Sappi debuts Parade Label SG papers at Labelexpo Europe

The range of applications includes labels for food, non-food, beverages and health and beauty aids (HABA), as well as for logistics and variable information printing (VIP) due to its thermal transfer printability.

 

The Parade Label SG range is available in grammages of 77, 78 and 80gsm and features high stiffness and resilience to resist damage during the printing and die cutting process.

 

Michael Bethge, sales director Speciality Papers at Sappi Europe, says the label market continues to show continuous strong growth for the company in both self-adhesive and wet-glue label sectors, and in both wet-strength and non-wet-strength grades.

 

‘We have made it our goal to strengthen the label paper segment as a whole and to address gaps in our portfolio,’ says Bethge. ‘That’s why we launched two new label papers last year: a semi-gloss paper in the self-adhesive segment and a new glossy wet-glue label. Both launches were very successful and have far exceeded our expectations. Another launch is currently being planned. With our state-of-the-art mill in Gratkorn, Austria, we are ideally positioned to expand our label paper production and to deliver absolutely reliable service.’

 

Sustainability is a key focus for Sappi. ‘We are currently having in-depth discussions on this very topic,’ explains Bethge. ‘The trend towards more sustainability is becoming clear in all areas – and of course, this also involves label materials. We are hearing more and more often that brand manufacturers are looking to switch from plastic to paper, because with paper they are using a renewable raw material for their labels.

 

‘We are also seeing an increasing number of experts talking about the possible use of recycled fibers. As a virgin fiber manufacturer, we are watching this trend very closely. At present, virgin fiber papers still have decisive advantages over recycled material. These include better printing and finishing results, for example, and they are considerably more tear-resistant in use.’

 

FSC or PEFC certificates are available on request for the Parade Label SG series, as for all Sappi’s paper grades.

 

The company is also working hard to minimize C02 emissions. ‘This begins with the development of new products, through the optimization of production, all the way through to more efficient services.’

 

Sappi will be present at Labelexpo Europe 2022 for the first time and is using the show to launch its new label products and raise its profile with label converters and brand owners.

 

‘The label paper business has become a key area of activity for us, and one in which we intend to invest further,’ states Bethge. ‘We have already established a very good foundation for further growth. We have excellent know-how, the necessary production capacities, high-quality products and a global network to cover the entire label segment sustainably in the very near future.

 

‘In the case of self-adhesive labels, our customers benefit from the fact that they can also obtain the silicone base papers from us. Everything from a single source, so to speak, from an independent supplier.’