Toray Plastics (America) has launched its new Toray Label Film (TLF) portfolio at Labelexpo Americas 2022. The company, known for its Lumirror polyester films specified for label applications, is capitalizing on its leadership in technologically advanced polypropylene film manufacturing and its new, state-of-the-art 8.7-meter polypropylene film line to produce the new label materials.

The new Torayfan OPP label film portfolio consists of three roll-fed films: TLFC clear film in 48, 65, and 75 gauges, TLFM matte film in a 59 gauge, and TLFW white cavitated film in a 110 gauge. These label films offer excellent ink adhesion and printability and very good moisture resistance. The clear film has enhanced clarity, and the white film’s opacity, brightness, and gloss are also of excellent quality and may allow the converter to eliminate white ink.

The TLF portfolio is compatible with flexo and gravure presses, energy-curable inks, and water-based, solvent, and solventless laminators. In addition, the new polypropylene film line allows the company to provide customers with larger rolls that offer more lineal footage. That means converters will have fewer roll changes and splices.The Toray team is also sharing information about new PSL label films that are in development. That diverse portfolio will include uncoated and coated BOPP facestocks for clear, metalized, and cavitated and solid core white label applications.

“Toray is recognized globally for its PET label films and now aims to have an even greater impact on the label market with its OPP films,” says Gregg Ockun, new market development manager, Torayfan Division, Toray Plastics (America). “Converters and CPGs have relied for decades on Toray’s expertise in film technology to help them commercialize their projects. Development of the TLF portfolio is a result of the company’s focus on customer service and is a natural extension of its entire family of film technologies. Customers who want a reputable supplier that can deliver a traditional or premium OPP roll-fed product in the roll size they want, when they need it, have a new resource now.”

Ockun notes that there is a sustainability benefit to be gained from the use of an OPP label film lamination on PET bottles. The Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR) says that with respect to PET bottle recyclability, a polypropylene or polyethylene label with a density of less than 1.0 is recommended because it is compatible with the recycling process.

In addition, Ockun says Toray’s expertise in coating technology positions the company as a “go-to” supplier for forward-thinking customers of the roll-fed label. “Digital label printers or those who are interested in transitioning to mono-web applications will likely want assurance about ink adhesion performance. Toray’s proprietary inline coating technology delivers robust ink anchorage and could be their ideal solution.”

Regarding the PSL film portfolio that is in development, Ockun explains that Toray is utilizing its advanced technology in BOPP film manufacturing and metalization and coating capabilities to serve its customers and the growing PSL market. “Adding PSL films to our product offerings will position Toray Plastics (America) as the only manufacturer of PET and BOPP films for labels in North America and provide customers with bundling advantages,” he says.