Natureworks PLA to compete in the no-look label market

Packagers seeking an eye-catching, “no-label” look for their food and beverage brands have a new option with clear labels made from corn-based NatureWorks PLA, which are now available from several major processors.
“Like traditional plastic label stock, NatureWorks PLA film delivers great looks and performance in a variety of applications, including cut-and-stack, shrink sleeve and pressure sensitive labels,” said Brian Grasbrenner business development manager for PLA films, North America, for Cargill Dow. “However, NatureWorks PLA offers some unique attributes that can help upgrade the look of the product, as well as the point-of-sale advantage of being derived from a natural source.”
Glasbrenner says the inherent film properties of NatureWorks PLA, such as clarity, gloss and printability, can help package designers create labels with outstanding shelf presence. Testing of cut-and-stack labels shows the material's high water transmission rate (WVTR) helps standard cold glues dry quickly and thoroughly – usually in less than 12 hours. In a 96-hour ice chest test, NatureWorks PLA showed good adhesion, with labels staying affixed and maintaining their clear appearance.
For shrink sleeve labels, NatureWorks PLA film offers good shrink properties and toughness. Cargill Dow claims that a lower temperature shrink initiation means shrink performance is more predictable and fast label application is possible. It also means food products are exposed to less heat during packaging, which can be an important advantage for temperature-sensitive foods like dairy products.
The company says that processing trials prove that NatureWorks PLA successfully runs on a broad range of conventional labeling equipment with good throughput and line speed. The film is compatible with a wide variety of adhesives, including water-based, solvent-based and UV-cured adhesives.
In addition to the performance benefits of NatureWorks PLA, the material's sustainable source creates an opportunity to use packaging as a value-added feature of the product brand.
“The performance and visual appeal of NatureWorks PLA are first in importance – but the film's environmental benefits and unique brand story are something many end users are looking to capitalize on,” Glasbrenner said.
One of companies offering NatureWorks PLA labels is Green Bay Packaging (Green Bay, Wis.). Green Bay debuted the first pressure sensitive labels made from NatureWorks PLA during Label Expo Americas 2004. The NatureWorks PLA label was adhered to a water bottle that was handed out to show attendees to promote the new application. Green Bay teamed up with film producer BI-AX International on the project.
“Based on the interest Green Bay Packaging has received, we see a bright future for labels made from NatureWorks PLA,” said Chris Tanley, product development director, Green Bay Packaging. “The performance and appearance of the label are both very impressive, and I'm confident the labels will continue to attract attention as they come to fruition in the commercial marketplace.”