PPG recently launched Teslin labelstock, a new portfolio of durable, printable and secure labels that are designed to help label-converting customers leverage the properties of the substrate. According to the company, Teslin is a highly printable synthetic paper that excels in applications that demand a tough, high-performance material. 

The new line of Teslin labelstock is available in master and slit-roll forms, and can be combined with high-quality adhesives and liner materials to ensure that critical printed data remains protected on labels.

Customers can request standard label grades or customized options tailored for Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and British Standard 5609 (BS5609) requirements, as well as label solutions for security, chemical, medical, food and beverage applications.

“In addition to moving downstream with the labelstock offering, in the past few years PPG has introduced grades of Teslin substrates to support customer needs for biodegradable, direct food contact, and security applications for program-specific, traceable materials,” explains Fabrizio Mandingorra, PPG business development manager, Teslin Substrate.

Mandingorra adds that Teslin substrates are extremely versatile, especially with growing technologies like digital printing. “It is broadly accepted that you can’t run just any synthetic paper or printable plastic through a digital press,” he says. “Most substrates have to be specially coated for ink to adhere. You also need to make sure you use a substrate that will accept the toner or ink and won’t melt, damaging your machine and possibly voiding the equipment warranty. The broad adoption of digital printing is forcing synthetic paper manufacturers to focus on digital optimization. An exception is Teslin substrate. It does well in this area because it is compatible with most digital print technologies and can be used across a broad array of applications when durability is needed. No top coat or over varnish are needed, making Teslin substrate easier to use than other synthetics and printable plastics.”

PPG has noticed an increased demand for durable, on-demand, digitally printed, color labels. Converters have more options than ever before, which helps optimize a product on the shelf.

“By leveraging the right printed label, companies can reduce packaging complexity and cost,” says Mandingorra. “Another area of growth is supply chain security in segments like high-end electronics, pharmaceutical and food safety applications where there is a need for durable, functional labels that help improve supply chain efficiency, and provide protection against counterfeiting and tampering.”

Teslin offers the functionality necessary to enhance security. The substrate can be embedded with program-specific security markers, thus giving manufacturers the flexibility to add an additional layer of security. This process makes it easier to verify the authenticity of products as they migrate through the supply chain and into the marketplace.

To deal with the complexities of synthetic papers and their adoption with burgeoning technologies, PPG provides customers with highly trained technical and customer service teams that are expert in helping customers select the paper or label stock that best fulfill their applications needs. “It all starts with a thorough understanding of the requirements for the application,” says Mandingorra. “Some important considerations include: What industry does it serve? How will it be used? What environment will it be exposed to? How long will it be used? What print method? Is any finishing needed?”