Labelexpo India 2022 - materials, adhesives and inks

Materials manufacturers at the show addressed some of the
critical concerns facing the Indian label industry

Materials manufacturers at the show addressed some of the
critical concerns facing the Indian label industry including brand protection, sustainability, recyclability and growing demand for high-quality label materials. Leading material manufacturers around the globe were showing their commitment to the Indian market by developing products specifically for the that market and setting up new plants.

Avery Dennison modeled its booth around four zones,
representing the company’s commitments to the region and overall global strategy. The innovation zone focused on security, shelf appeal and labeling for cryogenic and cold chain labels, targeted at the pharmaceutical market. A sustainability zone offered Avery Dennison’s CleanFlake wash-off adhesive, which the company announced has been extended across its core film portfolio.

Avery Dennison also promoted its ThinkThin portfolio, a range of thinner paper and film label materials. The manufacturer signaled confidence in the region with recent opening of a new plant in Greater Noida.

Hot melt adhesive manufacturer AICA ADTek promoted its
AICA Melt label adhesive brand formulated for tape and label applications with tailored peel strength, heat resistance and cold resistance. AICA Melt can be provided in block, pillow or drums.

Manufacturers of self-adhesive labelstock in roll and sheets
Dee Dee Label launched a range of new product including
clear-on-clear labels.

DNP launched its V-series of thermal transfer ink ribbons for
printing barcodes on a variety of labels and flexible packaging. This V-Series serves diverse applications such as food and beverage, electronics, pharmaceutical, healthcare and automotive.

Dow unveiled SL 184 SYL-OFF SL 184 high speed coating at its stand, along with SYL-OFF EM 7978 food grade release coating, SYL-OFF SL 351 hygiene release coating, DOWSIL 2014 adhesive solventless PSA, DOWSIL 7651 and 7652 adhesives for protective films and tapes.

Fujifilm offered a range of inks, but particularly highlighted its LED-UV inks formulated for indirect food packaging applications in compliance with Nestle and Swiss food safety ordinances.

‘In the Indian market, as the multinational FMCG brads move into the market, the trend is labels that have to be [food safety] compliant and with no traces of UV migration,’ says the company.

‘That will grow in the future as more and more companies move to India and they expect this.’

H.B. Fuller launched at the show a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive to address tape and label die-cutting challenges. The new Swiftmelt 1401-I performs on various types of label stocks and baggage tags while ensuring that bonds will not fail during production, transport, or storage, or in high temperatures.

Gulf Packaging Industries of Saudi Arabia promoted its BOPP films and launched films for IML (in-mold labels) at the show.

Holostik launched several new products. Nano Optical Image OVDs (optically variable devices) offer extremely high resolutions and can include nano text (up to 5 microns), nano images and microstructures. Also new is Optashield, based on custom holographic technology, which displays two different colors at different viewing angles.

It was wonderful to see Labelexpo India bouncing back after four years away. The show was buzzing with excitement and many deals were done – it was clear many converters were waiting for the show to make their new investment decisions

The company demonstrated the Half Scratch QR Code, which applies a half scratch layer over the QR code, preventing replication and tampering with the QR code. It can be embedded in both OVDs (holograms) and labels.

Kurz launched its Distorun cold foil transfer module in India
alongside an extraordinarily convincing 3D-effect metallic foil.

Distorun is a rail-mounted module which allows single foil images to be placed anywhere on a roll regardless of repeat length. The unit operates at 100 m/min.

Self-adhesive labelstock and silicone liner manufacturer MLJ Industries launched and showcased a host of release liners and labelstock materials.

The company promoted its full range of release liners including glassine, paper, CCK, SCK, recycled PE liner yellow and white, MG kraft and PE. Among labelstocks, MLJ shows semi-gloss, PP white, PP silver, PP clear, DT, silver MET paper and removable silver PP.

The manufacturer launched clear on clear, battery, tire, pharma, specialty labels for corrugated applications, wash off, PET clear, PET white label, PE clear, PE white and repositionable labels and PET liner.

Orianaa Decorpack showed its full range of shrink sleeve films, noting the growing use of PET against PVC. Recyclability of PET remains an issue in India compared to PVC, says the company. 

Polyart is one of a growing number of companies that has
invested in the Indian market recently with the opening of a
subsidiary in Mumbai. Polyart showcased HDPE in-mold labeling technology, allowing for easier plastic recycling along with the container. Also on the sustainability front, the company launched its rPolyart in India, after a successful European launch last year. The product is made
of 30 percent post-consumer recycled content. Polyart also
promoted Fiber Skin, a substitute for plastic that is weather- and water-resistant.

The UFlex Holography business exhibited its product portfolio including registered foil stamping, cold foil, hybrid security labels, holographic sterling lens effects and
3D optics labels.

Rakesh Paper Company presented a range of A-grade stocks of self-adhesive materials under the brand name Hippotac.

Stamping foil provider Shaharaji Associates showcased the ITW ShineMark range of cold foils under the name of its new firm Sharjun India. Sharjun India is an affiliation between Shaharaji Associates and Arjuna Global Impex.
Shree Lamipack demonstrated its range of security labels
incorporating hologram strips, scratch off and QR codes.

These labels can also be printed in up to 10 colors. The company introduced a range of paper and filmic labelstocks with a range of adhesives and slit to preferred width.

Shree Lamipack demonstrated its range of security labels
incorporating hologram strips, scratch off and QR codes. These labels can also be printed in up to 10 colors. The company introduced a range of paper and filmic labelstocks with a range of adhesives and slit to preferred width.

Akanksha Meena is the Global Brands Editor for Labels and Labelling

Akanksha Meena

  • Global Brands Editor

Andy Thomas

  • Strategic director

Chelsea McDougall

  • Group managing editor