A new brand-enhancing pressure-sensitive lab- elling solution for meat and dairy packaging applications has been introduced by Avery Dennison at Interpack 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The patent-pending product, called Avery Dennison Shrink PS, is engineered to survive the vacuum-shrink process without wrinkling, providing both shelf appeal and production-related benefits.

Avery Dennison Shrink PS labels are applied to shrinkable bags off-line or in-line prior to filling and vacuum sealing. Compared with traditional shrink-bag labelling, the Shrink PS solution offers enhanced labelling flexibility and the opportunity to differentiate products at a later stage in the packaging process. As a result, food processors can reduce or eliminate multiple sets of preprinted shrink bags in inventory, cutting overall costs.

Potential applications include the labelling of processed meats, fresh red meats, poultry and cheese products.

'Avery Dennison Shrink PS is an exciting innovation that has both brand-enhancing and production-related benefits,' says Bassam Hallak, global segment director - food. 'This is an example of how Avery Dennison can help customers overcome difficult technical challenges and achieve packaging solutions with high visual impact.'

Avery Dennison Shrink PS labels exhibit superior aesthetic appeal due to their exceptional shrinking behavior. When submerged in hot water following vacuum sealing, the shrinkable bags and attached Shrink PS labels shrink. The labels conform with the bags and packaged product for a smooth finish without the wrinkling sometimes associated with labels applied by hand to the packaging after its been vacuum packed and shrunk.

The Shrink PS labels’ water-resistant construction and strong permanent adhesive ensure that the labels stay firmly attached. The labels can be affixed to the bags using automatic label applicators, reducing the need for manual labour.