New semi-gloss face stock combines surface and fibre-level grease resistance to help protect labels against oil and grease penetration, while meeting PPWR requirements.
Sappi Europe has launched Parade Face Edge, a one-side coated semi-gloss paper for self-adhesive labels used on products that can come into contact with oils and grease.
The new 80 g/m² face stock combines a grease-resistant fibre base with advanced coating technology. This construction provides resistance to grease on the surface of the label and helps prevent oil from penetrating through its cut edge.
Parade Face Edge has been developed to support customers' needs while offering a product that does not contain intentionally added PFAS, halogen-based polymers or wax.
It gives converters and brand owners a paper-based option for grease-sensitive applications without compromising printing, converting and dispensing performance or label appearance.
Protection where conventional surface barriers can be vulnerable
Oil and grease do not always reach a label through contact with its printed surface. On products such as olive oil, cooking oil, sauces or lubricants, liquid can run down the container and reach the exposed edge of the label.
A conventional surface barrier can be bypassed when it enters through this cut edge. The oil can then spread through the paper structure, causing visible staining and affecting the readability and appearance of the label.
Parade Face Edge addresses this challenge by incorporating grease resistance into the fibre structure of the paper itself. The integrated barrier works together with the coated surface to provide protection against both surface exposure and edge penetration.
“Oil can reach a label in more than one way. It can penetrate the surface, but also seep in through the cut edge and spread through the paper,” says Jan Hasselblatt, Head of Sales Self-Adhesive Labels, Sappi Europe. “Parade Face Edge addresses both routes by building grease resistance into the paper structure and combining it with the surface quality converters know from the Parade Face range. It gives converters and brand owners a practical way to move away from intentionally added PFAS while keeping labels clean, readable and attractive throughout use.”
Developed for food, beauty and industrial applications
Parade Face Edge is suitable for self-adhesive labels used across a broad range of oil- and grease-sensitive markets.
Food applications include olive oil and other edible oils, sauces, dressings, condiments, dairy products and delicatessen products. Beauty and personal care applications include hair oils, body oils, creams, lotions and other oil-containing products. Industrial applications include lubricants, technical oils and maintenance products.
The paper is suitable for direct food contact. It can be used for labels on returnable and non-returnable bottles and other containers where grease resistance and a consistently clean presentation are required.
For brand owners, the improved resistance to oil penetration helps preserve label appearance, legibility and brand impact during storage, transport and use. For converters, the product offers this additional functionality while retaining the established printing and processing characteristics of the Parade Face portfolio.
Parade Face Edge comes as the first phase of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) takes effect, giving converters and brand owners a paper-based solution for grease-sensitive application that meet the requirements set in Article 5.5 of PPWR, without compromising on quality or recyclability requirements.
Reliable printing and converting performance
Parade Face Edge has a smooth, calendered semi-gloss surface designed to deliver high-quality printing results. It is suitable for flexographic, gravure and offset printing.
The reverse side is treated for further processing, and the paper is designed for lamination in self-adhesive label constructions. Its consistent quality supports efficient converting at high operating speeds.
The grade is supplied in reels. FSC Mix Credit and 100% PEFC-certified versions are available on request and subject to availability.
Parade Face Edge builds on Sappi’s experience in functional barrier papers, where barriers against grease, oil, moisture and oxygen have been developed for demanding packaging applications. It is the first product in the Parade Face portfolio to combine coated surface protection with grease resistance integrated into the fibre base.
Converters and brand owners looking to explore Parade Face Edge for a specific label application can contact Sappi’s Packaging and Speciality Papers team for product information, technical guidance and support with their requirements.
To learn more or to speak to a Sappi specialist, visit the Parade Face Edge landing page and watch the animation.