The new Aqua Stick portfolio launched by Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials is said to solve problems traditionally associated with applying labels to condensation-coated bottles.
According to the California-based company, Aqua Stick will eliminate the “time-consuming and costly practices” previously required to prevent condensation during labelling of wine and sparkling wine bottles when they are cooler than their surroundings.
“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,” says Fabien Bourgies, Avery Dennison global wine and spirits segment director.
“With Aqua Stick, we are seeing scrap reductions and faster changeovers, with unique improvements to operational performance for these types of applications.”
Materials in the Aqua Stick portfolio use Avery Dennison’s Z3338 emulsion adhesive, which, engineered for variable temperature and humid environments, actively absorbs any surface moisture present, removing the need to bring bottles up to room temperature.
The adhesive allows in-line processing at up to 600 bottles/min, with consistent label positioning.
“Even the exit of the labelling tunnel, where further condensation often appears, poses no problem,” the company says.
Three premium facestocks are currently available for Europe in the new Aqua Stick range: Fasson 60# Uncoated Litho WS, MaxFlex Bright Silver and Sparkling Asti.
