Bostik has launched Bostik Food Touch H18, a new series of hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives (HMPSAs) for applications such as direct food contact labels. Fruit and vegetable adhesives are classified as either direct or indirect food additives and must meet specific food-grade standards and requirements. 

The series is compliant with local standards for food safety, including GB9685-2016, the Standard for the Uses of Additives in Food Contact Materials and Articles in China. GB9685-2016 sets a positive list of additives that can be used to produce various food contact materials and articles as well as their use scope and restrictions. This ensures that the substances in direct contact with food do not harm human health nor affect the composition, structure, colour and flavour of food.

It offers a wide application temperature range and can be applied to many surface types, making it suitable for common face stock materials. The series also offers good resistance to fruit essence and has no residue when removed from the fruit or vegetable – a basic but key consumer requirement that needs to be met. 

It has well-balanced initial tack, peel and shear performance and performs well in low to semi-freeze temperature. Like all label adhesives, it possesses excellent die-cut, matrix stripping abilities and is formulated for minimal to no haloing and curling. 

Due to the tackiness of the adhesives, the labels do not fall off or curl up during long-distance transportation. Additionally, one of the key features of the new smart adhesive series is its excellent converting and die-cut performance using linerless labels, resulting in lighter labels that can be transported easily. 

Jina Wu, business director for Tape and Label, Asia Pacific, Bostik, said, “The launch of Food Touch H18 comes at a time where consumers are putting more value in the food they consume. This is why food labels are important, as they convey useful information to the consumers. As such, label manufacturers need to ensure that the labels they use do not fall off, have a well-balanced initial tack, peel and most importantly, are compliant with international standards for food safety. At Bostik, we strive to provide smart solutions to help our customers meet consumers’ needs. Through Food Touch H18, we will continue that momentum to maintain the high standards of their produce labels.”

In conjunction with iFresh Asia Fruit and Vegetable Industry Expo, Rock Wei, R&D director, Bostik APAC Industrial Adhesives, will be presenting on the following topic, ‘Bostik Adhesives Supporting you on Sustainable Packaging’.