Filmic substrates will continue to play a pivotal role in the label and packaging supply chain, from both an appearance and sustainability perspective. Leading suppliers have emphasized quality, aesthetics on the shelf, and sustainability and recyclability as core attributes of their newest products.

Filmic facestocks continue to see growth in new segments as the importance of material circularity continues to be highlighted, mainly due to their compatibility with rigid plastic packaging – especially when paired with an appropriate adhesive. Films can deliver a great appearance on the shelf while also boasting durability throughout a product’s lifetime.

For Avery Dennison, material circularity and reduction have been prioritized in its latest filmic facestocks. Avery Dennison has advance its offerings to continue to meet market demands.

“With our vertical integration in MDO films, we’ll continue to offer an innovative and sustainable portfolio of conformable solutions that are compatible with rigid plastic recycling streams and offer lower carbon footprints,” explains Keisha Ross, product manager, Films, Avery Dennison.

Films also provide a high degree of clarity, seen with the “no-label look,” as well as with highly opaque white films. They can also offer additional functionality. Films are conformable, enabling squeezable functionality and an enhanced appearance over the lifetime of the package.

Films became a hot commodity during the recent supply chain challenges, and converters and brands both saw the benefits these materials offer. Currently, the utilization of filmic materials continues to advance – and the technology improves by the day.

“Innovations in both manufacturing equipment and material science have enabled film technology to continue to advance toward more sustainable solutions,” notes Ross. “Films have continued to get thinner while maintaining key performance attributes. Typical filmic waste circularity is also advancing, as more recyclers are capable of handling both liner and matrix waste. AD Circular is our way to connect converters and end users with these capable recyclers nationwide.”

Avery Dennison has long been a proponent of sustainable material development. The substrate and adhesive specialist recognized a gap in terms of recycling stream compatibility for a white conformable film that can enable PET recycling. In response, Avery Dennison launched Global MDO NG technology, which is a film that performs well in semi-squeeze applications and can be successfully separated in the PET recycling stream.

Avery Dennison has launched multiple new products – with improved attributes – to meet demand for innovation in this arena. For example, AD CleanFlake Technology offers next-generation adhesive technology that enables recycling for rigid plastic packaging without compromising performance. 

“We have unveiled Global MDO Next Generation, which is a semi-squeezable portfolio known for enhanced print surface, better clarity, and PET recycling compatibility,” states Ross. “We also recently announced our metallized films with AD CleanFlake technology have been recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for HDPE and PET recycling. We are the first to be recognized for offering a portfolio of metallized label solutions capable of working with the recycling systems to enable rigid plastic recycling.”

Plus, Avery Dennison offers a Recycled Content Liner that contains 30% recycled post-consumer waste (PCW) from PET bottles. With many brands establishing lofty sustainability goals for the future – ranging from 2025 to 2050 – suppliers have been tasked with designing new materials that can help meet ambitious targets.

“Thinking about sustainability in the film market, there is a big push not only from manufacturers to meet their environmental goals and circular solutions, but end users are demanding more accountability as well,” says Ross. “Avery Dennison has taken a huge step in this area by offering AD CleanFlake Technology as the primary adhesive to be used in conjunction with rigid film products moving forward. AD CleanFlake technology advances the circular economy by enabling the recycling of rigid plastic packaging.

“Additionally, we are seeing more brands looking for recycled content materials,” adds Ross. “In addition to our rPET liner, we are looking at film facestocks with recycled content materials to help brands meet their goals.”