Herma launches PP flex label films for sustainable packaging applications

Herma has unveiled new PP flex label films that deliver properties typically associated with standard PE films, while using considerably less material. The products will be presented for the first time at Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona.

The Herma PP flex white (grade 840) and Herma PP flex clear (grade 847) feature a thickness of just 45 micrometers, approximately 40 percent less than standard PE films. Despite their reduced thickness, both films maintain comparable rigidity and dispensability to standard PE films without compromising processing speeds, production efficiency or printability.

Thanks to their special, easily wettable outer layer without a top coat, both PP films can be flexo-printed as effectively as conventional corona-pretreated PE films or classic PP films with a top coat after corona pretreatment. The films have been specifically developed for applications where significantly thicker white or transparent PE films are typically used.

The two new films expand the existing Herma Thin Range, which includes various self-adhesive materials that save resources through significantly reduced weight. The PP flex films can produce attractive white or transparent glossy labels ideal for use on polyolefin plastic surfaces for recycling purposes.

The films are suitable for labeling cosmetics, household products, cleaning products, beverages and food. The high transparency of the clear PP flex film offers advantages over transparent PE films, providing visibly transparent labels.

The Cyclos-HTP Institute certified both Herma PP flex films in combination with adhesive 72HPW for easy separation from HDPE and PET-based packaging during the recycling process. This certification makes the films suitable for wash-off applications involving rigid HDPE packaging, even in cold washes, or PET bottles.

Herma now has five different self-adhesive materials certified for HDPE packaging, representing a significant advancement given the previous scarcity of viable options for this recycling challenge.