Five Reasons to Select Synthetic Paper for Labels over Standard Pulp

2. Tamper-Evident and Tamper-Resistant Security
Counterfeit products—that is, any goods or packaging that bear a trademark that is virtually the same as one registered to an authorized trademark owner—are one of the most significant global threats to brands and those who hold intellectual property rights to them. They also pose significant risks to public health and safety, the economy, and even national security. ¹

For some brand owners, one of the most important considerations for choosing synthetic label stock is the level of security performance it offers. Consider synthetic paper if you need to improve the security of a high value item that requires a visual deterrent against and/or evidence of alteration or theft. In addition to exceptional bond strength, many synthetic papers are tear-resistant, others offer void technology options. A synthetic paper like Teslin substrate can be embedded with program-specific security features that are great for track and trace applications. And many synthetics don’t require added printing, converting and cost to ensure tamper evidence.

3. Sterilization
Synthetic paper is also a good choice for Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment applications needing tamper-evident protection for prescription or over-the-counter labels. Blood bags and tubes or vials requiring tight mandrel performance are also excellent candidates for synthetic paper. Check with your substrate provider to ensure that their synthetic paper can also pass gamma, ethylene oxide (EtO) and beta ray sterilization, as well as steam sterilization at 125°F for 20 minutes and cryofreeze applications reaching -160°F.

4. Chemical Resistance
When selecting labels for chemical packaging and heavy-duty industrial applications, certain synthetic papers offer resistance to chemicals and solvents even at elevated temperatures. Synthetic paper is an excellent solution when you need to achieve GHS-compliance or simply to produce a durable label that stands up to harsh shipping and environmental conditions. A great synthetic paper option is Teslin substrate because it impedes static build-up (see our static test video comparing Teslin labels to vinyl) during digital printing to reduce clumping and stacking leading to increased productivity. Workplace safety is also enhanced as the material absorbs and dissipates static build-up in hazardous environments to reduce risks associated with electrical discharge and arc-flash related fires.  

5.  RFID and Other Functionality
As brand owners are adding special functionality and embedded electronics to their labels for capabilities like brand authentication, synthetic paper is becoming an ideal solution for RFID labels.  One reason is because a synthetic paper like PPG TESLIN substrate provides cushioning and dissipates static which protects passive and active RFID tags thus extending the life cycle and read range of RFID labels.

When selecting synthetic paper for your next “tough” application, ensure that it is compatible with a wide range of flexographic or offset print processes as well as digital print technologies including laser, thermal transfer and inkjet for on-demand and variable data printing.  Depending on the print technology you use, some synthetics require pretreatment coatings, special inks and drying equipment.
 
Do you have a durable label application that demands synthetic paper? If so, check out our Synthetic Paper Label Comparison Guide to see how Teslin substrate compares to other synthetic papers.

We offer both PPG Teslin label stock and face stock to meet your applications and process needs. To request a sample of Teslin label material, click here.

1 Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection Professor, School of Criminal Justice Michigan State University