Corn Fed Labels Have Arrived

Lenexa, KS (PRWEB) May 19, 2005

Spectragraphics Label Systems is one of the first label manufacturers in the United States to offer labels made from corn. The labels, made from NatureWorks™ PLA, allow abundant, annually renewable resources like ordinary field corn to replace finite ones (petroleum) in food packaging, labeling, and consumer goods packaging applications. The labels and packaging made from this film disintegrate in about sixty days when disposed of in a composting facility.

Spetragraphics has been working with customers primarily in the food and beverage industries to rebrand entire product lines using this new film technology. The PLA material is offered as an ultra clear sheet, producing the “no label” look on many substrates. The same technology is increasingly being utilized for other packaging needs like bottles and molded products. Organic, all natural and other whole foods processors are anxious to grow market share by incorporating these “earth friendly” materials.

The PLA label film is currently offered only with a clear PET liner, requiring similar labeling equipment used for other clear/clear labels. Through advanced engineering and testing, Spectragraphics has developed printing processes to meet some of the older labeling equipment requirements such as liner eyespots. The label film also has a limited print life requiring tight coordination with suppliers. Combinations of ultra violet and water-based inks are used to achieve high quality printing and opacity, while maintaining competitive label costing.

While organic food processors are a natural fit for labels and packaging made from NatureWorksTM PLA, SpectraGraphics is gearing up to make corn fed labels available to what they see as an ever increasing audience of “earth conscious” pressure sensitive packaging companies.

SpectraGraphics has been designing, engineering, and printing labels specifically for every imaginable use on plastic and plastic containers for over 25 years. Find out more at http://www.spectragraphics.com or at the Label Guru Blog - http://labelguru.typepad.com

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