Appvion innovates, leads in growth of direct thermal and specialty coatings

Since its founding in 1907 by Charles Boyd, Appvion has focused on one mission: making paper more functional. From pioneering carbonless paper to leading advancements in direct thermal and specialty coating technologies, Appvion has consistently helped shape the industry’s evolution. As market demand has evolved, the company has expanded its focus on direct thermal solutions, continuously improving performance to support a broader range of applications while maintaining the simplicity and reliability that make the technology so attractive.

Today, Appvion is part of M2S Group, a growing portfolio of industry-leading businesses focused on engineered coating, adhesive, and imaging solutions. Through M2S Group, Appvion benefits from expanded capabilities, strategic investments, and a shared commitment to innovation, helping accelerate the development of next-generation solutions for customers across the label, packaging, and specialty materials markets.

Beyond direct thermal printing, Appvion continues to grow its portfolio of functional coatings, offering solutions that provide water, oil, grease, oxygen barrier, and heat-sealing capabilities. Sustainability remains a cornerstone of the company’s innovation strategy, too.

Since leading the industry in the removal of BPA from its products in the early 2000s, Appvion has remained at the forefront of developing more sustainable direct thermal technologies. Its patented no phenols added EarthChem platform supports long-term regulatory compliance while enabling new applications through enhanced performance, durability, and sustainability.

“Looking ahead, we plan to accelerate growth through continued investments in people, equipment, and product development,” states Linnea Keen, president, Appvion. “Our focus remains on delivering next-generation direct thermal solutions with greater durability and functionality, expanding direct thermal into applications traditionally served by other print technologies. By staying closely connected to customer needs and emerging market trends, Appvion is well positioned to continue outpacing market growth and delivering innovative solutions for direct thermal and functional coating applications.”

Industry Trends & Market Dynamics

Direct thermal technology serves a diverse range of end markets, with continued strength in e-commerce and logistics, grocery and food, healthcare, and the tag, ticket, and lottery sectors. Emerging technologies such as RFID and linerless labeling are creating new opportunities for direct thermal applications, too, increasing efficiency and enhancing value throughout the supply chain. At the same time, Appvion continues to support a broad customer base across entertainment, transportation, parking, retail, industrial, casino, and lottery markets.

“As application requirements become more demanding, customers increasingly seek solutions that deliver faster print speeds, greater durability, and improved chemical and environmental resistance,” says Keen. “These evolving needs are driving the adoption of direct thermal technology into applications where it has historically not been used, despite trends in some segments toward smaller label formats and reduced material consumption.”

Appvion’s patented no phenols added EarthChem platform has been positioned to meet current and future regulatory requirements while delivering top thermal imaging performance. Developed over nearly a decade of research and innovation, the platform underscores Appvion’s commitment to advancing sustainable direct thermal solutions and maintaining its leadership position in the market.

Looking ahead, Appvion continues to innovate alongside advancements in RFID and linerless technologies, collaborating across the value chain to anticipate emerging market needs.

“We have also developed next-generation direct thermal technology designed to significantly exceed the capabilities of conventional solutions and redefine expectations for direct thermal performance and durability,” adds Keen.

Product Development & Sustainability

Appvion maintains a dedicated focus on identifying and evaluating new market opportunities and adjacent applications that align with emerging technologies and evolving customer needs. This innovation-driven approach is supported by robust research and development infrastructure, including advanced laboratory capabilities and a pilot coating line that replicates commercial production conditions. These resources enable Appvion to develop and test materials that closely reflect real-world application performance, providing both Appvion and its customers with greater confidence prior to full-scale commercialization.

“One area of significant opportunity is the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions,” remarks Keen. “As regulatory requirements, consumer preferences, and corporate sustainability initiatives continue to accelerate the transition away from traditional packaging materials, markets such as consumer goods and e-commerce packaging are increasingly seeking recyclable-friendly and environmentally responsible alternatives. Appvion is uniquely positioned to support this shift through the development of high-performance coating technologies that enhance barrier protection, strength, and sealing functionality, helping narrow the performance gap between conventional materials and more sustainable packaging substrates.”

Unveiling new technology

Appvion is launching a new patented technology platform designed to expand the capabilities of direct thermal printing into applications traditionally served by thermal transfer and laser technologies. The platform delivers excellent image quality combined with enhanced durability for demanding environments. Performance is maintained in temperatures up to 70°C, with image life extending up to two years in typical indoor warehouse environments and up to nine months in outdoor applications, depending on exposure conditions.

The portfolio will include paper, tag, and film products that are already being utilized in commercial applications today.

“Our new portfolio name remains pending legal and trademark approval,” explains Keen. “This innovation further expands the range of markets and applications where direct thermal technology can succeed, reinforcing Appvion’s commitment to broadening the reach of direct thermal technology into increasingly demanding environments.”

LOUPE Americas Preview

Appvion is excited to participate in LOUPE Americas, which provides a valuable opportunity to connect with existing customers, build new relationships, and strengthen partnerships across the industry. The event also serves as an ideal platform to showcase Appvion’s leadership in direct thermal technology through both innovation and education.

In addition to highlighting its latest advancements in direct thermal and specialty coatings, including next-generation technologies designed to expand direct thermal into applications where it has historically not been a viable option, Appvion will bring its industry-leading Thermal School program to LOUPE. Together, these efforts reflect Appvion’s commitment to advancing the industry through technical expertise, innovation, and collaboration.

Education remains a core component of Appvion’s commitment to advancing the direct thermal industry. Through its Thermal School program, Appvion hosts multiple educational events each year for label converters, suppliers, laminators, printer OEMs, brand owners, and other industry professionals seeking a deeper understanding of direct thermal technology, coating innovation, application development, and market trends.

Available as both customer-specific and open-industry sessions, Thermal School provides opportunities to network with industry peers, tour Appvion’s manufacturing and R&D facilities in Appleton, WI, and engage directly with Appvion’s technical experts.

Appvion is excited to bring this educational program to LOUPE Americas 2026, where a special Direct Thermal School session will be held on Wednesday, September 16 from 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The session will provide attendees with valuable insights into the technologies, applications, and innovations shaping the future of direct thermal.

Through continued innovation, technical collaboration, and industry education, Appvion remains committed to advancing direct thermal technology and helping customers succeed in an evolving marketplace. By engaging with customers and industry partners at events like LOUPE, Appvion continues to reinforce its position as a leading provider of high-performance direct thermal and specialty coating solutions.

“LOUPE is one of my favorite opportunities each year to connect with customers, partners, and industry colleagues, exchange ideas, and explore the innovations shaping our industry’s future,” says Keen. “I hope you’ll join us for our Thermal School session on Wednesday morning before the start of the show, and I look forward to working together to advance direct thermal technology and move the industry forward.”