News Article

·      New and improved BOPP label films manufactured on new extrusion line in Germany

‍·      Investments in Europe and Americas to produce label films locally

·      Expanded portfolio meets recycled content target of PPWR for BOPP films  

·      Live demonstration of thin and floatable shrink film made from a low density polyolefin

Innovia Films, a pioneer in materials science that manufactures BOPP films for labels, graphics, packaging and tobacco products, will be showcasing its full range of relaunched label films for pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves and PVC-free graphic materials at Labelexpo. "Labelexpo is an excellent opportunity to discuss our latest innovations in person. We look forward to presenting our film solutions, which can help our customers, and ultimately FMCG brands, to achieve their sustainability goals," explains Simon Huber, Innovia Films Europe's Managing Director. 'We have developed materials that embrace the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle to support end-of-life recyclability.'

Highlight corner promoting new state-of-the-art technology in Europe and Americas

'We are proud to announce major milestones in our continued growth across our global business. These strategic investments strengthen our manufacturing capabilities, expand our BOPP film portfolio worldwide, and enable us to produce locally. These investments are significant steps towards achieving Innovia’s goal of delivering sustainable solutions for the labels and packaging of tomorrow”, says Günther Birkner, President of Innovia Films. ‘One highlight is our recent investment in a brand-new extrusion line in Germany, offering sustainable, high-performing, economical films, and reflecting the “renovation” of the Innovia film portfolio for pressure-sensitive labels (PSL).’

CPE/WPE films: Sustainable and economical alternatives to PE films
In the home and personal care sector, clear and white polyethylene label facestock films are commonly used. However, these can be replaced by CPE and WPE, which offer several advantages. CPE and WPE are approximately 40% thinner than polyethylene films, meaning labels can be much thinner and use fewer of the planet’s scarce fossil resources. CPE also has outstanding clarity and very low haze compared to polyethylene, making it ideal for clear-on-clear applications on PET bottles.

Coated and metallized label films produced in Europe and Americas
The new coated films are ideal for pressure-sensitive labelling (PSL) in various markets, including food and drink, home and personal care, and healthcare.

"You will find many of these products on supermarket shelves or in drugstores/pharmacies, where print quality and performance matter. The coatings are designed to be compatible with all industrial printing technologies," says Aaron Henneger, Vice President and General Manager for Innovia Films Americas. “Basically, we now have the ability to offer a highly modular approach to label facestock — we can control printability and the use of specialised adhesives modified to support single-use glass or PET recycling, for example. On top of that, we offer metallised materials that provide a barrier and improve printability — our customers can tailor materials to meet their label and packaging needs."

RayoFloat™: Live demonstration of thin, floatable shrink sleeve material
When it comes to PET bottles, it is important to use sleeve decoration that detaches automatically during the recycling process, allowing it to be easily separated from the bottle in the sink/float stage. APO shrink film material does exactly that. It is also the approved shrink sleeve material for HDPE or PP bottles, as it is made from polyolefin. Alongside the standard version, we will be showcasing our next-generation, high-shrink, floatable polyolefin shrink film, as well as a white version designed for light-sensitive products. RayoFloat™ WHITE enables brands to switch from opaque white HDPE or PET bottles to transparent ones by incorporating light blocking into the sleeve.

A live demonstration at the stand will show how they work and explain the sink/float separation process — a standard procedure in PET recycling.

Full range of IML film produced in Europe and Americas
Within-mould labelling emerging as a growing market, Innovia will be presenting its range of specially developed solutions at the trade fair. “Our RayoForm™ in-mould BOPP label films for polypropylene containers offer exciting opportunities for durable, functional, multi-use packaging across various markets,” says Lucija Kralj, Business Unit Director – Labels EMEA at Innovia..“The label becomes an integral part of injection- or blow-moulded plastic containers, eliminating the need for adhesives and typically being made from the same resin as the container, which facilitates easy recycling.”

Looking towards PPWR: Post-consumer mechanically recycled label materials
‘We continue to develop our Encore range and are now able to integrate more recycled content from post-consumer waste into the base materials of films for labels and flexible packaging. One recent development is our clear label film, Encore RFC35m35, which contains 35% mechanically recycled plastic waste and is perfect for roll-fed wraparound label applications,” explains Paul Watters, Product Manager – Labels & Graphics. The film offers high clarity, excellent cuttability and high labelling efficiency — everything needed for an effective wraparound label.

Fully recyclable wet wipe label

‍The innovative thick wet wipe label is a monomaterial laminate solution designed to meet the growing demand for sustainability without compromising performance. "Engineered specifically for wet wipe packs, this label offers exceptional durability and moisture resistance, and is fully recyclable within existing recycling streams. By eliminating the need for multi-material components, it supports a circular economy and simplifies the recycling process, making it easier for brands and consumers to make eco-conscious choices”, explains Kralj. This cutting-edge label sets a new standard in sustainable packaging by combining functionality, environmental responsibility and consumer convenience in one smart solution.

PVC-free Graphic films with enhanced surface engineering

The base film, biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) together with the innovative extrusion process reduces the environmental impact over the entire product lifecycle. Benefits include lower energy consumption in production, the elimination of the usage of hazardous substances like chlorine, and a more sustainable end-of-life product performance through improved recyclability*.

“This new tailormade coater will be fully dedicated to produce our highly environmental friendly PVC-free Rayoart™ film, pushing forward innovation and eco-friendly solutions for the Graphics industry”, says Huber. “We have added capabilities for specialty coated Graphics films which will make it easy for our customers to transition from PVC to our PVC-free solutions. This will be a step change for the Graphics industry – switching from a material that is detrimental in recycling to a material that actually can be recycled”.

The Innovia Films booth is located in Hall 3, Stand A34.

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