Labels

Kraton® polymers offer attractive solutions for hot-melt pressure sensitive label applications.

• High diblock Kraton D SIS polymers can be formulated into adhesives with excellent tack and adhesion on a wide range of substrates and good convertibility rates.
• In certain applications, the softness and the convertibility of the adhesive need to be further improved by the addition of high diblock SBS. In this case, a high diblock SBS like Kraton® D1118X is a good alternative to SB polymers with improved ease of handling.
• The radiation curable Kraton D-KX222 polymer is particularly suited for high temperature application.
• Finally, Kraton G polymers are intended for use where clarity and UV resistance are essential. The adhesives based on Kraton G combine hot-melt processability, excellent adhesion on polyolefins and an outstanding stability. A new family of saturated Kraton G polymers with improved softness is particularly well designed for pressure sensitive applications.

Features and Benefits

Kraton polymers can be formulated with resins, plasticizers and stabilizers to give adhesive compounds covering a broad range of performance properties. The following are the main benefits of Kraton polymers for labels:

• Hot-melt compounding and coating
• Wide range of pressure sensitive performance, ranging from removable to permanent
• Good adhesion on high (glass, steel) and low energy surfaces (PP & PE)
• Low temperature adhesion
• Water resistance
• Very good die-cutting performance
• High transparency
• Excellent stability (Kraton G polymers)
• Temperature resistance (when cured)

End-use Products

General purpose labels: Kraton polymers are used in a variety of pressure sensitive labels because of their formulation flexibility, their excellent adhesive properties on a wide range of substrates and their hot-melt processability.

Low temperature labels: the combination of Kraton D SIS and SBS gives adhesives with low glass transition temperature. Labels can be dispensed in chilled or deep-freeze environments.

Filmic labels: Kraton polymers can be used in clear films. Soft Kraton G polymers offer UV and thermal stability, combined with very good adhesion performance, also at relatively high temperature.

High temperature resistance labels (VIP): some laser printers require the label to withstand relatively high temperature. The adhesive should not flow during the printing process. Radiation cured formulations exhibit good cohesion up to 150°C.