By Melissa Donovan
Our November issue includes a feature article on PVC-free window films, examining the continued demand for such products. As print service providers search for ways to stand out from the competition, while offering high-end product to their customers, PVC-free film is one option. It communicates a great message of being in-tune with sustainability and protecting the environment.
For window graphics in particular, PVC-free films are not only “greener,” they offer other benefits as well.
“PVC-free window medias are becoming increasingly popular. From a durability perspective, PVC-free products are far superior to the economical window products in quality and durability. For most small signage/graphics, professional installation is usually not required due to the ease of applying. Larger building wraps, vehicle windows, or store fronts still require professional installation, but due to the additional rigidity and no stretching, installation time is likely to be significantly reduced,” explains Brian Ebenger, VP of business development, XCEL.
Showcase of Product
Here we’ve included a roundup on available PVC-free window media products, which are either polyester (PET) or polypropylene (PP).
ASLAN Selbstklebefolien GmbH’s LoopPET range consists of four standout products. LoopPET Clear ASLAN DRP 18 is a PVC-free clear print film printable with UV-curable, latex, and screenprinting inks containing 70 percent post-consumer recycled PET. LoopPET ASLAN DRL 19 is a PVC-free print film film printable with UV-curable, latex, and screenprinting inks with ASLAN Dryapply technology, containing 30 percent post-consumer recycled PET. LoopPET Metal ASLAN CRA 31 is a PVC-free, print-and-cut film printable with UV-curable, latex, and screenprinting inks, double-sided metalized gold and silver, containing 70 percent post-consumer recycled PET. LoopLAM ASLAN SRL 19 is a PVC-free laminate containing 70 percent post-consumer recycled PET.
Continental Grafix USA, Inc. offers both perforated and non-perforated PVC-free media specifically for window graphic applications. panoRama Green is an exterior-mount PET perforated film offering up to a five year durability while panoRama Film8020 is a PET non-adhesive perforated film for interior-mount applications. iTac Clear, an optically clear PET window film, which can be installed using an either wet or dry application method, as well as iTac Green, a white PP window film. Both are backed with low-tack, high-strength adhesive for easy install/removal without residue.
Drytac offers three products part of its portfolio as PVC-free. ViziPrint Deco + is an optically clear gloss PET film with a permanent acrylic adhesive. The high-quality permanent adhesive adheres to most substrates, including glass surfaces and is designed for long-term placement. ViziPrint Impress Clear is a clear PET film, PVC-free, 100 percent recyclable, and resistant to both wear and tear and water. ViziPrint Impress White is a 4.6-mil white PET film that is PVC-free, 100 percent recyclable, and resistant to both wear and tear and water.
FLEXcon’s WINDOWdeco 6545 is designed for exterior- or interior-mount window applications. The PET provides a greater level of clarity, yielding sharp crystal clear window graphics. WINDOWdeco 6270 White and 6272 Clear is phthalate-free and produced with less solvent as compared to solvent adhesive systems; in addition it complies with CONEG and CPSIA. FLEXmark 6180 PP with ink receptive primer offers excellent block out characteristics.
PVC-free window materials from General Formulations include 234 GraphiTex, SP3-NTC-ARLT Synthetic Paper with low-tack removable adhesive, a range of mounting films for rigid substrates like GF 116 or 118 permanent/removable films, or even Cut & Craft metallized polyester films for cut graphics and embellishments.
Lintec has a range of PVC-free media in its lineup. These include all optically clear films that are scratch-resistant printable, print treated, permanent, removable, UV blocking or non-UV, blocking, with varying face and release liner thicknesses for better print processing.
Mactac Crystal Cling SS299 is a 4-mil gloss clear removable PET film that offers excellent clarity and print compatibility with UV and latex inkjet printers and is intended for short- to medium-term advertising on glass surfaces such as windows, displays, and signboards. Mactac Print Friendly Opaque SS129 is designed for medium-term advertising on glass surfaces such as windows, displays, and signboards, this 2.3-mil gloss white permanent blockout PP film can be printed with UV inkjet printers. Mactac White Magic Cling SS99 and Clear Magic Cling SS29 is available in gloss white (SS99) or gloss clear (SS29), this 2-mil soft, flexible PP removable film is designed to cling to any smooth glass surface, including windows, office doors, display cases, or beverage coolers. It also works well on other smooth, glossy plastic and shiny metal surfaces.
Nekoosa Promise is a portfolio of sustainable print media, featuring new and existing PVC-free alternatives for promotional signage, graphic displays, and more. This portfolio is comprised of PET and PP for applications including waterproof paper, point of purchase (POP) displays, banner stands and general signage, window graphics, cut films, mounting films, wall graphics, overlaminates, and glass finishes. PVC-free window films specifically are Sign-Ad, ClingZ, Ztac, and Barrier Film.
XCEL offers the following PVC-free products—2-mil X-Glass Ultra-Clear Polyester, 3-mil X-Glass Clear Polypropylene, and 3-mil X-Glass White Polypropylene. In addition to window graphics, these products can also be used for other applications like grocery fridge/freezer signage, POP displays, oil change decals, protective films, and promotional labels/decals.
Clear Ahead
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to PVC-free media. We look forward to continuing coverage on this segment of the market.
Nov2023, Digital Output
