Labelexpo Americas 2024: Materials

Brand owners are constantly innovating packaging formats not just to improve shelf appeal and consumer experience but also to enhance packaging circularity. These innovations are driven by increasing pressure from fast-approaching and evolving packaging regulations. 

Sustainability regulations are broadening to include recycling rates and the use of recycled content. Though the specifics vary by region, these regulations are no longer confined to select countries. 

Packaging material manufacturers are developing products to provide converters and brands with sustainable alternatives. Recyclable materials, removable components and recycled content were among the standout trends at this year’s Labelexpo Americas. Inks, coatings and adhesives with reduced reliance on natural resources and enabling the adoption of UV LED were also on display. In particular, RFID took center stage with an RFID experience center and an array of developments for RFID applications. 

Underlining overall trends that could be seen at the show, Randy Scott, vice president of sales for labels and specialty films at Cosmo Films, says: ‘When it comes to trends, we’re seeing a strong shift toward digital printing, with many presses now combining digital and traditional flexo. The two biggest trends we’re seeing are digital printing advancements and the growing emphasis on recyclability, which is what many customers are asking about.’ 

RECYCLABLE MATERIALS 

Plastic recycling is a global goal and essential to the circular economy. Labels are crucial for determining the recyclability of packaging. To enhance recyclability, manufacturers are creating label materials that can be easily separated during recycling, leading to higher quality recycled plastic yields. 

Innovia Films showcased Rayofloat shrink sleeve film for PET, HDPE and PP recycling, along with thinner Rayoface CPE and WPE label films with a reduced carbon footprint and Rayoface JBD, a semi-solid film offering improved yield and opacity over solid white films. 

Yupo introduced CleanSort, a next-generation in-mold label that fully detaches during recycling, allowing bottles to be recycled back to polymer form. It is compatible with HDPE, PP and PET resins. 

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