PPG has announced the launch of Teslin, a new labelstock portfolio consisting of durable, printable and secure materials. Available in master and slit-roll forms, Teslin can be ordered in standard and custom configurations to provide durable, versatile labels for security, shipping, chemical, medical, food and beverage, and numerous other applications. Teslin labelstock unites PPG’s premium label facestock with high-quality adhesives and liner materials to ensure that critical printed data remains protected on shipping labels. Waterproof and resistant to chemicals, solvents, abrasion and tearing, PPG’s Teslin meets or exceeds durability requirements for Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and British Standard 5609 (BS5609) compliance.

Globally the demand for durable, on-demand, digitally printed, color labels is growing. The recent adoption of Global Harmonization System (GHS) labels is an example of a real world application driving the durable label industry. Because GHS compliance requires specific information be printed in color, the need for a durable label printed with on-demand color digital printers has increased dramatically. Jason Depner, PPG Global Segment Manager, Teslin Substrate Products, comments, “When it comes to GHS labeling in the chemical industry, certain pressure sensitive labels are vulnerable to static build-up, and has resulted in static related fires. Teslin labelstock reduces the risk of fire and other hazards because its micropores absorb and dissipate static, dramatically reducing the threat of electrical discharge and static related fires.”  

Teslin is a synthetic substrate, and Depner says that not all synthetic products can run through all printing technologies. He says, “With regard to digital, some synthetics are only compatible with inkjet technologies. Others require corona or some other protective treatment to aide with toner adhesion. However, there is one exception when it comes to digital print compatibility – PPG’s Teslin accommodates almost every conventional or digital printing process, making it easy to process high-quality color labels using on-demand print technologies.  The material’s thermal stability makes it compatible with more print technologies than similar synthetic papers and printable plastics, without needing corona treatment or pre-print coating. For end users, this feature reduces potential failure points, complexity and overall product cost.”

According to Depner, the key to Teslin’s superior durability is its microporous polyolefin-silica composition that absorbs and locks inks and toners into its structure as opposed to other synthetics where inks and toners have to cure on top of the plastic film. He says, “Not only does this characteristic protect labels against exposure to moisture and chemicals, it also renders printed data practically impervious to the many scratches, scrapes and scuffs it will encounter during packaging, handling, shipping and storage.”