The choice of elastomers based on styrene block copolymer (SBC) technology for tapes and labels has traditionally been split between solvent and hot-melt systems. The overall footprint requirements for hot melts make them a preferred choice for new operations having on average one-quarter the line length of a solvent-based system.1 There is also no requirement for drying ovens such as those found in water-based pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes or solvent-based systems, meaning that the number of operators is reduced and run speeds can be increased.
With stringent requirements on reclaiming solvents such as toluene, methyl ethyl ketone and acetone during the drying process, these tapes and labels also have greater ancillary costs than hot melts. The application thickness can be closely controlled and does not change from time of application, as the material is considered to be 100% solids at room temperature. This is in contrast to solvent- and water-based systems, where a similar level of control during the coating process can be employed, but subsequent evaporative loss can be estimated at anywhere from 30-60% of the initial coating weight.1