Eastman announces developmental Embrace® High Yield resin

Eastman Chemical Company announced a developmental copolyester for shrink labels for consumer packaged goods, Embrace® High Yield copolyester.

The developmental resin is a complement to the current product for shrink labels, Embrace High Shrink copolyester, launched in 1999.

John Ouwerkerk, global market development manager, shrink resins, said, “The developmental Embrace High Yield copolyester complements our existing Embrace High Shrink copolyester, which has been eagerly adopted in the marketplace and which we certainly will continue to support. The addition of ‘microvoids’—tiny air pockets produced in the manufacture of shrink labels—changes the density and other properties of the resulting shrink films and labels in dramatic fashion.”

Ouwerkerk highlighted some of the similarities and differences between Eastman’s Embrace High Yield and Embrace High Shrink copolyesters for shrink labels.

Increased Label Yield per Pound. Films made from Embrace High Yield yield up to 40 percent more labels per pound compared to films made of Embrace High Shrink resin.

Maximum Shrinkage and Onset Temperature. Films produced from both Embrace High Shrink and Embrace High Yield exhibit maximum shrinkage values approaching 80% at 95°C with an onset shrinkage temperature of 65°C.

Specific Gravity and Recycling. Shrink labels made from Embrace High Yield can be produced to have a specific gravity below 1.0, meaning that such labels can be separated from more-dense materials such as PET containers in conventional recycling streams. “The marketplace has been asking for a shrink label that is more recycle-friendly than materials currently available. Embrace High Yield copolyester helps to address that need,” said Ouwerkerk.

Color, Graphics and Design Flexibility. Labels made from Embrace High Yield offer excellent opacity compared with other shrink-label materials and are brilliant white, reducing reliance on ink coverage or UV inhibitors to protect container contents from damaging ultraviolet (UV) light. Labels made from Embrace High Shrink are clear, and even after printing, brand owners can allow the consumer to view container contents at the point of purchase through unprinted areas. Because films made of Embrace High Yield are opaque, they must be surface-printed rather than reverse-printed.

Soft to the Touch. Embrace High Yield produces films and labels with a soft, cool touch (or hand) and that, when applied to containers, produce a bottle that is quieter when squeezed, for applications such as condiments and ketchups. “Soft touch is an appealing, winning proposition both for food and beverage brand owners and for consumers who demand that the products they buy feel good as well as look good,” said Ouwerkerk.

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