Labelexpo Europe 2025: Ahlstrom presents fiber-based label materials

Ahlstrom will showcase its expanded range of fiber-based specialty materials for pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) labels at Labelexpo Europe 2025, in Barcelona, Spain, September 16–19.

The range includes supercalendered kraft (SCK) release papers that maintain Ahlstrom’s proprietary Acti-V technology — a silicone coating and curing process. According to the company, the release papers help lower environmental impact and improve circularity.

Marco Troglia, vice president for Release Liners at Ahlstrom, says: “Identifying better material solutions is our ongoing commitment. Ahlstrom’s recent innovations in release and label papers have raised the standards of performance, process efficiency, and environmental impact.”

“Building on that, our teams in Europe, the US, and Brazil continue collaborating with customers and suppliers, striving to make the pressure-sensitive industry more sustainable and resilient.” 

Acti-V RF cellulose-based liners, available in yellow and white, are said to support circularity by using 15% post-consumer recycled (PCR) fibers.

The Acti-V RF Natural liners blend 50% unbleached fibers and 15% PCR fibers and do not contain dyes. Ahlstrom highlights that the composition gives the liners and PSA laminate a natural look. 

Portfolio expansion

Ahlstrom recently acquired the Stevens Point facility in Wisconsin, US. The expansion has helped further Ahlstrom’s manufacturing platform and added complementary product capabilities. 

The adhesive company’s new PSA portfolio includes UniTherm label papers for barcode transfer printing and OptiPrime semi-gloss papers for prime label UV inkjet printing. 

Ahlstrom also supports a broad offering of high-performance Glassine, SCK, and clay-coated kraft liners for specialty tape, industrial, fiber-composites, graphics, food, and medical applications.

Last year, Ahlstrom released MasterTape Cristal, a paper-based transparent tape that is recyclable and compostable.