Herma expands range of green products

Self-adhesive material manufacturer Herma is expanding its portfolio with environmentally friendly products. The company has increased the use of recycled paper for both the liner and the label itself, while also developing a range of PEFC-certified papers. 

Last year, the company based near Stuttgart, Germany, started its collaboration with the Cycle4Green initiative, which recycles silicone-coated release liner. For the first time, Herma is now able to offer both the liner and the label itself entirely made of recovered paper. The label paper, designated Hermalaser Recycling (grade 167), offers high whiteness and purity without requiring the addition of optical brighteners or chlorine bleach. 

‘Thanks to special processing of the waste paper, Hermalaser Recycling is practically indistinguishable from wood-free label paper as regards whiteness and appearance,’ said Herma’s managing director, Dr Thomas Baumgärtner. ‘Its processability also compares favorably with that of conventional paper grades.’ 

The new paper is compatible with both laser and inkjet printers. It satisfies the requirements of several strict, acknowledged environmental standards, including Nordic Swan, Blauer Engel and the Recycled Mark of the British National Association of Paper Merchants (NAPM). An Océ test report has also been obtained. 

Made entirely from recycled fiber, the liner is a white, one-side coated kraft paper designated Herma KW (grade 540). It is typically used for computer labels printed by continuous and sheet-fed laser printers for applications requiring elevated stiffness. As part of the finished label, the liner offers good properties for all conventional flatbed and rotary die-cutting machines. 

Among the two new PEFC-certified grades, Hermacoat PEFC (grade 742), with its semi-gloss coated surface, is suitable for high-quality labels printed in color and is thermal transfer printable. Hermalaser opak PEFC (grade 727), is suited to high-opacity labeling applications. It delivers good printing performance not only with laser printers, but also with most inkjet systems. 

PEFC, the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes, warrants compliance with sustainable forestry, giving due consideration to ecological, economic and social aspects. 

Pictured: Herma’s managing director Dr Thomas Baumgärtner 

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