Nobelus launches sustainable thermal laminate

As part of a long-term commitment to sustainability, Nobelus invested heavily in researching options to bring a sustainably sourced laminate to market. ‘This is our initial foray into bio-based thermal films and our goal was to think broadly in regard to development – looking not just at raw materials but also to the production process,’ stated Tom Snooks, product manager for Nobelus. ‘We wanted a zero-waste manufacturing model. Each production run of EcoElement CLS is comprised of highly refined wood pulp along with 20-25 percent reground material and we yield less than a 5 percent loss in the adhesive coating process.’

Manufactured from PEFC-certified wood pulp from sustainably managed forests, EcoElement CLS Laminate is plastic-free and offers print service providers and packaging manufacturers an eco-friendlier substrate than standard laminates which are largely derived from petrochemicals. Under appropriate conditions, the base film is biodegradable and holds an OK Home Compostable certification from TUV Austria. The cellulose-based film with ethylene-vinyl acetate, in certain applications, is re-pulpable and thus suitable for the recycle stream.

The thin, 1.4 mil laminate is available in both matte and gloss finishes. The film is offset, UV and screen printable and supports post-laminate embellishments. Snooks added, ‘EcoElement CLS is an excellent option for folding carton and flexible packaging providers who want to offer their customers a sustainably-sourced laminate option.’