Adhesives for Metal Container Labeling
Adhesion for Canned Foods, Paint, Cosmetics, and More
Trends in Metal Container Labeling
Several forces are helping to drive innovation in the labeling market for metal containers, including sustainability, aesthetics, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements. Key examples include:
- Bio-based adhesives to support sustainability and a more circular economy
- Lightweighting through reduced adhesive usage, as well as by enabling thinner labels
- Pressure-sensitive labels made from recyclable materials like paper or film help to create a fully recyclable container
- Premium printing techniques including metalization, high-definition, and digital printing to create eye-catching graphics that stand out from the competition
- Sustainable substrates like paper and films with a more natural look
In-line labeling systems that streamline the labeling process, help reduce waste, and improve production speed
5 Label Adhesive Needs Specific to Metal Containers
1. Surface Preparation
Metals commonly have a thin surface layer of oil, dust, or other contaminants that can hinder adhesion. This makes preparing the container for adhesive application a vital consideration. (Contrast this with glass or plastic, where instead surface energy is a key factor in adhesion.)
2. Heat Resistance
Metal containers are a common choice for products subjected to heat processing, sterilization, or storage in hot environments. This requires the adhesive to endure wide temperature changes without melting, warping, or diminishing the label bond.
3. Chemical Resistance
In addition to being nonreactive with the metal itself, the adhesive should also demonstrate resistance to the container’s contents, which may be acidic, alkaline, or solvent-based.
4. Durability and Flexibility
While strong, metal containers can dent or bend under pressure. Your adhesive choice should be durable enough to withstand impacts and drops, and flexible enough to permit some movement without cracking or peeling the label.
5. Corrosion Resistance
For metal containers, maintaining a clean, untarnished appearance can be essential to consumer trust. Choose label adhesives that will not discolor and can resist corrosion over extended periods of time.
Other Application Considerations for Metal Containers
Ensuring Optimum Processability
To keep product labeling operations running smoothly, choose an adhesive that offers:
- Compatibility with a wide range of application equipment
- Precise application and clean cut-off (for reduced down-time)
- Low waste
- Compliance with local and regional regulations
- The right balance between pricing and quality for your product
Metal In-Line Labeling Solutions
Bostik has a complete line of hot-melt adhesive solutions that meet these needs for labeling metal containers. In the category of all-around peace of mind, for example, they offer:
- High adhesive performance
- Low odor for improved production and consumer satisfaction
- Enhanced supply security for supply confidence
- High safety standard certifications supporting the most demanding of regulations
These hot-melt adhesives also bring environmental advantages such as:
- Excellent processability and bond performance resulting in low waste
- Low application temperatures enabling energy reductions
- Renewable and compostable formulations to support you and your consumers’ sustainable ambitions
Lastly, our hot-melt adhesives bring you benefits for your production efficiency:
- Excellent compatibility with equipment and substrates for simple conversion
- Low adhesive consumption with proven high add-on savings
- Clean running resulting in few line stops and high productivity
Advantages of Choosing Bostik as Your Partner
Our mission is to deliver the most sustainable world class bonding solutions to Fast-Moving Consumer Goods companies. Our technology leadership and the development of renewable raw materials allows us to provide innovative low carbon footprint world-class bonding solutions while still complying with the most advanced safety standards.
Moreover, Bostik is here to support you through expertise and product support, webinars, blogs, and training wherever you need it across the globe. Bostik—and our adhesive solutions—are attached to your world.
