UPM launches glassine precoating in label production

As labelstock manufacturers and siliconizers face rising raw material and energy costs, optimizing total production economics has become more critical than ever. The cost of release liners is shaped not only by the substrate, but also by silicone chemistry, energy consumption, and production efficiency. UPM Forte technology has been created to help optimize across these dimensions.

Oscar Duarte, director, EMEIA and Americas Region, UPM Specialty Papers, said: 'In today's competitive market, our customers are looking for solutions that help them ensure competitiveness and grow faster than the market. It is our priority to help with that.

'We have seen rising energy costs and platinum prices in recent years. UPM Forte technology enables our customers to prioritize their specific production goals, whether that's choosing more cost-effective silicone formulations, improving energy efficiency, or increasing production speeds.'

UPM Forte provides a surface that enables faster silicone curing and stronger anchoring on release liners. The technology gives labelstock manufacturers and siliconizers the flexibility to choose silicone formulations based on their priorities.

Depending on their needs, labelstock manufacturers and siliconizers can opt for cost-effective, fast-curing formulations that use up to 50 percent less platinum or cure at temperatures up to 15 percent lower, which significantly reduces energy consumption. Lower curing temperatures also help retain paper strength and minimize moisture loss, enabling downgauging to thinner, lighter papers. Alternatively, faster curing can support higher coater speeds, boosting production throughput.

Mikko Rissanen, technology director, UPM Specialty Papers, said: 'Each benefit is achievable depending on the silicone formulations selected, without compromising the quality. Our UPM experts collaborate closely with customers to unlock the full benefits of glassines with UPM Forte technology.

'With deep expertise and strong connections across the label value chain, we support customers in reaching their specific performance and sustainability targets. UPM Forte has already been tested and co-developed with stakeholders in the value chain, including labelstock manufacturers and silicone suppliers.'

For label printers, UPM Forte glassines delivers consistent high-speed release performance for smooth application and trouble-free matrix stripping even at very high speeds. It also enables better print results, especially with sensitive pretreated filmic face materials, thanks to reduced silicone transfer.

UPM's enhanced three grades of the new technology span all established industrial shades and a range of basis weights from 45 g/m² to 78 g/m².