inside them. No, consumers take all this for granted, not realizing that one major factor contributing to these effects is how the substrates are coated or laminated. What’s shakin’? In terms of equipment, there aren’t new demands being made of the coating and laminating market. Where

Innovation and embracing change is the name of the game when it comes to release liners; at least that was the word at the Global Release Liner Industry Conference in Chicago, March 28-30, organized by AWA Conferences and Events. At the conference, Todd Schweigert, director of marketing for Loparex, explained how films are driving release liner opportunities—growing at 5-6 percent annually. He also discussed which films represent the “right substrates” for liners in labelstock, composite, industrial, tape, graphic arts, medical, and hygiene markets; choosing coatings; and features of silicone adhesives. Derrick MacDonald, director of films product management for Avery Dennison Fasson Roll North America

It’s an important and sometimes complicated material category in label printing—release liners—one which can have a big impact in the operations of both label printers/converters and their customers, the consumer products companies. For label converters, the substrate/release liner combination needs to provide a reliable surface so the diecut strike-through cuts the label completely, yet does not cut or weaken the liner below. This has to be done consistently over the course of a label run of thousands and thousands of times. Once the labels get on the customer’s packaging line, the precision and consistency of this operation will quickly be seen.

Is the increased use of shrink labels affecting the use of release liners? Release liner manufacturers say no and offer different reasons why pressure-sensitive labels are the way to go. ONE THING IS certain, your typical consumer doesn't give any thought to release liners as he or she travels up and down the packed isles in the local grocery store. But package printers know that release liners are a very important component in the world of labeling, one that can impact their bottom lines. packagePRINTING spoke to some release liner manufacturers to see what's new and what impact the growing use of shrink labels

As always, companies exhibiting at CMM International 2005 put on a display of impressive new products and technologies for converters and package printers. A SUCCESSFUL TRADE show is always measured on an individual basis—foot traffic, promising leads, or signed contracts. While attendees weren't exactly carried down the aisles in a swell of people, CMM International 2005 still offered a wide array of new products and technologies from the exhibiting companies. The following is a small sampling of what CMM International had to offer. Company news Enercon and Ciba Specialty Chemicals announced a joint development agreement which will combine Enercon's surface modification Plasma3™ technology