How to Choose a Water-Based PSA Emulsion for Filmic Labels
Published by Focus Polymers Technical Team · March 15, 2026
Filmic label stock — polyester (PET), polypropylene (PP), PVC, and metalized films — presents a fundamentally different adhesion challenge compared to paper labels. The facestock is non-porous, which means the adhesive cannot mechanically key into the surface. Everything depends on the chemical compatibility between the PSA emulsion and the substrate, the coat weight, and the drying conditions on the coater.
Why Filmic Labels Need a Different PSA
Paper label stock absorbs moisture from the adhesive during coating, helping the PSA dry and anchor. Filmic facestocks do not absorb anything. The adhesive must form a continuous, transparent, tacky film through controlled drying alone. This means the PSA emulsion must have high solids content (typically 55–62%) to minimise drying time, excellent film clarity at 100 microns, strong initial tack on smooth plastic surfaces, and a broad service temperature range for chilled or curved containers. A PSA formulated for paper labels will often fail on films — wrong coat weight, wrong tack profile, and the dried film may be cloudy.
Key Parameters to Evaluate
Solids Content
For filmic applications, look for 58–62% solids. Higher solids means less water to evaporate, faster line speeds, and a more uniform adhesive layer. White Magic WB-3400 runs at 60 ± 2% solids — the sweet spot for most filmic coating lines.
Viscosity
For most filmic label setups, 15–30 poise (RVT spindle #4 at 20 rpm, 30°C) gives clean, streak-free coverage. Too low and you get uneven coat weight; too high and the adhesive will not level properly on the film.
Film Clarity
Non-negotiable for clear-on-clear label stock. Dry a 100-micron film on release liner, peel it off, and hold it to light. Any milkiness, micro-bubbles, or uneven texture means that grade is not suitable for transparent filmic applications.
Service Temperature Range
For cold-chain logistics, frozen food, or beverage applications, you need peel adhesion well below 0°C. A range of –10°C to +105°C covers most commercial scenarios — this is the range White Magic WB-3400 is rated for.
Non-Migration: Why It Matters for Export Labels
For label stock destined for food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic packaging, the adhesive must not migrate through the facestock. Non-migratory PSA emulsions use crosslinked acrylic polymers that remain dimensionally stable after drying. If your customers export to Europe or the Middle East, this is a baseline requirement — not an optional upgrade.
How to Test Before Committing
Request a 5 kg sample — enough for a production trial, not just lab drawdowns. Run it on your actual coater at normal line speed. Apply to the substrates your customers use. Test peel adhesion at 24 hours and 72 hours, loop tack on stainless steel, shear resistance at 40°C, and visual clarity on transparent film.
Focus Polymers manufactures White Magic WB-3400 — a pure acrylic PSA emulsion for filmic labels. 60% solids, –10°C to +105°C, non-migratory. ISO 9001:2015 certified, 1,200+ MT/month capacity.
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