Answers provided by Joseph Funicelli, CEO and President, Unifoil Corporation, www.unifoil.com; 973-244-9900.
What materials does Unifoil offer for household goods labeling?
Unifoil Corporation (www.unifoil.com), a Fairfield, New Jersey-based global specialty converter of paper, board, synthetic paper, plastic, film, foil, and custom holographic and metallized substrates, offers converters and household goods manufacturers a variety of options for label applications. Converters and end users can choose among clear, metallized, holographic and special effect film laminates for pressure sensitive applications, the award-winning Unilustre® nonlaminated metallized and holographics for pressure sensitive paper labels, and the proprietary and patents-pending Ultralustre® nonlaminated metallized and holographics for in-mold label (IML) applications.
Unifoil label materials also offer tamper-evidence and anti-counterfeiting properties, such as High Refraction Image and Hidden Image, when security and authenticity are desired.
Why are those materials desirable/effective for that application?
Unifoil’s label materials drive product differentiation on the retail shelf by creating an extremely appealing aesthetic that attracts the consumer and enhances the perceived value of the product. Experience demonstrates that when end users want to launch a brand or refresh an older one, or emphasize a new ingredient in a product, for example, a metallized or holographic label, in particular, has proven to be an especially effective tool in catching the consumer’s eye and driving a new message.
As a converter, what challenges did Unifoil have to overcome to create those label materials?
At Unifoil we develop label materials that are designed to eliminate production challenges and enhance downstream functionality. For example, our Unilustre metallized paper and Ultralustre metallized in-mold label materials are nonlaminated, which means they will not delaminate during production and remain curl-free. They also offer environmental benefits that are desired by any manufacturer or consumer, interested in supporting sustainability. Unilustre and Ultralustre materials are recyclable and Ultralustre is also regrindable.
How does the end user benefit from the finished material?
At the end of the day, the converter gets a highly functional material and the end user and consumer get a superior package that offers environmental benefits. End users are also gaining unexpected value of choosing Ultralustre® for an IML application. Besides the production functionality, aesthetics, and environmental benefits, IML is extremely durable. If the consumer decides to reuse a container made with IML, the brand name displayed on it is going to be sharp and colorful for as long it sits on the consumer’s countertop or shelf.
Does Unifoil notice any trends in labels for household goods?
We definitely see a trend in private labeling. Manufacturers of store brands have proven that their product is as good as name brands and they are no longer willing to live with a package that makes them look like second best. They want to showcase the value of their product and make it as attractive to the consumer as the premium brand. To that end, we’re seeing a desire for dynamic materials, design consultation and production expertise that will help drive business.
