EXXONMOBIL’S TWO NEW VERSATILE LABEL-LYTE OPP FILM GRADES TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

ExxonMobil Chemical's recently introduced two new Label-Lyte oriented polypropylene (OPP) film grades for pressure sensitive label applications that are designed to comply with EU directives limiting the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) during manufacture, were on display at Labelexpo Americas and Pack Expo, at McCormick Place, Chicago.

Both new grades - the Label-Lyte 50LL539 OPP and Label-Lyte 60LH538 OPP films - are two-side coated, multi-layer, biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) label facestock designed for pressure sensitive applications requiring durability and aesthetic appeal. Label-Lyte 50LL539 is clear, while Label-Lyte 60LH538 is a white, cavitated film.

"As well as re-engineering the platform of these new Label-Lyte grades, we have taken the opportunity to enhance their performance for printers and roll stock laminators," said Grant Doescher, global marketing manager, ExxonMobil Chemical.

These new films are designed for low static in unwinding operations to help roll stock laminators and labels printers achieve high productivity, low scrap and reduced machine adjustments. As a result, customers experience fewer run interruptions and reduced intervention. Customers also can benefit from shorter start-up runs, products with enhanced shelf appeal, and time and cost savings. This is due to the ink receptivity, high-quality design capability, and ink and printing technique flexibility that both grades allow.

The coated print surface of both grades enhances ink adhesion and press performance, while offering printability with water-based and solvent-based flexo and gravure ink systems. In addition, performance with UV-flexo and UV-letterpress, UV-flatbed and rotary screen ink systems is excellent. The print surface also is compatible with hot and cold foil stamping systems. The coated adhesive-receiving surface provides pressure sensitive adhesion to water-based, solvent-based, hot melts and UV-curable hot melt systems.

The clarity of the Label-Lyte 50LL539 film makes it suitable for demanding clear-on-clear applications such as beverages and health and beauty care product packaging. This film type can be used in the US market in contact with most food for applications like labeling of fruit and vegetables. Available globally, from capacity in both North America and Europe, these films allow customers to benefit from greater security of supply, consistent product quality and easier product qualification processes.

The opacity of the Label-Lyte 60LH538 film makes it suitable for back side printing applications. The white cavitated structure delivers enhanced shelf appeal and brand visibility, while line efficiencies are possible due to longer production run opportunities.

"We are very excited about these new grades. Evaluations have been very successful in a broad range of commercial applications by several co-suppliers and customers," Doescher said.