ASLAN, the German specialist for self-adhesive films, is expanding its range of environmentally-friendly and PVC free products for the sign making and digitally printing industry with two real highlights:

Digital printing film and protective laminate made from recycled polyester LoopPET ASLAN DRL 19 is a white film for large format digital printing. It is made using 30% recycled polyester and heralds a series of products that are more than just PVC free, leaving a smaller carbon footprint. ASLAN's renowned Dryapply adhesive technology makes it easy to apply the film without bubbles and has excellent removability. The material can be printed using latex and UV curable inks.

The LoopLam ASLAN SRL 19 laminate is the perfect match to protect the print. The content of recycled polyester of this highly clear film is 70%. Even though the product is designed as a protective laminate (liner/adhesive), it is possible to print it with UV curable and latex inks. Both self-adhesive films are equipped with ASLAN's special and reliable water-based adhesives – thus the films contain not only recycled raw material, but are also free of solvents, PVC and VOCs.

Worldwide the sign making and large format market is undergoing a strong rethinking process towards more environmentally friendly products. While a complete recycling is currently not an option, ASLAN has approached the matter differently. "We used raw materials which contain recycled components as a base for the new films." explains Dr. Petra Tschöpe, R&D manager of the manufacturer of high-quality self-adhesive speciality products.

The recycled polyester used is post-consumer recycled (PCR), for example old PET bottles which are sorted by colour and then shredded into small flakes according to material. These flakes are then mixed with new PET granules in varying proportions (70% for transparent, 30% for white) and then extruded to form new films. This creates an environmentally-friendly, forward-thinking composite of recycled raw materials for digital printing. White products are limited in the proportion of recycled contents in order to maintain the desired degree of whiteness.

The 50 μm (1.9 mil) thick ASLAN films can be applied to smooth, flat surfaces. The self-adhesive films are ideal for use in shop fitting, trade show booths, visual merchandising and wherever value is placed on products that are a real greener alternative. Both products can be used indoors and outdoors andVare available in the dimensions 1.37 x 50 m (53” x 50 yds).