FLEXcon, a leader in adhesive coating and laminating, has collaborated with Action Packaging Systems to create a resilient label for oil filter container caps. FLEXcon created a polyester labelstock coated with a high-performance adhesive that is resilient enough to stick to the textured surface of oil filter container caps and can withstand extreme temperature and environmental conditions.

Recent advancements in the design of automobiles have made it more difficult for consumers and mechanics to reach oil filter containers for oil changes and regular maintenance. The introduction of textured oil filter container caps allows mechanics or at-home car enthusiasts to unscrew the cap by hand, eliminating the need to use a wrench. The textured cap needs an identifying label that is able to withstand extreme conditions – oil, water, grease, weather, etc.

Using polyester labelstock coated with high-performance adhesive, FLEXcon was able to develop a material that adheres to the oil filter container cap without being too sticky or gummy. According to the company, the label is durable enough to handle the extreme elements automobile parts have to experience throughout the lifetime of the car.

“We turned to FLEXcon for this project, as they have been a longtime partner of Action Packaging Systems and are one of the most innovative companies for advanced solutions,” explains Douglas Rice, president, Action Packaging Systems. “This project took a lot of lab work, as the FLEXcon technicians had to test and combine existing products to develop a solution that can withstand extreme elements and meet all safety regulations.”

“Having worked with Action Packaging Systems for over 30 years, we understand their business, and when they asked us to develop an adhesive that can adhere to a difficult surface, we were excited for the challenge to bring an innovative product to the marketplace. We listened to Action Packaging’s challenges, asked the right questions to understand their converting and end use requirements, and used our product and application knowledge to offer a solution to best meet their needs,” says Kathy Johnson, technical service representative, FLEXcon. “During the process, the business was at risk of being underpriced by Action Packaging’s competition, but we were able to make a product at the needed price point that met all performance requirements and allowed them to win the business. We did encounter a few additional challenges throughout the process – labels not sticking and performance issues with adhesives – but we were able to continue innovating to produce a solution that meets all requirements by talking through the details of the application with Doug and his team.”

Action Packaging was the the subject of a Narrow Web Profile in the September 2014 issue of Label & Narrow Web.