Solvent-based adhesives used to anchor laminates and protection films to printed signage, posters and displays are being phased out with the introduction of a new water-based adhesive from Seal named PrintShield Premium.
This environmentally-friendly initiative follows years of research at parent company Neschen AG’s Bückeburg, Germany laboratories.
Film laminates to protect outdoor signage need to withstand up to five years of weathering and sunlight. In the past, only solvent-based adhesives have been able to provide the strong adhesion and longevity needed. The downside has been the emission of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in 
both the manufacturing and working environments. Recent advances in water-based acrylic emulsions have enabled the creation of environmentally-low impact adhesives that are equal too, if not superior to, solvent alternatives.
Ironically, the new water-based adhesives offer improved water-resistance in the finished product and virtually eliminate the ‘silvering’ effect commonly experience when laminating UV cured prints with dark areas. Until now, water-based adhesive films have performed poorly when laminating UV cured inks, due to the coarse structure of the inks. According to Seal, this is now a thing of the past – the breakthrough has been achieved with PrintShield Premium. Compatibility with Aqueous, Eco-solvent and Latex printing is also assured.
Local distributor Starleaton Digital Solutions is excited about the potential: “This is the breakthrough in film laminating we have been waiting for,” says General Manager Ben Eaton. “Seal PrintShield Premium not only removes hazardous substances from the laminating process, but offers improved performance at no extra cost. We recently demonstrated this at PrintCom/Visual Impact Image Expo using the new water-based protection films on the all-new Seal 65EL laminator.
Available in gloss, satin and matt finishes, Seal PrintShield Premium will be available in all popular widths up to 2000mm.
Starleaton Digital Solutions
www.starleaton.com.au
