Avery Dennison targets Europe with Aqua Stick labels
The new Aqua Stick labels are made using a glue which absorbs surface moisture, with a variety of facestock options.
The Aqua Stick range was launched in America at LabelExpo last year, following trials of the system at two Canadian wineries and three wineries in California.
Europe roll out
It is now being rolled out to Europe, with special focus on the wine producing countries such as France, Italy and Spain, the Eastern European countries for spirits and the UK bottling industry, Fabien Bourgies, Avery Dennison global wine and spirits segment director told FoodProductionDaily.com.
Moisture exposure can cause problems with standard self-adhesive labels slipping or falling off altogether, during production or later on when the bottle is refrigerated or placed in an ice-bucket to serve, he explained.
Sparkling wines and champagnes are typically bottled at between 1 and 4 degrees, which means that they are cooler than their surroundings and develop surface condensation.
Bourgies said Aqua Stick reduced the number of bottles which had to be scrapped in during the production process and also speeded up production.
The Z3338 adhesive used allows in-line processing at up to 600 bottles per minute, with consistent label positioning.
Bourgies said: “This new portfolio was developed in close collaboration with wine and sparkling wine brand owners, and takes careful account of real-world conditions faced by adhesives and facestocks. The Aqua Stick technology generates substantial productivity gains, like high speed labelling and less misplaced labels during dispensing.”
Product target
The label was targeted at any type of winery, not just premium wine producers. Costs of the new label system were “comparable to other special wine label constructions”, he said.
No change to existing self-adhesive dispensing lines would be required in order to use this new adhesive platform.
Three facestocks are currently available for Europe in the new Aqua Stick range: Fasson 60# Uncoated Litho WS, MaxFlex Bright Silver and Sparkling Asti.
Pre-launch trials identified a standard set of needs for labels in the wine and spirits industry, including, processing at up to 600 bottles per minute and an ability to withstand variable temperature and humid environments, according to the company.
